Author name: Emma Surridge

Last week, I was delighted to be making my way to The Cotswolds to check one of our walks in our Journey Across the Cotswolds and Complete Cotswolds trips. Armed with my trusty Foot Trails trail guide, I started off in a charming market town dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Making my way past ancient […]

Last week, David and I (Emma) were continuing our post-winter route checks now that the spring walking season is underway. This week, we were on an undulating hike just north of Bath that combined breathtaking views with a wealth of stories and history.  It was another bright day, not a cloud in the sky. This

Another bright, sunny day greeted us as we set out on our walk through the rolling Somerset countryside to the garden city of Bath. Our starting point was a wonderfully picturesque village surrounded by undulating hills. Right from the start, the views were spectacular. The terrain was steep, but the vistas were more than enough

At the beginning of March, David and myself (Emma) went to research and finalise one of the routes in our NEW King Arthur’s Trail trip. It was a beautiful day – blue skies and bright sunshine but with a slight breeze and a frosty nip in the air reminding us that we were still at

We had picked the perfect day for our team walk in March. It was a beautiful spring morning, bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Starting at a village shop in a wonderfully rural Wiltshire village, there was a definite spring in all of our steps as we set off. The air was

At the end of February, David and I donned our walking boots and headed for Exmoor, a national park that spans the counties of both Somerset and Devon. It’s well known for being a truly wild corner of South West England yet is only 4 hours from London. With its moors, woodland coast and streams,

Under a grey winter’s sky (it is February after all), Alison and I popped on our walking boots for a Cotswolds wander.  It was lovely to be out in the fresh air, drinking in the tranquility and enjoying the little signs that spring is not far away. Birds chatter as we walk, the catkins adorn

“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly” Van Morrison Walking the coast is a joy. Dramatic, exhilarating and refreshing. There’s something wonderful about the space where the land meets the sea. Coastal views, fresh salty air, the wash of the waves on the beach and the rich history and

Spring is on the way! The days are getting brighter and amidst the wintry scenes the first flowers are emerging, cheerful white snowdrops are making a welcome return to our woodlands, riverbanks, hedgerows and gardens. Soon, the rest of the countryside will be awakening from its winter dormancy. Fields and hillsides that have been barren

‘The bluebell is the sweetest flower That waves in summer air; Its blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit’s care.’ Emily Brontë  With spring starting to show its welcome face here in South West England, our thoughts are turning to spring walking. As the weather starts to warm and the first wildflowers emerge,

This January, David and I spent a few days in the Cotswolds exploring new routes and trails. It’s been wonderful having the time to explore this region that we know so well (and which never fails to surprise us with new views and experiences). David grew up here and several of my cousins and an

‘In Europe, the best wool is English and in England the best wool is Cotswold’ (12th century saying) The Cotswolds needs no introduction. Famed for its rolling green countryside, beautiful villages, vibrant market towns and golden Cotswolds stone cottages. It’s the quintessential view of England.  But the reason both the landscapes and the buildings look