Wessex Ancient Kingdom
Foot Trails signature Inn to Inn trail
Wessex Ancient Kingdom is an inn to inn walking trail over 8 or 10 nights.
The ultimate experience of hiking rural England, full of history and breath-taking English countryside. From rivers to woods, character villages & cottages to breath-taking scenery & views, this trail has it all!
Discover England’s ancient Saxon kingdom, called Wessex. Begin in historic Wiltshire, before your trail takes you across the south of the county, into beautiful north Dorset and then on into Somerset.
Inn to Inn walking & hiking in Wessex, England
This is a linear (one way!) walking trail where you journey from country inn to country inn. You’ll spend two nights at each, for a more relaxing experience that avoids the need to pack and re-pack several times a day, and so you can make the most of experiencing the countryside around you.
The Wessex region is the spiritual home of Foot Trails. Myself and David spent a decade living in this area and exploring all the paths and places to see. It is still the most beautiful and special place to us, and a good place for getting away from the crowds and bustle of life. On your walks you will enjoy some wonderful contrasts and variety, from ‘stately’ grounds, through woodland, meadows & pastures, great rolling views of the countryside, rivers and mills, sweeping chalk downs, high up and with big views, charming and unspoiled villages and local churches to explore. Then there’s all the stories along the way to bring it all to life and set the scene.
By evening you will enjoy character country inns that have been a part of their communities for centuries. Superior accommodations and award winning dining awaits. And while you walk, your luggage is transferred head of you, leaving you free to walk at leisure and enjoy journeying on foot.
Read more about our food & accommodation here.
Ready to start your adventure?
How to get here
Getting here is easy, your trail usually begins near Warminster, Wiltshire or Tisbury, Wiltshire. Its about a 2 hour car journey from London, sub 1 hour from Bristol.
For a truly car-free option the nearest train station is at Warminster, Wiltshire or Tisbury, Wiltshire.(We will advise when your itinerary is confirmed)
For overseas guests the nearest airport is at Bristol or Southampton. London Heathrow is also easy to get to. Airport transfers can be arranged with a chauffeured car, just ask.
Trail highlights include:
- Castles, grand Manors, water mills and iron-age hill forts
- Explore grand country estates and discover the stories of their interesting pasts
- Follow ancient trackways to abandoned medieval villages
- Step inside a medieval castle and look up at the Great Banqueting Hall
- Soak up peaceful and atmospheric spots, relax
- Be amazed by the beauty of Cranborne Chase, former royal hunting ground
Walking
We are passionate about the experience of walking, the sense of journey, and the wellbeing from time spent outside. Wandering the landscape at 2mph allows time to observe the world around us, connect with nature, and to slow down.
We have a range of trails from 8 to 12 miles. When we curate your itinerary we can customise your daily walks.
We advise that our guests should feel comfortable walking 8 miles a day, to get the most from your trip. To us, it’s nice to feel like you have done something, the sense of achievement, but not so much that the thought of another day is off putting.
To help you find your way we provide local maps and word directions on our trail cards, tried and tested, by our team and Volunteer Trail Guides.
Included in your Foot Trail
- Tailored and crafted Walk and Explore Box with everything you need
- Local Ordnance Survey™ map exerts (waterproof) with your trails annotated
Trail guide cards (waterproof one for each day with easy to follow wording - Foot Trails expertise and experience, working with our Trail Consultants to custom made your trip to suit you and the English season instructions)
- Local stories and histories
- 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
- Breakfasts
- One bottle of wine
- Two decades of expertise and know-how
- Inn to Inn luggage transfers with our trusted driver team
- Drop off services when it makes for a better walk
Example Pricing
Everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, chosen with care and intent for you. Therefore each trip is quoted individually, and will vary from the example pricing below.
An 8 night Wessex Ancient Kingdom itinerary starts from £1490 per person (based on 2 people sharing a room).
How to book
When you get in touch we will take a little time to find out more from you about the experience you would like, the things you enjoy and your travel plans. We then use our passion, experience and local knowledge to craft a daily itinerary for you.
You will receive a full daily itinerary and details of all your accommodations before you book. Once you are happy with your itinerary you simply confirm with your deposit and we will look after everything for you.
Get in touch to start your consultation – contact us
Like to find out more?
To find out more and request an example itinerary for one of our trails, just pop your details in below or give us a call on +44 (0) 1747 820626.
