Dorset Chalk And Cheese

Dorset Chalk And CheeseSmall Group Guided Walking Holiday

April 2016

Dorset Chalk And CheeseNorth Dorset, South West England Guided (escorted) walking / hiking tour

The perfect way to relax and enjoy spring. North Dorset's beautiful rolling landscapes are dotted with small picturesque villages and the surrounding sweeping chalk downs give magnificent views over stunning rural countryside.

The beauty of our escorted trips is two fold. First the size. We welcome just ten guests on our guided tours. It's relaxing, friendly and intimate. You won't be part of a group of 20 or 30 storming the countryside but one of a select number with space to enjoy your surroundings.

And secondly you will have expert guiding from Foot Trails David Howell. The opportunity to see places which lie off the beaten track and away from the crowded tourist spots. The sort of places that are real and genuine.

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 ■ FootTrails.co.uk+44 (0) 1747 820 626 ■ FootTrails.co.uk

At a glance...

Dorset Chalk And Cheese is available –

*Arriving Sunday 24 April 2016 for 4 nights

Standard classic bedrooms and superior bedrooms available. Places limited to 10 persons.

Walking distances and walking grades!

We are sometimes asked why we do not grade our walks? Simply because a Foot Trailis about enjoyment of the countryside. The terrain is easy to moderate with the odd hill but no challenging climbs or strenuous parts. A Foot Trail is not about racing from a to b but walking to enjoy the views, villages, churches and stories we encounter on the way. An average level of fitness is required.

Where & how to get here

Your holiday starts near Shaftesbury Dorset. By train the nearest train station is Gillingham Dorset a 15 to 20 minute taxi ride away. The nearest airports are Bristol, Birmingham and London Heathrow.

About the holiday

This is a small group escorted walking holiday with the care of your attentive hosts and guide Alison and David Howell. You will be met and welcomed by Alison and David on arrival to enjoy a delicious two course hot supper with wine.

After breakfast the following day you will set out with David to enjoy your first days walking. You will be walking an ancient area which borders both North Dorset and Wiltshire. An area called The Cranborne Chase which was the former royal hunting ground of King John.

At nearby Shaftesbury King Alfred felt it safe enough in the 9th century to build an abbey for his daughter. This Saxon hill top town holds much charm including the cobbled Gold Hill lined with thatched medieval cottages and a stunning backdrop of The Cranborne Chase.

And in the 19th century author Thomas Hardy was to fall under the spell of the area's countryside and beauty when its downs inspired him to write about Tess D'Urbervilles.

Lunch each day is taken on route, either stopping at a traditional country pub or enjoying one of our delicious picnic of local produced foods and drinks.

Following a days walking you will return to your country inn late afternoon ready to refresh with a bath or shower before your evening.


Including...

* Enjoy staying in an authentic small indulgent country inn which serves delicious local food and drink and is set in an historic English village.

* Discover thousands of years of history as you walk, from the earliest of beginnings of Neolithic history.

* Be inspired by the scenic rural landscapes that inspired the novelist Thomas Hardy.

* Enjoy far stretching views that make you smile, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

* Spend time in the Saxon town of Shaftesbury with its independent shops and cafes,Thomas Hardy’s ‘Shaston’.

* Enjoy exploring Shaftesbury Abbey ruins and finding out about the shrine of St Edward.

* Walk in the iconic rolling chalk down land of Wiltshire with its abundance of wild flowers, May a magical time in the rural calendar.

* Wander in gorgeous Dorset villages filled with thatched flint cottages.

“We had a great time on the guided walks and foundthat your knowledge of the history of the area reallyenriched our experience greatly. Neither Barbara or Ihad walked with a group before and we really enjoyed

everyone’s company.

We will certainly consider Foot Trails for any futurewalks and recommend you to our friends without

hesitation.”

Barbara & Blair, USA

The tour in detail…

Dorset Chalk And Cheese is a 4 night small group guided walking tour. With this luxury tour you will be staying in an indulgent country inn where great local food, real ales and a calming atmosphere make it a wonderful place to be.

If you wish to stay longer then we can arrange this for you with extra nights at the start or end of the trip.

The Itinerary -

Dorset Chalk and Cheese is a 4 night escorted guided walking holiday in the accompany of a small group and expert guide, arriving on Sunday 24 April 2016 for 4 nights.

If you wish to stay longer we can arrange for you to enjoy additional nights at either the start or end of your trip. We can also arrange airport transfers and assist you withyour travel plans. Please just ask. Here is your daily itinerary:

Sunday 24 April – Arrive, relax and refresh

Arrive into your North Dorset village and relax. You are free to check in anytime from 3pm but may like to arrive from lunchtime onwards as there is a short complimentary independent trail you can enjoy if you wish.

In the evening you will be met and welcomed by Alison and David Howell and enjoy a two course hot supper and wine (included in your holiday). A great chance to meet with your fellow guests and enjoy chatter and conversation over dinner.

Monday 25 April - View to the Vale - 8 miles

Following a leisurely country breakfast (how do you like your eggs?) it's out on the trail and into Thomas Hardy country. Soak up the beautiful Dorset landscapes. Pauseat Dorset's highest village, where ancient thatched cottages stand around the pond and the air is peaceful and still.

The curving chalk downs and nature reserve are filled with copious varieties of wild flower during spring. There are nine different wild Orchids, moss, lichens and grasses. Views extend to Shaftesbury (Shaston to Thomas Hardy fans).

And from the beacon (optional) the views become 360 degrees, you will feel like you are on top of the world. No other point of land you see will be higher than you, breath-taking sensation as you pick out villages, a derelict church, hamlets and Dorset's curvaceous landscapes.

Lunch is included at a country pub. A table will be booked for the group for dinner, at your discretion.

Tuesday 26 April - Dorset Villages - 8 miles

The villages of this area have something magical and grounding about them. In part this is due to their incredible length of history. Man has made his mark here for over 4000 years. Villages are filled with flint and plaster cottages with thatched roofs.

The atmosphere is timeless and relaxing and everywhere you look there are deeply beautiful views and scenes. It's a wonderful walk with lunch on route at a country pub and of course Foot Trails famous elevenses (hot tea, coffee and cookies on the way with a view).

Wednesday 27 April - Wilds of Win Green – 9 miles

Fresh coffee, English breakfast maybe? Then out on thetrail with David. Explore the area through which Hardy'sTess and Angel sought to avoid the police!

High on the Chase you will enjoy sweeping chalk downs, wildlife,village ponds and stories of The Cranborne Chase. In its history it has been infamousfor poachers who stole its deer. A wild area for centuries it once had its own laws andwas a dangerous and volatile place to be! Fear not, it is the sound of the wind you willhear today as you explore. Lunch included today at a country pub.

Thursday 28 April - Exploring the country town - 4 miles

Today we take a more leisurely day following our country breakfast and hop aboard our private mini coach for the scenic short drive to Shaftesbury, a charming country town. Set on a hill top an Abbey was founded here in the 9th century by King Alfred. Discover some of the best views in Dorset as you take in scenes over The Cranborne Chase where you walked earlier in the week and of Gold Hill, the cobbled street with medieval cottages.

We lunch together at one of the town's independent cafes before we bid you farewell for your return home.

Call+44 (0) 1747 820 626

Email [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Your indulgent country inn

Dorset Chalk and Cheese is a Staying in One Place walking tour. Perfect for relaxing time out. Somewhere you can call a home from home whilst enjoying delicious food and drink in our super comfortable surroundings. Bliss!

This Victorian building was opened in 1859. Rescued from near dereliction in 2008, the inn has been lovingly restored to its original glory. A comfortable interior awaits you inside the traditional red-brick, ivy-clad inn, with a beautiful open fire place and solid oak bar.

Chef does great food with a strong focus on sourcing ingredients from the local farms and estates as well as forging. There is a choice of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes and local ales and beers as well as great wines.


Included in your trip & tour

Insider know-how at your fingertips

Our expert local guides know your walks and the area inside out. Their focus is your comfort and enjoyment and also to share their passion and expertise for the area with you. Using their knowledge of local paths, villages, pubs & cafés you will explore off the beaten track and away from crowds. And always with a local tale or two to bring the landscapes and villages you see to life!

Chilled out stays in character hotels and English country inns

Relaxation with peace of mind. Your gorgeous country inn has character, an English village setting, fine wine, real ales, passionately prepared food and creature comforts.Our hand-picked country inns are a much loved part of the Foot Trails experience.

Small groups - relaxed experience

Our groups don’t have more than 10 guests. They are small, relaxed and fun. We know many of you don’t like a group holiday feel and we would rather give you a holiday that feels like a group of friends. Guests love our relaxed atmosphere.

Travel in style

Sometimes we need to travel to and from the start of your walks to experience the best an area has to offer. When we need to do this we arrange your travel in private mini coaches and this is included in the price of your trip.

Leisurely breakfasts

To set you up for the day – proper meaty bacon, freshly laideggs, fresh ground coffee and more! (if you would like it)

Lunch like a King

We meticulously plan your trails with a great lunch in mind.Stopping at a country pub, your lunch and a drink is included in your holiday price. Much better than carrying a squashed sandwich or a rumbly tummy.

In detail your trip will include -

* 4 days guided walking led by local expert, guide and trail creator, David Howell.

* Welcome box with advice on getting the most from your trip, souvenirs and more.

* 5 night stay in a luxury character country inn in an en-suite bedroom

* Transport by private coach to and from walk as needed during your tour.

* Welcome drinks and 2 course evening meal with Alison Howell, founder of Foot Trails when you arrive.

* Full breakfast included every morning, fresh tea & coffee and how do you like your eggs?

* Lunches on 4 days, 3 pub lunches and 1 in a café in Shaftesbury.

* Elevenses and afternoon tea, it is a holiday after all!

* Entrance to Shaftesbury Abbey ruins & museum.

Call+44 (0) 1747 820 626



Your guide & companions

Dorset Chalk & Cheese is a guided tour for a small group of no more than 10 guests. We like our groups to be small, relaxed and fun. We don't force you together, we like there to be the social side but still enough room for you to feel independent. We welcome guests from all over the world, couples, friends and solo travellers.

Your trip will be led by passionate south west local David Howell.

David is a walking expert, trail creator and tour guide. Having lived in the West Country all his life he has not only an immense local knowledge but is also an enthusiastic story teller, and local historian, able to bring the landscapes and histories of the West Country to life for guests.

“The walk was led by David, and his passion for the history and geography of this beautiful part of England was obvious. He was very much in tune with the group and his judgement about how much information to provide was spot on for the interests and knowledge of the participants. The scenery was stunning, and we came across numerous picture postcard perfect villages amongst the beautiful rural panoramas. The welcome dinner hosted by Alison before the first day’s walk enabled the participants to get to know each other, and thegroup quickly bonded. We all agreed how much fun it had been, and were all impressed with the professionalism, expertise and warmth of both David and Alison.”

Yvonne & Roger, Australia+44 (0) 1747 820 626 ■ FootTrails.co.uk+44 (0) 1747 820 626 ■ FootTrails.co.uk

Prices & bookingsPrices inclusive as detailed above. Prices based on two personssharing a bedroom, solo traveller places available please just ask.

Places limited to just 10 persons.

Dorset Chalk & Cheese

Sunday 24 April 2016 for 4 nights

Classic bedroom (a little smaller but perfectly formed indulgence)from £775 p/p half board plus 1 welcome dinner, 5 nights

Superior bedroom (most spacious and indulgent bedrooms)from £895 p/p half board plus 1 welcome dinner, 5 nights

To bookCall +44 (0) 1747 820 626 we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balance due 8 weeks before arrival.

Pay Pal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.

Call+44 (0) 1747 820 626


+44 (0) 1747 820 626 ■ FootTrails.co.uk


Contact us

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)056 0366 7087 (voip)[email protected]

www.FootTrails.co.ukwww.facebook.com/foottrailswww.twitter.com/foottrailsUKwww.issuu.com/foottrailsUK

The Studio16 Abbey ChurchyardBathBA1 1LY

Pictures: All pictures copyright Alison & David Howell.

Dorset Chalk And Cheese

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