Heritage & Stories
We love a story! Here are a few suggested walking tours & holidays inspired by history, to inspire you for your next adventure in England.
Explore Stonehenge & Wiltshire
Hiking trail in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors
Journey through 6000 years of history on this walking holiday. Prehistoric monuments, ancient cathedrals, ruined castles and quaint cottages abound. There’s even the option of a guided tour of Stonehenge.
Myths & Legends
Inn to Inn walking tour of Somerset mystique
A fascinating hiking trail through the Somerset Levels and Dorset. Shrouded in mystique, legend and myth, this inn to inn walking tour lets you experience the rural idyll of England first hand.
Wessex Ancient Kingdom
Stunning landscapes of Saxon Wessex
An inn to inn walking trail that gives you a glimpse of old England with Saxon kings, medieval castles and country cottages. Woods, rivers, breath taking views – landscapes that have inspired poets, authors and filmmakers since time immemorial.
Journey Across The Cotswolds
Off the beaten path inn to inn tour of The Cotswolds
Our classic inn-to-inn walking tour takes you through the heart of The Cotswolds. Walking from village to village on local paths, you’ll discover peaceful countryside and charming Cotswolds character away from the busy national trails.
A few of the things we love about our history:
Churches
In southern England there’s a village every few miles and each has its own story to tell with farms, schools, pubs and churches. For over a 1000 years the life of the community has revolved around the church, where the community gathers, from summer fetes and weddings to welcoming new life and saying goodbye to those who have passed away. The buildings, memorials and art are a little glimpse of that history.
Castles
The Normans were the first to be big castle builders, looking to secure their newly conquered territory, These were hastile built mounds and wooden structures, small military garrisons. Over time local lords amassed more power and castles became the fashionable accessory.
In Wiltshire you will find England’s only hexagonal castle, built in the 14th century, today it is the most romantic ruin in the landscape. Although it took heavy fire during the civil war much of it remains explorable today. And in Somerset you can explore another dramatic ruin of a 14th century fortified mansion occupied for 300 years by the Hungerfords.
The Cotswolds wool trade
It may seem difficult to imagine today, but in the 15th century the market town Northleach was at the economic hub of Europe. And all because of one thing – wool from the Cotswolds sheep. As the wool trade began to develop in the Cotswolds so the importance of this region began to grow. In medieval England wool powered the economy in the same way the industrial revolution was to do four centuries later, hence the ‘golden fleece’.
Myths
Somerset is the land of mystique, through the mists of time (or is it the cider?). The ‘levels’ are mysterious and iconic sites like Glastonbury rose from this marshy water landscape. Foot Trails Myths & Legends trail explores this land, Arthur, Lady of the Lake, the Fisher King, myths will resonate as you go. Rural pagan symbols collide with the growth of Christianity too, with the green man of the wood, chalk giants and more.
How do our trips work?
Typically you stay for 2 nights at each selected country inn with a different and varied walk each day. It allows for a little less packing & moving on, and a little more exploring like a local. Luggage transfers are included when you hike to your next country inn.
Your itinerary consultant is here to guide you through creating and arranging your Foot Trail. Simply get in touch below to start a conversation.
Like to find out more?
Free brochure with daily walk information, accommodation details and example pricing available. To request your brochure just pop your details in below. We look forward to hearing from you.
