Landscapes and Seascapes

Landscapes & Seascapes of Dorset

Trail story…

For me and my family this area of south Dorset and the coast has long been a go to escape. The rolling green countryside of Wessex meets the seas, creating stunning views, coupled with a laid back feel to life, it is quite simply charming.

This inn to inn journey celebrates that sense of walking through the creases and folds of the land, catching a glimpse of the sea as you go, before arriving to the beach and exploring all things coastal. There's tales of smugglers and the trades of the sea, as well as the richness of the green landscape.

Along the way explore character villages, tucked away and off the beaten path spots, old market towns and 1000's of years of history. A visit here would not be complete without a stay beside the beach, and that's included too.

Read on to learn more about our Landscapes & Seascapes adventure.

Warm regards,

Alison & David Howell Founders

Welcome to Landscapes & Seascapes

Landscapes and Seascapes is an inn to inn walking trail over 6 or 8 nights (or combined with our Wessex trails for a longer adventure).

Walking across the landscape is an exhilarating experience of rural tranquility and breathtaking views. We love this little corner of Dorset for its step back in time feel and its laid back slow pace of life.

From 20 miles inland distant views to the sea, then journey through the folds and creases of the land to stand on the beach. Along the way charming Dorset villages, babbling streams, ancient mills and the tales abound of smugglers, coast guards and ships.

No visit to the coast would be complete without staying beside the sea with a view from the bedroom window. Explore the beach and the sound of the waves as dusk falls, and everyone else has gone home!

Contents

Example Itinerary p5

Walking (the Foot Trails way) p12

Trail Highlights p13

Where you stay p15

What's included p16

Where & getting here p18

Prices & Booking p20

Example daily itinerary…

Everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, chosen with care and intent for you. Through our deep, local knowledge we custom make your walking trip.

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.

We have created this example itinerary as an outline for the best Landscapes & Seascapes experience.

Day 1 - Arrive & Relax

Arrive today. Settle in and enjoy the atmosphere of the setting. We'll include a short walk so you can get to know the area around and catch a glimpse of the coast!

Enjoy your evening whilst browsing through your 'Walk & Explore' box and getting to know your itinerary for the coming days.

Day 2 - To A Manor Combe

Set out from the doors of the hotel to enjoy a ramble around the hills and catch views of the coast. The honey coloured stone of the area is delightful and the old Dorset Manor houses are beautiful. This walk takes us past two ancient manors. Tales abound from the region, from the civil war to catholic martyrs. One of the manor houses is the home of the Earl of Sandwich and if you wish you can explore the delightful gardens. The route then leads you to sensational views and through the deer park before returning to the hotel on foot.

Day 3 - Far From the Madding Crowd

You have the option of starting from the doors of the hotel or being dropped at the start of your trail, your luggage taken onward (included). This is ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ territory, the land creases and folds in a series of small valleys where spring rise and rivers form, dotted with tucked away farming communities. Explore a 17th century water mill and its curiosities, before your trail leads to the coastal market town of Bridport, your hub for the next few days of exploring.

Day 4 - Swans and Abbots

Start your day with an optional visit to the Sub Tropical Gardens at Abbotsbury or skip on by for a walk to the iconic ruined church tower perched on the knoll with stunning views of the coast. Stroll about Abbotsbury and discover more of this beautiful Dorset town, famous for its Swannery, The Fleet (iconic inland water), Chesil beach, seaside views, it's all rather lovely! Then climb to an ancient hill fort and enjoy some of the best views on the Dorset coast. Finish beachside where you will be met by the drop off service to return you to the hotel.

Day 5 - A Greek Myth

From the doors of the inn make your way to the iconic Symondsbury Hill before picking up the old smugglers tracks that criss-cross this area, it’s still moody and atmospheric here today. Discover the big Greek Myth before enjoying a lovely tea room (indulge!). Then it's a gentle climb to discover views along the coast as far as you can see. Follow the coast and arrive at your overnight inn at the foot of the hill beside the beach.

“We loved every second of it. Just a great experience, beautifully presented and curated.“

- Robin, USA

Day 6 - Golden Cap

Set out from your inn and walk in gorgeous rolling green countryside with uninterrupted views down to the sea. Discover the story of the Chideock Martyrs. Coastal views and more coastal views, abandoned churches and a climb down to the cove if you wish. Finish with a climb to the top of Golden Cap, the south coast highest sea cliff. It’s a coastal trail all the way back to your inn (returning on foot).

Day 7 - Time to Depart

At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of treasured memories from your adventures.

Walking, the Foot Trails way

We are passionate about the experience of walking, the sense of journey, and the wellbeing from time spent outside. Wandering the landscape at 2mph allows time to observe the world around us, connect with nature, and to slow down.

This little corner of Dorset is where the sweeping chalk downs find their edge, the geology turned on its head in creases and folds that make the Jurassic Coast. There's more rise and fall here, and naturally on the coast path you are at times by the sea and at other times atop the cliff. A little more effort but the rewards are mighty grand.

Daily walking trails range from 8 to 12 miles, and your itinerary consultant can help to customise the walks to best suit your preferred distances. To us it's nice to feel like you have done something, the sense of achievement, but not so much that the thought of another day is off putting.

To help you find your way we provide local maps and word directions on our trail cards. They are tried and tested, by our team and produced on tough waterproof paper to withstand the elements.

Trail highlights

* See Mapperton House, a Jacobean manor, and explore the gardens

* Enjoy panoramas over a natural world heritage site, The Jurassic Coast

* West Bay harbour with its boats and scenes from Broadchurch (TV)

* Stand atop the highest sea cliff on the south coast, ‘Golden Cap’

* Enjoy pretty Dorset thatched cottages & villages

* Stay within a stone’s throw of the sea (to enjoy when everyone else has gone home!)

* The crunch of pebbly chesil beach beneath your feet and the rhythmic wash of the waves

* Enjoy tales from a wealth of human history spanning 5000 years

* And the odd tale or two of smuggling, aha me hearties!

Where you stay... personally chosen

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. Centuries old, the buildings provide 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.

On the Landscapes & Seascapes inn to inn trail you will stay in a different country inn every two days, giving you the opportunity to walk and explore the locality deeply before moving on.

Enjoy a 14th century former priest's house, a Georgian House with tradition and style, and a classic inn just seconds from the sea.

You will receive full details of our suggested accommodation with your itinerary when we confirm availability of your trip.

What’s included…

* A tailored itinerary to suit you and the season

* Our services in arranging your itinerary

* Our support in preparing for your trip, and on call support during your trip

* Accommodation for 6 nights, bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms

* Country breakfast to set you up each day

* Transport drop off services if required for your itinerary

* Luggage transfers between your country inns

* A comprehensive Walk and Explore box, posted for your arrival & including:

* Local maps with your trails clearly marked (on 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 hand picked country pubs or cafes (lunch not included)

* Snacks, nature guide, guest booklet, local information and more

“ We had a wonderful time! The inn-to-inn hiking adventures were beautifully planned and meticulously charted. “

- Joe, USA

Where & getting here

Dorset's Jurassic Coast is a Unesco World Heritage site and our Landscapes & Seascapes of Dorset trail take place in West Dorset not far from the border with Devon.

How to get here?

For your arrival the nearest train station is at Crewkerne, served by direct trains (no changes) from London Waterloo. For your departure, the nearest train station is at Axminster, served by direct trains (no changes) to London Waterloo.

If you prefer we can arrange a chauffeured car to and from your inn to the airport or other locations.

Start your Foot Trails adventure!

Example Pricing

Everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, chosen with care and intent for you. Therefore each trip is quoted individually, and will vary from the example pricing below.

An 6 night Landscapes & Seascapes itinerary starts from £1590 per person (based on 2 people sharing a room).

* Twin (2 x single beds)bedroom options available

* Solo's welcome (solo supplements apply)

* Groups (4+), returning guests, and winter discounts offered

Booking your Foot Trail

If you would like to start your Foot Trails adventure; call us on +44 (0) 1747 820 626 or email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

Prior to booking we email confirmation of your itinerary, accommodations and details for your 25% deposit. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Balances are due 8 weeks before arrival. We accept all major credit cards and bank transfers.

“I have described it to people as five of the best days in my life. We loved every second of it. Just a great experience, beautifully presented and curated.“

Robin, NY, USA

“I can't express how good the experience was. The team at Foot Trails was great. They listened to what we wanted to do and planned the perfect trip for us.”

Steve, Australia

You can read more reviews from our guests on our tripadvisor page –www.tripadvisor.com/foottrailsUK

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