What is a Foot Trails walking holiday?

At Foot Trails, our paths are picked for joy, rhythm and peace – not just practicality. Our aim is – and always has been – to give our guests the best possible day’s walking, every day of their trip. It’s not just about getting from A to B or seeing the tick-box sites. We want to show guests the beautiful countryside that we know—the stunning views, hidden gems, the peaceful places away from more crowded spots.

Two hikers are walking off into the distance surrounded by undulating fields.

So what does a typical Foot Trails’ day look like?

We treat each day on a Foot Trails hiking holiday like a mini adventure, weaving variety, interest, stories, and comfort into each hike. 2 to 3 hours to walk & wander in the morning, a nice place to pause for lunch or a historic site to visit, and then a few hours to walk in the afternoon. You then arrive at your country inn, to enjoy refreshments, local ales & ciders and great food. 

Two hikers walking through a wooden gate into woodland.
Two people sat at a wooden table with two pints of beer.

How far do guests walk in a day?

We customise every itinerary for our guests, so we can make sure that every day’s walk is the perfect distance for them. Self-guided & independent, each day’s pace is set by our guests. So there’s plenty of time to stop, explore a gorgeous village, visit a stately home, enjoy the views, listen to the birds and take photos. In addition, every day’s trail guide offers different distance options, so if our guests want to spontaneously opt for a shorter walk, they simply follow the step-by-step instructions for that walk.

View down a village lane with a cottage on the right and a church tower in the distance.
A traditional cottage slate roof peaking up above hedges and plants in a landscaped garden.

Is accommodation included in a Foot Trails trip?

Yes. Your accommodation is included in your Foot Trail. We choose small country inns and pubs at the heart of their communities—that’s the authentic experience of staying in the English countryside. Hundreds of years old and an integral part of their communities, these characterful establishments have a relaxed and comfortable feel. We look for comfortable bedrooms with a few extras (all have en-suite bathrooms) as well as delicious cooked breakfasts & dinners. After a day exploring the countryside, you can return to your inn, kick off your boots and enjoy your evening in an atmospheric bar & restaurant, with no need to go off site for dinner.

Front of a traditional ivy-clad country inn.

What about my luggage? Do I have to carry that too?

No, you don’t have to carry your luggage. We arrange to have all of your luggage transferred to your inns as you walk. So when you arrive after a wonderful day’s walking, your luggage will be waiting for you in your room. All you need to carry is a small daypack with some essentials such as drinking water, snacks and sunscreen. 

View of the Exmoor coast from the top of coastal cliffs.

This is what a Foot Trail is. And we believe this approach gives guests the best and most authentic experience of South West England.

If you’d like to find out more about our walking & hiking trips in South West England, visit our trip page or send us an email. We’d love to chat through your plans.

More from our blog