Land of Kings, Walking & Hiking in Saxon England

Walk the land in the footsteps of our ancestors. The landscape of South West England has been shaped by people from the moment our ancestors became farmers, through all of England’s story.

From the great Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge & Avebury, some of the largest iron-age hill forts, to tales of Kings both mythical and real. This area of South West England is a rich treasure trove of stories, walk King Arthur’s land, or explore in the footsteps of Saxon King Alfred, or marvel at Norman castles.

Browse the example walking & hiking trips below, or get in touch to start planning your bespoke itinerary.

Suggested Land of Kings trips

THD_1.webp

Thomas Hardy’s Dorset →

Perfect for 4 or 5 nights / 5 or 6 days
Explore a little slice of Thomas Hardy's beloved Wessex in this trail. Hardy's life and writings were rooted in the beautiful Dorset countryside, and this trail explores Tess of the d'Urbervilles country. Journey from the wildflower chalk hills to the lush green vale of farms and humble cottages.
Kathy-and-Ronni-021.jpg

Kings and Kingdoms →

Perfect for 6 to 11 nights / 7 to 12 days
Wonderfully crowd-free, you can enjoy a wide variety of landscapes through your tour, from peaceful river valleys to inspiring views. Not forgetting tales of Kings & Knights and some of the most charming villages in South West England (it’s home, we’re biased!).
file-6-3.jpg

King Arthur’s Trail →

Perfect for 6 or 7 nights / 7 or 8 days
Beautiful villages, Iron Age hill forts, big views and tales of knights of old, maybe even Arthur himself! Discover the heart of rural England where mystery, legend & myth entwine with ancient history, and villages rise like islands from the meadow lands of the Somerset Levels.
Stonehenge

Stonehenge & Salisbury →

2-night add on to your trip (start or end)
The two great Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge & Avebury are places we love to take our guests. Get away from the crowds on our unique guided tours and experience them from the landscape, connecting with them in a way few experience. Stay overnight in medieval Salisbury to further enhance your trip.

Explore rural England with Foot Trails

The English counties of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset offer both breathtaking scenery and an abundance of character villages & pubs whilst also being at the heart of England’s story. The 9th century Saxon King Alfred was a turning point, and 100 years later the first King of all England was crowned in Bath Abbey.

  • Beautiful villages and thatched cottages
  • Rolling & sweeping green hills ‘where at crises I stand’
  • Stays in centuries old inns & pubs
  • Explore castle ruins dating from the 12th century
  • Walk in the footsteps of mythical King Arthur & visit Glastonbury
  • Breathtaking 360’ views from the hilltops

Self-Guided Hiking & Walking

The rhythm of a self-guided hiking & walking trip offers the perfect balance of achievement, curiosity and relaxation.

About Self-Guided Walking →
About our accommodation & food →

Our brochure of hiking & walking tours

Explore England in depth with our expertly crafted walking tours and holidays. Discover the rich diversity of SW England on scenic and historic walking trails.

Read & download the brochure →
Our Story →

Deepest Somerset: David Howell ponders, what makes an idyll?

“The little corner of Somerset I was exploring was captivating, not so much for dramatic landscapes, although I enjoyed the views, but for its peacefulness, timelessness and traditional rural life. You could lose the modern and wander in the sunshine with just the birdsong and hum of nature for accompaniment.”

Somerset: A land of orchards & cider, dairy & cheese, and very much a rural idyll. But it got me thinking, what makes an idyll?

Read more →