South West England
South West England is our home and an area of England we would love to share with you.
The South West of England is very diverse. You can see everything from riverbanks, woodland, wild meadows and chalk down, canals and villages to market towns, coast, beaches and castles.
Inspired by SW England
We love to wander in the landscape and be inspired by both the dramatic, and the simple. Dramatic big views or a coastal vista, to the humble sound of the wind in the trees, the song of the larks over the meadows, or the freshness of spring’s first green shoots.
The landscapes, rural life and nature of SW England have inspired many writers, poets and painters through centuries too.
Jane Austen, who spent time living in Bath and Hampshire, was an avid walker and many of her characters like to walk, none more so than Elizabeth in Pride & Prejudice –
“They entered the woods, and bidding adieu to the river for a while, ascended some of the higher grounds; whence, in spots where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were many charming views of the valley.
For Thomas Hardy, another avid walker, place was a key part of his novels with vivid descriptions of his beloved Wessex (Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire). “There are downs in Wessex, shaped as if by a kindly hand” wrote Hardy.
Five beautiful regions await, each with their own landscapes and stories:
Our Foot Trails take place from The Cotswolds, south through Bath & The Avon Valley, to Wiltshire, Somerset, and onward to Dorset and the coast. Each of these areas has a distinctive feel from the stone and architecture of the villages, the landscapes, to the human stories and histories. Added to your experience too are the local foods and hospitality of the country inns.
Lovely Wiltshire is where Foot Trails was born and so will always be our first love. We love the rolling chalk downs, the sense of peace and quiet and we’re in awe of the county’s tremendous history.
Surrounded by wooded hills, graced by beautiful Bath stone buildings, the River Avon flowing through it, Bath is a stunning spot. We love all the architecture and the deep rich history of Bath but also the countryside that sits on its doorstep (Avon).
Explore north Dorset’s captivating beauty. From the ancient landscapes which inspired literary hero Thomas Hardy to the green and lush patchwork of fields of west Dorset and the stunning seascapes and coast of the south.
We love Somerset for its super slow rural feel, its down to earthiness and that Somerset “mystique”. It’s with a sense of rural authenticity, legends and folklore that we wish to inspire you.
At Foot Trails we have a huge passion for the Cotswolds with a family history in the area. We’ve designed walking trips and tours to take you off the beaten track and away from the crowds. We’d love you to see everything that’s wonderful about the Cotswolds.
Let us create your perfect England holiday
We are always delighted to hear from you.
Go to our quick fill form on our contact us page to request example itineraries, trip ideas or with your question.
Foot Trails brochure
Explore Britain in depth with our expertly crafted walking trips – Tread Britain’s most scenic and historic paths. Read our full brochure here.
