Independent (self-guided) walking holiday
Inn to Inn / Historic City to Ancient Town
“Thankyou,wehadareally lovelywalkingholiday. Relaxing,refreshing, rejuvenating,interesting, FUN. Wehadatruly wonderfultime! ”
Sheri&Steve,USA
Bath is a special place, a country city surrounded by gorgeous rolling green countryside, stunning architecture and old villages. Myself, David and our family lived here for nearly a decade and we never tire of the views over Bath and the River Avon from the surrounding hills.
The Bath & Avon Valley trail is all about giving you the sense of connection between the city, the history and stories of the area and countryside that abounds.
This is very much a country trail with time to enjoy the city too! Many superlatives have been used to describe this part of the Avon Valley, due to its intense natural beauty. The river loops around and flows, with wildlife and green pastures along its banks. There are delightful villages to find along the way with charming stone cottages and tucked away spots.
Warm regards
Alison Howell Founder & DirectorIf there is something such as a country city then surely Bath is it. Surrounded by wooded hills, graced by beautiful bath stone buildings, the River Avon flowing through, it's a stunning spot.
We love all the architecture and the rich history of Bath but also the countryside that sits on its doorstep. Journey along the River Avon valley to ‘mini Bath’ to discover quiet valleys, tucked away villages, stories of mills, wool & weaving, canals and water, castles, manors & gardens.
There’s a real sense of discovery to this Foot Trail.
Read on for a pick of the highlights. Contents
Where you stay
Prices & booking
Booking your trail
* Admire beautiful Georgian town houses built in the late 1700’s
* Walk in green countryside with beautiful valleys and hills
* Opportunity to visit the Roman baths with their warm thermal waters
* Explore the waterway of the Kennet and Avon canal and the winding river Avon, rich in wildlife
* Taste delicious local foods including the famous Bath bun, Bath artisan cheeses, chocolates and freshly baked artisan breads from local bakers
* Explore a gorgeous Italianate garden set amongst a picturesque valley
* Learn tales of a 14th century castle as you wander in its ruins, the iconic gatehouse and turrets still stand
* Explore the paths that meander up the hill amongst the weavers cottages of Bradford on Avon
* A unique chapel that dates from Saxon times gives a glimpse back to a time that was the foundation of many of our villages and rural English life
Bath & The Avon Valley is in the west country of England. Bordering The Cotswolds, Somerset & Wiltshire it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. With a history stretching from Celtic times all the way to the Georgian splendour of the spa, it is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The trail begins in Bath, North East Somerset.
The nearest train station for arrivals is at Bath Spa. Travel is approximately 90 minutes from London Paddington. The journey time by car, about 2½ hours from London.
The suggested international airport is London Heathrow which offers an easy transfer to London Paddington and around two hours to the start of the trail. There is also a regional airport at Bristol with a direct bus link to Bath.
Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we can arrange this for you.
We have created this suggested itinerary as an outline for the optimum Bath & Avon Valley trail. You will find the mileages & prices for this itinerary in the ‘Trail details & prices’.
If the suggested itinerary; lengths of stay, arrival day, daily mileages are not right for your plans, we can customise an itinerary to you. You can choose your preferred dates - start on any day of the week - stay for how long you wish - include rest dayschange the daily walk distances.
Arrive today. Settle in and enjoy the atmosphere of the setting. To help you make the most of your time in Bath we have created this trail especially to include both the famous and well known sights as well as the lesser known. You will discover and be able to stop at museums and historic sites as you wish on the way.
A delightful wander through the valleys and back to the city. Along the trail you will find the abandoned ruins of an 18th century canal, hard to imagine a 100,000 tons of coal once passing through this peaceful valley. Then over the hill to some of the best views of Bath in the gorgeous Prior Park. Arrive back to your hotel on foot.
(Luggage transfer included) Many superlatives have been used to describe this part of the Avon Valley, due to its intense natural beauty, and it is truly marvellous. The river loops around and flows with wildlife and green pastures along its banks whilst the canal cuts across the valley by two Aqueducts. Beautiful coloured barges can be seen drifting along the canal. There are delightful villages to find along the way with charming stone cottages and tucked away spots. Arrive at your next inn on foot and enjoy the change of scene.
There's a humble feel to today's trail as you explore along the River Frome valley. Along the way time to pause at a 14th century castle, for over 300 years home to the Hungerford family. Then it's to the tranquil setting of Iford, passing sites of abandoned monasteries and the finery of the 18th century. Return to the inn on foot.
At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures.
Our approach to walking is very much about enjoyment, something achieved but not too much that you are not excited to do it again! When we put together the trails we plan them with a day out in mind, a few hours walking a nice place to pause for lunch such as a pub or cafe, then a couple of hours walk in the afternoon.
Where you stay is a key part of your Foot Trail & experience. One of the reasons guests choose Foot Trails is for our choice and quality of accommodation.
The country inns and country pubs where you stay are small, personal and friendly with excellent hospitality. Each one is in an English village with comfortable bedrooms and delicious local food and drinks to enjoy with dinner after your walk.
Alison, Foot Trails founder, chooses each inn personally. Centuries old, each building provides a relaxing and authentic setting in which you can kick off your boots and eat dinner at the end of an inspiring day on the trail.
During your Bath & The Avon Valley trail you will stay at 2 hand-picked hotels that celebrate what the area is all about. One is a collection of Georgian town houses forming this elegant & modern hotel. A little grandeur is required when staying in Bath after all! The second is a riverside inn & restaurant where bedrooms gaze out on the river & church, once a dye house it has character and charm.
You will receive full details and website addresses of our suggested accommodation with your itinerary when we confirm availability of your trip.
Details for the sample itinerary
Best start day: Monday, staying for 4 nights
Daily miles: 4.5 – 8 – 12 (or 7) – 8.5 - depart
Grade: Moderate, walking with some steeper ascents & descents
Arrival train station: Bath Spa, Somerset
May & September: Standard - £905 p/person // superior - £1045 p/person
June to August: Standard - £860 p/person // superior - £995 p/person
April & October: Standard - £815 p/person // superior - £945 p/person
Prices based on 2 persons sharing a bedroom. Twin (2 x single beds) bedroom options available. Solo's welcome (solo supplements apply).
If the itinerary featured, lengths of stay, arrival day, daily mileages are not right for your plans, we can customise an itinerary to you. You can choose your preferred dates - start on any day of the week - stay for how long you wish - include rest days - change the daily walk distances.
Prices for custom itineraries are quoted per trip and will vary from the prices quoted above.
* Our services in arranging your itinerary
* Our guest support in preparing for your trip, and on call support during your trip
* Accommodation for 4 nights, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
* Country breakfast to set you up each day
* 4 days of independent walking with a tailored itinerary to suit you and the season
* Transport drop off services if required for your itinerary
* Luggage transfers between your inns
* A comprehensive Walk and Explore box, posted to your home address
Including:
* Local maps with your trails clearly marked (on our fully waterproof paper)
* Innovative trail cards, one for each day, with clear easy to follow directions in word (on waterproof paper)
* Trail cards also include local histories and stories to enjoy and read as you explore
* Suggested departure times so that you don't miss lunch, recommended lunchtime stops at country pubs or cafes (lunch not included)
* Foot Trail’s famous fortifying sweets, nature guide, guest booklet, local information and more
If you would like help choosing the best trail for you then call us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk. We plan, write and create all our own walking trails and are here to offer you our expert advice.
If the trails featured, arrival days or lengths of stay are not right for you, you can choose your preferred dates and start on any day of the week. We will create a custom itinerary for you based on your preferences. Prices for custom trips are quoted per trip and vary from the prices quoted in the brochure.
You can make your booking by calling us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or if you prefer you can email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk.
We will ask you a few details to enable us to make a reservation for you. We will then be able to confirm the availability of your trail. Due to the crafted nature of our trails there may be a day or two's wait while we contact our inns and hosts.
We will email you with confirmation of your itinerary, accommodations and details for your deposit of 25% per person. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Balances are due 8 weeks before arrival. We accept all major credit cards and bank transfers.
“Whatawonderfultrip.Basedonafriend'srecommendationIcontactedFootTrails. FromthemomentIspoketothemIfeltwelcome,caredforandwellinformed.” Gayle, Toronto, Canada
“Ican'texpresshowgoodtheexperiencewas.TheteamatFootTrailswasgreat. Theylistenedtowhatwewantedtodoandplannedtheperfecttripforus.”
Steve, Australia
“We simply had a lovely time on our Foot Trails holiday. Every day brought new discoveries, beautiful vistas, solitude and a sense of peace”.
Joan, MD, USA
You can read more reviews from our guests on our tripadvisor page – www.tripadvisor.com/foottrailsUK
A Foot Trail avoids the formulaic nature, crowds and predictability of mass tourism and focuses instead purely on the quality of your experience. Take a Foot Trail and you will explore deep beneath the surface.
You will walk and hike in real and authentic places. Enjoy real, not manufactured tourism moments. Shared conversations with a local person, the stillness of time spent in beautiful landscapes and the joy of encountering stories and moments from England's past.
Three words describe a Foot Trail perfectly.
The press say:
"Oneofthe7AdventureVacationsyouneedtotakeinyourlifetime."
JetSetter.com, 2019
Foot Trails are one of England's best loved regional walking travel companies. We work within our local community, crafting walking experiences from scratch, aiming for a positive outcome for us all.
Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 25% person deposit will be payable. Bank transfers and all major credit & debit cards accepted.
+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)
Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
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