South West Explorer

A once in a lifetime experience

Your trip to the UK might be a once in a lifetime experience. Or perhaps you cherish the thought of being able to see as much of the South West region as possible. You’ll need the best local expertise to do it justice and our South West Explorer (featured in press worldwide) will help you to discover the very best of South West England.

The South West is the largest and most varied of England’s nine different regions. We know the region inside out, having lived and worked here for over 2 decades innovating award winning walking experiences.

We will work closely and personally with you to create your own custom made walking tour between 15 and 21 nights. Your trip could include walking in up to six of the region’s counties, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, The Cotswolds, Bath and Devon.

Be prepared for a little adventure. Longer grasses in summer, a little overgrown in places may sometimes apply, but your efforts will be richly rewarded with sights of villages, landscapes, secret views and country inns that most visitors simply never see.

Trail highlights include:

* Discover highlights of South West England off the beaten track walking local paths
* Explore Wiltshire’s immense historic villages and landscapes with a human history dating back thousands of years. Enjoy hidden medieval villages.
* Discover Dorset – a timeless beauty that inspired author Thomas Hardy and many writers and poets. Its rolling chalk downs are havens for nature; places to spot wild flowers, orchids and rare butterflies as well as deer, foxes and hares.
* Taste local produce including Dorset apple cake, Wiltshire ham, local bacon, cider, local ales, cheddar cheese, Somerset brie and more
* Visit ancient market towns such as Sherborne with its world renowned abbey and independent shops and cafés
* Explore the Cotswolds away from the crowds with our trails. See villages and churches of the famous Cotswolds stone and discover the region’s history with the wool trade.
* Admire Somerset’s picturesque English countryside dotted with church towers and villages and learn its ancient myths including that of King Arthur’s Camelot
* Stay in centuries old country inns. Each hand picked and located in a gorgeous English village with great bedrooms and local food and drink
* Discover Devon with its arresting coastal beauty, beaches and covers and tales of shipwrecks. Its fabulous food includes crab, fish, Devon beef and the wonderful cream tea with scones.

The best way to find out more is request a detailed example itinerary with photographs, simply pop your details in the form (to the right) and press send. One of our team of capable Trail Consultants will be in touch promptly.

About your accommodations

Where you stay is a key part of your Foot Trail & experience. One of the reasons guests choose Foot Trails is for our choice and quality of accommodation.

The country inns and country pubs where you stay are small, personal and friendly with excellent hospitality. Each one is in an English village with comfortable bedrooms and delicious local food and drinks to enjoy with dinner after your walk.

Alison, Foot Trails founder, chooses each inn personally. Centuries old, each building provides a relaxing and authentic setting in which you can kick off your boots and eat dinner at the end of an inspiring day on the trail.

Small, personal and friendly with excellent hospitality each country inn sits in an English village with comfortable bedrooms and delicious local food and produce including real ales and a selection of wines to enjoy with dinner after your walk.

Each inn and bedroom is uniquely designed. All our bedrooms have en-suite private bathrooms with modern facilities.

You will receive full details and website addresses of our suggested accommodation with your itinerary when we confirm availability of your trip.

Cost & Availability

This tour is available starting any nights (subject to availability) from 15 nights to 21 nights. We strongly advise booking in advance as places are limited. The trail is best enjoyed between March & November.

With a trip such as this every one is totally hand crafted and tailor made to suit you and the English season that you are walking in. Foot Trails expert team have created over 1000 miles of stunning trails through the South West Region, off the beaten track, and with a myriad possible options for your itinerary your holiday will be truly unique.

Your walking tour will be planned for you to your dates and for how long you wish to stay. There are no fixed scheduled dates. We highly recommend booking in advance as places at limited each month.

Example budgeting prices:

From £3900 per person* for 21 nights

*Based on two sharing, staying on a bed & breakfast basis.

Included:

• Independent (self guided) walking days with your own tailor made itinerary and trip to suit you and the season
• Tailor made Walk and Explore Box containing everything you need for your trip • Local Ordnance Survey™ map exerts (waterproof) with your trails annotated
• Trail guide cards (waterproof one for each day with easy to follow instructions)
• Biodegradable map holder
• Local stories and histories to discover and enjoy as you walk
• Recommended lunchtime stops at country pubs and cafes
• Nature cards for identifying wild flowers, trees and animals
• Seasonal nature guide book
• Sweets (for a boost on route)
• Your en-suite accommodation in a classic en-suite bedroom (superior upgrades available)
• Breakfasts each day
• Transport drop off service to the start of your trail when it makes a better walk. •Luggage transfers with our trusted team of drivers if required.
• One bottle of wine.
• Help and support before your trip

How to book?

Contact us with your preferred dates and we will look after the rest. You can call us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or use the form to your right to send a message or request an itinerary.

We will work with you to provide you with a full detailed itinerary and price quote before you book.

From our guests

“We’ve used Foot Trails 4 times now and would book with them again. Foot Trails is a company where you can just pick your destination and that’s all you have to do. They have a standard and they stick to it.”
Fleur, UK

“Thank you so much for organising a carefully planned program. We have booked with other companies in different parts of the world but we would have to say your company has been outstanding in all areas.”
Adele, Australia

“The more we talk about your company to our friends, the more we realize what a unique and special service you provide. We are already talking about our next holiday with you.”
Bob & Linda

Read our reviews on Trip Advisor here