Gold for Foot Trails

I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that Foot Trails has been awarded gold accreditation by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the national sustainable tourism accreditation for the UK. It recognises companies that are committed to sustainable tourism. This is the second time Foot Trails has been awarded the gold accreditation, achieving the same high standard as our first gold accreditation in 2009.

To achieve the accreditation we were assessed against strict criteria on all areas of our business and how we operate it. This includes things such as how we communicate with our guests and suppliers, how we print, our policies on issues such as transport and water and energy use.

Foot Trails has introduced over 60 different measures which have sustainable tourism in mind, since we began 10 years ago. Some have been harder than others, some very simple. With some of these measures Foot Trails has led the way. I think our printing is probably one such area. We took the decision quite some years ago that all our printing would be waterless printing. This not only reduces the amount of water involved in the normal print process, but it also reduces the harmful chemicals too. We use vegetable inks too.

Taking the path towards aiming to be more sustainable requires commitment and continuous effort, by everyone. Our team, our suppliers, our guests too all play their part.  In a business it is often a juggle of different disciplines and areas. Sometimes there are compromises to make and things we cannot achieve. We do after all live in a very real world.

We all believe it is important work and that it makes a difference.

Striving to be sustainable makes a very real difference to your walking holidays to begin with. By having a commitment to the rural communities and economies where we walk and work, your experience is richer, more authentic. We also believe our approach makes a difference to the economies and rural communities themselves. In just a simple way – that by thinking about them and working in partnership together, the very thing that we promote (rural England) and you come to see and walk, will hopefully still be here to be enjoyed years down the line by our children and theirs.

Sometimes the trouble with words like “sustainable” is they can sound a bit grand, a bit like jargon. Foot Trails takes parts in schemes like the Green Tourism Business Scheme because it wants too, because it cares about rural England, its communities, nature and landscapes and we want to do our bit to take care of it, and to make your holiday there as wonderful and special as it can be.

Thank you for reading, for coming on this amazing and exciting journey with us. Thanks for helping us make a difference.

Alison

I was thrilled to receive an invite from Jim Dinnage CEO at Seacourt Ltd (Foot Trails printers) to go to the Houses of Commons last Wednesday for a seminar on sustainable business.

London is such a contrast for me and one I enjoy greatly. It’s busy streets are somewhat more interesting when everyone is fighting umbrellas, torrential rain and high winds! Once through the high security (the day of my visit co-incided with the Levinson enquiry and Prime Ministers questions) it was up to meet with others involved in sustainable business and to hear the speakers.

Speakers included a professor or chemistry, environmentalists and business leaders.

Environmental Journalist Oliver Tickell gave one of most succinct presentations of the nuclear versus renewable debate I have ever heard. The crux being that world population is growing so fast (2.5 billion 1950 7 billion 2010) and demand for oil predicated to go from 12 000 million tonnes now to 24 000 million tonnes 2050 – something needs to replace fossils. (oil and coal) and meet soaring energy demands.

Oliver argued that nuclear is not viable financially (each reactor costs about 10$ billion and we need to go from current 410 reactors worldwide to 25 times that) so to meet demand the world would need to build one nuclear reactor every day for many years. With a radiation leak calculated from history every 3000 years, with the number of reactors needed we could expect a radiation leak every year. Renewables (solar) he argued present a better and viable solution.

Professor James Barber talked of his world wide  research to replicate the natural process of photosynthesis in leaves through chemistry, so that man could use sunlight to split water into oxygen and hydrogen, using the hydrogen to make energy. Truly fascinating stuff.

Ben Morris spoke of the climate envelopes his company have created – now seen in buildings like the Eden project and Jim Dinnage spoke about the journey Seacourt (printers) has taken to being zero waste to landfill. A fascinating journey.

I was honoured that Foot Trails was invited to attend the sustainable business seminar and came away with a renewed energy for our own responsible approach to business, with its rural twist.

Did you spot Foot Trails in the Mail on Saturday weekend magazine this weekend? The Mail picked 6 of the best weekend walking breaks and Foot Trails was number 2! If you want to see the holiday that was featured, in Dorset and Thomas Hardy Country (Truly Madly Deeply Dorset) then click here http://www.foottrails.co.uk/SG_trail_w1.html 

Foot Trails has also been chosen to be part of a feature on breaks with a drinks theme in Bella magazine, which will be out Tuesday 17 August for a week. To see the vintage cider walk, which is part of Foot Trails Somerset Knights Quest walking holiday, click here http://www.foottrails.co.uk/sg_trail_3.html

If you would like to read more details about either holiday, you can also call us on 01747 820 626 or email alison@foottrails.co.uk and ask for a mini brochure and example itinerary.

Look out soon for wild garlic in woods

We live in fascinating times – times of which there have been none other. An age where technology can achieve things which our ancestors would probably have thought impossible.

At the same time the issue of value can sometimes become blurred. Life is so fast paced many of us can find not enough time to think, only to do.

I set up Foot Trails because I value the countryside and wanted to inspire others in it, and give them the local knowledge needed to explore it.  On foot, because it’s slow, it makes us engage with what’s around us.

Where this admiration came from I am unsure, possibly growing up with it on the farm, but where ever it came from, and as I grow, I find the lure of the simple pleasures of the countryside irresistible, and often sanity! I work to hold on to these values, which can be challenged in a fast paced world. I try to enjoy the sight of the growing bluebell plants, knowing what could follow, the colours of the growing leaves, of the wonder of nature and the stillness and beauty of the countryside. There is a harder side to nature too, which I learnt growing up on the farm. For that reason many (myself included) find the lessons of the countryside a very grounding experience.

But I think these lessons, values, and opportunity for learning, enjoyment, discovery and relaxation that the countryside offer are just as relevant, (if not more important) today as they were in years gone by. Like many things – it’s there, we just need to want to look for it and find it……

Simplicity

What a world of contradictions we live in – a wonderful world, but an intriguing world. On one hand technological advances have never given us so many new and exciting options. I certainly couldn’t manage Foot Trails without them. The internet, mobile phones (admittedly I’m still not the greatest mobile phone user) On the other, there seems to be such a constant stream of noise, opinions, technical gadgets, 24/7 talk, views, feedback (phew!) and everything on screens that I wonder what happened! How is an avalanche of noise making our lives easier?

Without a doubt technology and the fact it’s easier for everyone to talk has many advantages. I don’t wish to live a life without technology. My view, is that like many things in life, too much can be a bad thing. We should use these tools wisely, and knowingly. I wonder if sometimes the best things in life seem so simple to us in comparison, there is a danger we can overlook them. I am talking about things like standing on a hill with the wind on your face and the clouds rolling across the sky – letting your thoughts run free. Or touching the bark of a tree to see what its texture feels like. Or maybe savouring a moment of peace and quiet walking in a place where you can’t hear any traffic. Ahhhhh

Some people might call these things old fashioned. I think that enjoyment of the countryside and our inbuilt need for space and silence, could be a new trend! One thing is for sure, people aren’t pieces of technology – and we all need space and silence to refresh, to learn and to have the space to grow. An added pleasure of making the time for a walking holiday. I hope Foot Trails leads the way.

Somerset woke this morning to a calm wintery world of white – made even better by the glorious pale golden sunshine. Our first hard frost of winter. We could not wait to explore. Each year I hope that by writing, talking and photographing the countryside in winter, we will inspire some to try it who may not have before.

If you are worried by the prospect of cold – don’t be. Just wrap warmly in lots of layers, and cover up everything with a hat, scarf and gloves. Plan your favourite pub on route so you can warm up by the fire and stop for lunch or morning coffee, or even a pint later in the afternoon!

If you don’t want to go it alone, a guided walk might be best for you. Our next guided weekend is 24 February (just 2 bedrooms left!) when we shall be celebrating the walking of the countryside. Yes, I know this is our first proper hard frost of winter, but nature is already showing signs – with helibores in flower, snowdrops too and the bulbs and early shoots already above ground. Or go independently and let us help you plan ideal winter walks and a great place to stay.

If you are still not sure about walking in winter, then I hope these photographs which David Howell, Foot Trails guide, took this morning along the Kennet and Avon canal in Somerset with captivate and persuade you to grab your warm clothes and give it a go. We’re here to help if you want something to arrange a winter break for you.

http://on.fb.me/znMTOz

Best wishes, Alison

Hello and happy new year 2012 from us all! With 2012 upon us I thought that a look at some of our best memories from walking holidays last year would inspire and captivate those of you who love exploring rural England as much as we do. And our passion for creating unforgettable walking experiences has provided us with a rural wander of photo delights. We’ve picked our favourites to share with you. They are sure to inspire you to come and explore rural England with Foot Trails, on what could be your best holiday ever.

Check out the slideshow here

As well as that our new brochure and holiday guide are available online – visit the contact us page, and choose brochures; bookings are open for 2012 and we are excited to announce 12 new Foot Trail walking holidays in rural England this year – all of which are in our new holiday guide. Ask us for a copy.

There’s plenty to stride for in 2012!
I hope you will make it your resolution that this is the year you explore rural England with Foot Trails.

We look forward very much to hearing from you,

Warm regards, Alison

Alison Howell

Winter has finally arrived here, it was a cold but beautifully sunny day with bright blue skies. We were all wrapped up warm in our winter woolies, waterproofs (just in case) and our soon-to-be muddy, walking boots. We set off across the fields faced with a bitterly cold wind but soon hopped over a little stile and dropped down through the trees into the shelter of the canal in the valley. Smoke was billowing out of the moored barges, the people living here must be nice and cosy. The pathway took us along the edge of the canal, there’s something about still water, it’s so peaceful and calming.

After leaving the shelter of the canal, we headed back uphill across some more fields with cattle grazing, and along an old avenue of trees. I wonder where this used to lead to? With only a few weeks until the end of the year, it was strange to still be walking through piles of rusty leaves, a lot of them still on the trees. The seasons seem to be arriving much later this year. I wonder if snowy times like last year lie ahead?

A good walk in the fresh air left us all with an appetite so it was time to enjoy some lunch in a local country pub. The log fire was going and the smell of woodsmoke surrounded us. Sandwiches, hot soup and chunky chips went down very well!

I joined Foot Trails a few months ago to help our guests plan and organise their holidays so it was great to get out and explore our beautiful countryside as our guests do on their holidays. We talked as we walked about our new holidays and exciting plans for next year, there is lots to look forward to…

It was time to get back to the office and we were eager to see if the big hole in our wall had been filled with a new window! We are so lucky to be able to look out with views of the hills and surrounding countryside while being inside in the warm with the fire going!

Emma.

Walking through the Bluebells, on our new Woodland Spring, Wiltshire 13 May

Are your boots made for walking?

A soak in a bubbly bath...

Explore the Cotswolds & Bath and the Cotswolds, both new for 2012

Ever thought about walking in winter?

Our NEW Winters Tale walking weekend is the perfect way to explore and enjoy rural England in winter time. Beginning on 16 December this 2 night guided walking weekend in south Somerset’s beautiful countryside is the perfect way to relax and enjoy some tranquil countryside before Christmas. It’s the ideal way to relax and recharge.

You’ll join a maximum of 12 guests, walking with expert guide David Howell to unearth the best that winter has to offer. From walks through landscapes with fabulous skeleton trees on the horizon, to historic castles and ancient deer parks, you’ll also enjoy the world renowned abbey at Sherborne and listen to a sprinkling of festive carols.

Be sure to pack your scarves and hats, ready to explore south Somerset’s tranquil paths and peaceful trails. Warm up on route with proper pub lunches at some of Somerset’s loveliest country pubs. Soak up miles of beautiful countryside, enjoy the evocative smell of woodsmoke in the air and the taste of local food, perhaps a glass of warmed mulled wine?

Priced from £279 person half baord, with upgrades to superior rooms (some with freestanding baths or state of the art wet rooms) from £20 person, email enquire@foottrails.co.uk or call 01747 820626 and ask for a mini brochure for Winters Tale.

Mmmm, winters treat, local bangers and mash

Beautiful skeleton tree

All set for peaceful and refreshing winters walk