Somerset Knights QuestIndependent (self-guided) walking holiday, staying in one place

Somerset Knights QuestLand of myths and legends

Refresh and recharge with this peaceful walking holiday. You will discover South Somerset, land of the summer people, and an area steeped in history and tales of the knight. From stunning castles to beautiful stone villages and hill forts with legends around King Arthur.

Peaceful days and indulgent nights of a different kind, staying at a 17th country inn that has more than its fair share of top awards for food and luxury.

Foot Trails – Helping you explore England's rural canvas

Contents

Where is the 'Somerset'? p4

Walking grades? Oh no! p4

Somerset Knights Quest - explained p5

Included in your holiday p8

Prices & booking p9/10

“Beautiful countryside, excellent walking routes and accompanying notes, and a welcoming inn with good food.”David & Jo

“Please keep ondoing what you’redoing, because itis performing anessential service.It was lovely to getaway from London.”Lesley & Sam

“What can I say, what a special time I have had, a lovely time, just for me. The walking was magical. It has been just as lovely as I hoped.”Joanne

“Many thanks to both of you for organising a wonderful 3 days which has been one of the highlights of our extensive holiday .”

Roger & Yvonne

Where is the 'Somerset'?

South Somerset sits in the South West of England. It's characterised by its honey coloured 'Ham' stone cottages and rich Elizabethan history. This trail can be enjoyed with or without the use of a car.

How to get here?

Your Somerset A Knights Quest trail is located near Sherborne (Dorset). Travel is about a 2½ hours drive from London or 2¾ hours from Birmingham by car. The nearest train station for arrivals is at Sherborne, 2 ½ hours from London Waterloo. A short transfer by taxi from the station (which we can organise for you) and you will be at the start of your trail.

From further afield, the nearest airports are at Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham and London Heathrow. Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we would pleased to help you with this or if you would like any advise or help with car hire then pleasedo ask.

Walking grades? Oh no!

We are often asked, why do you not grade your walks? We answer quite simply because a Foot Trail is all about enjoyment and not the physical challenge. We hope you will take the opportunity to stop and enjoy the views the villages the local churches and of course the lunch time pubs.

Along the way you will find a mix of open country, some stiles and the odd hill, but never too many. As we tailor all our itineraries it means we can find daily trails to suit you and cangive you a mix of distances depending on your walking appetite.

Walk this way..

Foot Trails are different. We don't rely on the national trails, we use our local knowledge and expertise to create your trails and holiday. This means you will explore off the beaten track, discover places most don't know exist, and enjoy amazing sights and peaceful walking.

If you have any questions just give us a call on +44 (0) 1747 820 626 and we will be pleased tohelp with your plans.

Somerset Knights Quest - explained

Highlights from the trail;

• Marvel at Camelot, 5th century castle stronghold with mythical legend of King Arthur

• Explore delightful Sherborne with its world class Abbey and gorgeous cafes

• Encounter bishops, gunpowder and plots at the 11th century castle

• Wander through the ancient deer park

• Walk hidden trails to enjoy spectacular views over Somerset

A sample daily itinerary

Every Foot Trails holiday is personalised and tailored. Here's an example itinerary but everything from 3 to 14 nights is possible.

Somerset Knights Quest is available as a 3 or 4 night holiday 'staying in one place'.

Example 3 night / 4 day itinerary

Day 1; Relax and Refresh

Unwind at your gorgeous country inn, AA country pub of the year. Sample one of the famous home-made pork pies or enjoy our complimentary 2 mile trail and get exploring. Return for a sumptuous dinner.

Day 2; A Knights Tale

Bacon and fresh coffee? Then out on the trail, inspiring walking filled with views. Up to the ridge the vistas stretch for miles across the Yeo valley. Explore delightful hamstone Somerset village with their gorgeous cottages and wander inside the rare 13th century church. Then to the hill fort of Cadbury, which legend says was King Arthur’s stronghold. Views from the top extend to Glastonbury Tor and over the Somerset levels.

Day 3; A Tale of Two Castles

The start of your walk is dominated by the sight of two castles. One an 11th century stronghold blown up during the civil war; the second was built by Sir Walter Raleigh as a hunting lodge in the grounds of the old castle.

Enjoy the gorgeous parkland with its woodland and pass through the ancient deer park. A herd is still kept here including a white stag. In the town itself you can enjoy the abbey, in this ancient capital of Wessex. Many of Alfred’s family are buried at the abbey. Soak up the atmosphere at the town’s markets and cafes.

Day 4; Village of the Holy Cross

Delight in Montacute’s village of impossibly idyllic hamstone cottages.

Many with roses around the door. There are views across the landscape of Somerset and taking in the iconic Ham hill. An atmospheric place that seems to speak of its great history. An abandoned medieval village and some little known local paths complete your walk.

Your English country innYou can walk and enjoy your creature comforts too. Foot Trails is the only travel company to specialise solely in English country inns. With lunchtime country pubs on our walks it’s leisurely lunches on route and by evening the chance to unwind and relax over great food.

Why an inn? An inn has a unique character. It is a small intimate place, a place where chatter, enjoyment, local flavours and character all combine to give you the ultimate relaxing experience.

Rooms and food are all excellent, indeed in many cases award winning, but there is none of that bland hotel or formal white dining after a day in the country. You will find a bar that has welcome and atmosphere and dinners of local flavour that delight.

To us it’s all part of being in the country.

Your Somerset holiday is based in an award winning country inn in quite possibly one of themost idyllic settings. This 18th century inn has been AA country pub of the year, it offers bedrooms that have a touch of luxury, a cosy bar to relax in at the end of the day and a choice of a lovely dining room or for a more relaxed feel, dine in the bar. There are roaring log fires to take the chill out of the evening and for summer days a wonderful patio, perfect for tea and cake!

Included in your holiday

Insider know-how at your fingertips

Our local knowledge and expertise in your own individual itinerary. Best days to explore certain places, good times to set off so you arrive for lunch, where to park. We make the suggestions, you decide.

Escape the hordes

Award-winning walking. Expertly crafted trails – well and truly off the well trodden trail. Inspiring and varied. We leave no stone unturned in the quest for your perfect walk.

Chilled out stays in an English country inn

Relaxation with peace of mind. Real ale, wine, passionately prepared food and creature comforts – all in delightful village locations.

Our hand-picked country inns are a much loved part of the Foot Trails experience.

Leisurely breakfasts

To set you up for the day – proper meaty bacon, freshly laid eggs, fresh ground coffee and more.

Discovery Trail Guides

Our innovative trail cards are robust and waterproof. They feature easy to follow directions,perfect whether you can map read or not. Local stories and legends are included to enjoy as you walk.

Proper full Scale Ordnance Survey Maps

Follow your progress for those who prefer to map read (your trails are clearly marked) and keep as a souvenir of your trip. We only use proper full scale maps, not photocopies.

Nature and wildlife

We love to inspire you in rural England’s natural world. It’s part of the adventure. Identify wildflowers, trees and animals with our complimentary nature guides included in your walkpack.

Lunch like a King

We meticulously plan your trails with a great lunch in mind. Stop at a country pub or buy a picnic on route, we’ll tell you how. Much better than carrying a squashed sandwich or a rumbly tummy.

Prices & Bookings

This tour is available at weekends and mid-week.

3,4 and 5 night holidays are available year round. 'Car-free' options available.

Your holiday will be planned for you to your dates and for how long you wish to stay. There are no fixed scheduled dates.

Prices start from:

£320 per person* for 3 nights£395 per person* for 4 nights£455 per person* for 5 nights

2 night short breaks available (01 October to 31st March) from £199 person*.

*Based on two sharing, staying on a bed & breakfast basis.

Included:

• Independent (self guided) walking days tailored to you and the season • Tailored walk and explore pack • Local Ordnance Survey™ maps (waterproof) • Trail guide cards (waterproof one for each day with easy to follow instructions) • Plastic map holder • Local stories and histories • Recommended lunchtime stops at country pubs and cafes • Nature cards for identifying wild flowers, trees and animals • Seasonal nature guide book • Sweets (for a boost on route) • Your en-suite accommodation • Breakfasts. • One bottle of wine. • Over a decade of walking know-how and local expertise. • Transport drop off when it makes for a better walk.

To book

Call +44 (0) 1747 820626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balances due 8 weeks before arrival.

Paypal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.

Contact us

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)056 0366 7087 (voip)Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

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