February 14 brought vivid blue skies and lots of early spring sunshine to the South West of England. David and I (Alison) were doing something we love: creating a new hiking trail for Foot Trails, a task we often take on in winter and early spring. Recceing a new route is always a little unpredictable.
The beauty of the Cotswolds is deservedly world renowned: charming cottages, rolling hills, classic market towns and history stretching back to the Romans and beyond. It’s quintessentially English and popular the world over. Alison and I have long family ties in the area, and we have spent many years exploring its lesser-known lanes and footpaths.
Grey skies and the threat of rain – in many ways a typical February day in the South West. Even with low cloud hanging over the landscape, it felt exciting to be out in the Cotswolds, checking and updating one of our walks. We began at a 12th‑century Norman church in the heart of a
At Foot Trails, we avoid the crowds. When we plan a new trail, we start with where David and I would like to show you and then design our route around this. Guiding you to beautiful villages, stunning views, country houses and more. To the places you’d never find on your own. Exploring these quieter
Some winter days feel made for hiking, and the last Wednesday in January was one of them. As David and I (Foot Trails Storyteller Emma) set off from a picture-perfect village of grey Purbeck stone cottages it was under a sunny sky with a gentle breeze. We made our way into open fields and I
Nearly 25 years ago, when Alison and I founded Foot Trails, we set out to change how hiking was viewed. In 2002, walking was often seen as all about distance and A‑to‑B goals with only basic accommodation. We wanted something different: walking tours shaped by our own beliefs and rooted in the rural South West
