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Welcome
It was 21 years ago that David and I set out on one of our greatest adventures, starting Foot Trails. For all these years we have had the greatest pleasure of welcoming you, our guests from across the UK and around the world, showing you this special South West corner of England that we call home.
To mark and celebrate Foot Trails 21st year we wanted to offer you a celebratory guided walking experience. Based in a fantastic Cotswolds country inn with delicious food and a warm welcome, David and I look forward to welcoming you and walking the Cotswolds.
With just 10 places available please do reserve yours avoid disappointment.
Come and walk the beautiful Cotswolds and celebrat
With best wishes,
Alison Howell Founder
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The 2023 Guided Tour
Walking & Hiking The Cotswolds
09 -13 October 2023
A unique Foot Trail’s experience, taking in the sights, smells and tastes of Autumn in the Cotswolds on foot.
Time out in the countryside, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy rural English charm.
Staying 4 nights in one country inn with daily guided walks led by Foot Trails founders Alison & David Howell.
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Walking alongside founders Alison and David
The days will be led by talented storytellers and Foot Trail’s founders Alison and David Howell.
Their families have a long history in The Cotswolds. Many of Alison’s family farm in the county.
So with intimate local knowledge
they would love to take you off the beaten track, and show you everything wonderful about the Cotswolds.
Foot Trails adventure started 21 years ago with guided walking and Alison and David are thrilled to be returning to our roots.
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About The Cotswolds
They are undoubtedly famous, but allow us to take you off the beaten track and you’ll discover a more authentic, mellow and simpler Cotswolds, which we know and love. From its roots providing wool this county’s Cotswolds stone villages and countryside wait to be explored.
Discover ancient wool towns, admire Cotswolds stone walls, walk forest paths, village lanes and country hills. Escape the crowds with our local expertise and discover a more authentic side to the Cotswolds
How to get here?
Getting here is easy, the most convenient train station for arrivals is Charlbury, Oxfordshire. It’s about a 2 hour car journey from central London and around 1 hour from Birmingham.
The suggested international airport is London Heathrow which offers an easy transfer to London Paddington and trains to The Cotswolds. You could also arrive at Birmingham International.
We can also help with airport cars and local taxis to / from the train stations.
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About your accommodation
During your 4 night trip, you will be staying in The Swan Inn, Swinbrook. This is a delightful Cotswolds stone inn, a 19th century building on the banks of the River Windrush. It's a peaceful spot and the village oozes history and character. The bedrooms are in the converted stables and riverside house.
All rooms are superior and with an en-suite bathroom. And there is the option to upgrade to the suite.
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Included in your tour
❖ Welcome drinks and 3 course dinner upon arrival
❖ Accommodation for 4 nights at The Swan Inn, Swinbrook
❖ 3 days of guided walking with founders Alison and David Howell
❖ Enjoy a choice of cooked or continental breakfast each morning
❖ Sandwich lunches at country pubs during the walks
❖ 2 course dinners each night
❖ Transport to and from walk starting / end points
❖ One of our Welcome Boxes, containing your daily itinerary, snacks, nature guides and more useful information
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Your Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Monday 9th October - Arrive, Relax and Welcome
Arrive at The Swan Inn, in Swinbrook, and begin your Foot Trails adventure! Enjoy exploring your welcome box, and looking over the itinerary for the days to come. In the evening you can join welcoming drinks, hosted by Alison, David and Maggie Howell, followed by a 3 course dinner.
Day 2
Tuesday 10th October - ‘Dragons of Burford’
8½ mile hike / walk
Awake and enjoy breakfast. Alison and David will meet you for a chat about the day. We’ll then start our first trail from the doors of your inn.
We walk beside the wonderfully named River Windrush to a charming village, indulging in stories as we go. As we journey away from the River the view opens up before we plunge into the woods. Cotswold's charm awaits at the next village, and views to the spire at Burford. Tales of Golden Dragons and medieval graffiti. Lunch at the pub and then a riverside walk to return to our inn.
End the day with a two course dinner at The Swan.
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Day 3
Wednesday 11th October - ‘Hush, Listen to The Windrush’
9 mile walk / hike
Enjoy breakfast, we’ll gather and chat about our day and then take a short drive to the start of our trail.
Our trail starts by exploring the grounds of the estates of Lord Sherborne, views of the house and a wander in the old pleasure gardens slowly being consumed by nature. We skirt the water meadows and pass mills, then arrive at a charming Cotswolds village. Lunch at the riverside pub before crossing the high ground and finishing our trail with an explore of a Cotswolds village and drinks at the pub.
After refreshing at the pub we’ll take a short drive back to the Swan for your two course dinner.
Day 4
Thursday 12th October - ‘The Clapper Trail’
8½ mile walk / hike
Enjoy breakfast, we’ll gather and chat about our day and then take a short drive to the start of our trail.
The River Leach meanders through the valley and today’s trail weaves along the river. As we do we’ll cross the river multiple times, and for the courageous you can have a go at the stepping stones! We’ll enjoy lunch at the pub before our watery trail continues.
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Discover the tale, and legend, of the two churches just yards apart. We’ll take a short drive back to the inn at the end of our day.
We will end the day with a farewell two course dinner, joined by Team Foot Trails. A perfect time to share our adventures of the week.
Day 5
Friday 13 October 2023 - Time to depart
After your final breakfast, you can depart at your leisure, full of memories and tales of your adventures.
Don’t want to end your adventure here?
If you would like to add any additional nights stay, or a self-guided tour we’d be happy to arrange this for you.
You can find out about our self guided trails here;
https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays
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Prices and how to book your place
Price per person (for two sharing a room)
£1500
Price per person (for solo occupancy of a double room)
£1850
This tour is limited to just 10 places, please get in touch soon to avoid disappointment.
To book, please email Maggie Howell at maggie@foottrails.co.uk. A 25% deposit is required to confirm your place and balances will be due 8 weeks before your arrival date. Bank transfers and all major credit & debit cards are accepted.
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