Walking trips with creature comforts

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

These are some of the questions we are commonly asked. We hope your own query will be answered here, but if not please don't hesitate to get in touch and ask us! We will be delighted to help and are always happy to hear from you.

Alison or David Howell, t - 01747 861 851, enquire@foottrails.co.uk

• Is a Foot Trails walking holiday for me?
• Who comes on a Foot Trails guided trail?
• Will I feel comfortable on my own?
• How many people are there on each trail?

• You can do it
• Am I physically fit enough to do a walking holiday?
• How long are the walks each day?
• Who guides the trails?
• What do we do if it rains?
• Do I need any special gear for a Foot Trails holiday?

• Your Creature Comforts
• What will the accommodation be like?
• What are the meals like?
• Will I have to carry lunch with me everyday?

• Trail details
• What is included in the trail price?
• We are a large walking group and we fancy a private holiday, can you arrange something for us?
• How do I get to and from the start of the trail?

Someone just like you, very likely! One of the most delightful things about our guided walking groups is their small size. You will never be joined by more than 10 guests. Small groups really change the atmosphere for the better. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, more like being at a friendly dinner party. We have the most lovely guests and there is usually a great balance of chatter, fun, quiet contemplation and comoraderie.

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So many of our single guests come back time and time again, telling us what a wonderful experience they have had. Our ultimate aim is for you to have a wonderful holiday, and we really do promise that you will be made to feel very welcome, by friendly hosts and friendly fellow guests.

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You'll find an average of 6/7 to 10 guests on our holidays, and never more than 10 guests. We heartily recommend a small group and over the years we've discovered this is the perfect number for creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere, more like a fantastic friendly dinner party. It also means that we can enjoy the countryside without creating too much disturbance, preserving the magic of peaceful time out.

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You don't have to be super fit to do a walking holiday. So long as you are reasonably fit and do some regular gentle exercise then you can do a walking holiday. Foot Trails are about enjoying the countryside and we do not aim to rush, so there is plenty of time to stop and look at the scenery around you. Guests are often pleasantly surprised how they manage their walk with ease once in the company of a group when the pace is gentle, conversation kicks in and the scenery around you is inspirational!

If you are unsure please give Alison or David a ring or email us, and we will be happy to advise.

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There are a wide choice of trips, to suit different abilities and choices, from gentle 5 miles to longer 11 miles, some on the flat and some with a few hills. All the trails on the web site tell you how long they are, but if you would like advise on the terrain, just give us a call and we will work out the best walks for you together.

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All your trails are guided by David Howell. David is one of the regions top guides, and has won several awards. David has researched and designed all your trails based on an intimate local knowledge of the landscape, developed over the last 11 years. David has a passion and enthusiasm for the countryside and its fascinating stories and legends which he aims to inspire you with, telling you tales and snippets of history along the way. For more visit about foot trails.

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We walk! Rain is wonderful and besides when's the last time you walked in the rain? With the right gear it is a wonderful experience. It is rare for it to rain in England continuously, often a cloud will pass leaving sunshine and the smell of the freshly washed countryside. In your information pack before your trails there will be more details about the clothing you should bring with you. Of course we won't make you walk and we can always suggest something as an alternative plan for your day.

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You will be sent an information pack before your holiday which will give you guidance on what to bring with you. Walking does not need lots of essential pieces of equipment. The main requirement for your enjoyment is a comfortable pair of above ankle waterproof walking boots. In the summer it is possible to walk in shoes, but at all other times we recommend only waterproof above ankle walking boots.

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Excellent accommodation and food is essential to Foot Trails. Our co-founder Alison Howell has carefully chosen only the best local country Inns and country house hotels for your holidays. We strive for consistent standards, so that you can get to know what to expect when you come.

From a 14th century beamed and thatched Inn with award-winning food, to a ham-stone inn with antique slipper baths, and a country house hotel where you'll find hand-made bubble bath and freshly ground coffee in your room! Every Inn or hotel has true character and charm.

All our Inns and country house hotels are small and friendly and privately owned ,so you won't find your self in a large hotel or part of a chain. To be able to tell you about your accommodation with the confidence that can only come from first-hand experience, we have stayed in every Inn and hotel and eaten in each restaurant.

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At Foot Trails we believe the food you have on your holiday should be nothing less than excellent. Your meals will be freshly prepared and cooked by some of the regions top award winning chefs. Where you have special dietary requirements then these can always be accommodated. We include an option for full board where you can choose a 3 course meal, and this is arranged for you at a special price as a Foot Trails guest.

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No! For ultimate luxury you never have to carry your own lunch, and you'll always enjoy something delicious at a fantastic country pub or delightful cafe on route. No squashed sandwiches or picnics that have rattled around in your bag for several hours! A leisurely and civilised lunch each day, is included in your holiday price.

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• Relaxing stay in a fine country inn or country house hotel
• Leisurely breakfasts
• Freshly prepared lunch at a country pub on route
• A special experience, small friendly groups no larger than 10 guests
• Scenic walking along our own design trails
• Experience and care of our award-winning guide, David Howell
• Personal support in planning and arranging your trip
• No need to drive, all transport provided during your holiday
• Includes visits and entrance fees to places of interest
• Easy travel with door to door directions and travel advice
• Full information with a pack before you arrive
• Personal and attentive service
• No hidden extras!

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Foot Trails has experience organising holidays for groups from 4 guests to 25 guests. If you have a group of friends, colleagues or walking members, and would like to have the hassle of group organisation taken care of for you, let us know! We will organise a holiday at no extra charge, to take care of your requirements, leaving the organiser to enjoy the holiday as much as everyone else!

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Before your break with us you will be given a special information pack that will include full persoanlised directions to where you will be staying. If you are arriving by train or public transport then we can advise on the nearest local stations and help with booking a taxi to get you to your Inn. All of our Inns are easily accessible by public transport and are within 2 hours of London and The Midlands. For more visit So easy to get here.

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This entire web site and its content is copyright Foot Trails. Photographs, Alison and David Howell and with appreciation and thanks to Wiltshire Tourism, Somerset Tourism and in memory of Steve Day.
© Foot Trails 2006, walking holidays UK.