Author name: Emma Surridge

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

A sunny day in Winter is always a joyful gift. The day after the winter solstice the skies cleared, and whilst the gusty wind brought icy blasts, it was joyous to take a few hours to walk. Alison and I headed to Dorset to enjoy it’s stunning coastal scenery.  Wrapped up, and with hats &

‘Twas the week before Christmas…’ and I had a hankering for some festive cheer and Christmas carols. And what better place to find that than at a carol concert held in the magnificent Sherborne Abbey? I arrived early to have a wander through the town and look at the seasonal decorations and window displays. It

I’ve been walking in The Cotswolds all my life and yet I’m still finding new paths and places to explore, sometimes in areas I thought I knew well.  This past week I headed to an area just a few miles from where I grew up. Under a wintry pastel sky with a less than favourable

We’ve been talking a lot about spring here at Foot Trails HQ as we’re helping many of our guests plan their spring walking adventures. All of which got me thinking back to a brilliant walk I did along the coast in the south west last spring. It really stuck in my mind and felt like

As the chill of winter arrives on the breeze and the cosy warmth of log fires beckons, it’s naturally a time when thoughts turn to the adventures we might enjoy when the days lengthen and the warm sunshine returns next spring. I love walking in an English spring. In the countryside, life is bursting forth

A couple of weekends ago, I ventured across the border from Somerset into Wiltshire to explore the chalk downs around the town of Mere. The morning had been cloudy, but bright sun and  clear skies were forecast for the afternoon. Not wanting to miss the opportunity for some October sun, I set off. Walking through