Exploring a new route in picturesque Dorset

February 14 brought vivid blue skies and lots of early spring sunshine to the South West of England. David and I (Alison) were doing something we love: creating a new hiking trail for Foot Trails, a task we often take on in winter and early spring.

View over patchwork fields in Dorset

Recceing a new route is always a little unpredictable. We know the distance we’re aiming for, but we never know if the path will work in practice or whether we’ll need to retrace our steps, add a section, or abandon the idea entirely.

View of an ancient timbered house on a quiet lane

Saturday’s walk was glorious. Everything came together, resulting in an 8.5‑mile trail filled with snowdrops, manor houses, a stunning village, and quaint churches.

View of a footpath leading over a field and towards a church in the distance

This new route will feature in our Country Houses & Gardens trip in rural Wiltshire and Dorset. If you’d like to know more, visit our trip page or send us an email.

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