Somerset Knights Quest

Somerset Knights Quest Independent (self-guided) walking holiday Taster Break – Short Break Staying in One Place

“It was wonderful. We were looked after brilliantly from when we were researching right through until the very end.�

Maggie, London

Welcome & trail story

by Alison Howell We love Somerset for its relaxed, unhurried, rural feel. An ancient place that is steeped in myth, legend and history. Somerset takes its name from some of its early people, the summer people (the summer set).

The south of Somerset where our trail is located, is quiet, gentle and steeped in history. Take our Quest to discover an abbey with Saxon origins, where some of the first Kings of Wessex lie buried. A bronze age hill fort once large enough to host an entire army and, of course, who can ignore the whispers and rumours that this was once King Arthur's Camelot.

The trail can be enjoyed as a 3 or 4 night stay. Weave between rolling hills, sweeping views and swaying grasses, this is a fabulous experience in a beautiful part of South West England.

Read on to learn more about our Somerset Knights Quest trail.

Warm regards, Alison Howell Founder & Director

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About Somerset Knights Quest This taster break is where you stay in one place - each day enjoy a different and varied walking trail and return to your host inn at the end of the day. The trail is great for a short relaxing break or those new to walking & hiking on multiple days.

Somerset Knights Quest is set on the Somerset / Dorset borders, not far from the ancient town of Sherborne. Somerset, land of the Summer people, is steeped in history and a little legendary mystique, from beautiful villages to dramatic castle ruins, big views and tales of knightly chivalry.

On our walks you will enjoy some wonderful contrasts and variety. You will walk on pastures, through villages and explore ancient hill forts.

Woodlands, babbling brooks and sweeping curving hills, there's a peace and tranquillity about the landscape we are sure you will enjoy.

Read on for a pick of the highlights.

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Contents Our pick of the highlights

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Where & getting here

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Sample daily itinerary

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Where you stay

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Trail derails & prices

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Booking your trail

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Our pick of the highlights * Explore historic 'ham' stone villages with their gorgeous stone cottages. * Enjoy beautiful rural views to a distant Glastonbury Tor. * Visit the site of an ancient bronze age fort, once large enough to house an entire army. * Follow the pilgrim's trail towards Sherborne, market town. * Marvel at the sights and acoustics of Sherborne Abbey, where some of the first Kings of Wessex lie buried. * Walk around not one, but two castles. * See beautiful and historic Montacute House with its charming gardens * Taste wonderful local produce including cheeses, meat, preserves and breads. * Try the wonderful, locally produced, ciders!

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Where & getting here Somerset Knights Quest is in the South Somerset region. This area is a rich agricultural area with lush grazing and famed dairy industry. Dotted around the villages are also orchards for the traditional Somerset tipple of cider.

How to get here?

The trail begins near Sherborne, Dorset (but in Somerset!).

The nearest train station for arrivals is at Sherborne, Dorset. Travel is approximately 2Ÿ hours from London Waterloo. The journey time by car, about 2½ hours from London.

The suggested international airport is London Heathrow which offers an easy transfer and around two hours to the start of the trail. There are also regional airports at Southampton, Bristol and Exeter.

Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we can arrange this for you.

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Sample daily itinerary...

We have created this suggested itinerary as an outline for the optimum Quest in Somerset.

You will find the mileages & prices for this itinerary in the ‘Trail details & prices’.

Custom Itinerary Service 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 days - change the daily walk distances.

Day 1 - Arrive & Relax Arrive in Somerset and your Foot Trails adventure! Take a little time to settle in and for those that wish take today's short introductory trail to get to know the local area.

Day 2 - On a Quest!

Today's trail offers inspiring walking filled with pastoral views of rural England. Up on the ridge the vistas stretch dreamily for miles across the Yeo valley. You can explore historic ham stone Somerset villages with their gorgeous cottages and wander inside the rare 13th century church. At the hill fort of Cadbury the views from the top extend all the way across Somerset to a distant Glastonbury Tor. Is this Camelot? Return to the inn on foot.

Day 3 - To the heart of Wessex (Drop off service included) There are great views, rolling hills and tales of two castles on this trail.

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You will arrive into the old market town where you can explore and enjoy the cafes and if you wish to, walk around the castles which is well worth doing. The abbey is world renowned and another place well worth a visit. Founded by St Aldhelm in AD 705 the abbey has developed from a Saxon cathedral. Then it’s across the countryside, curving hills and gorgeous views back to the inn on foot.

Day 4 - Legend of the Holy Cross (Transport to and from the trail can be included or use your own car) Discover the legend of the Holy Cross, a mythical, religious stone unearthed from the hill here at Montacute. Your trail leads to a charming ‘Ham Hill’ village with pretty cottages, medieval, roses around the door and fine church, a gem indeed! In the afternoon return to Montacute to visit the house & gardens.

Day 5 - Depart at your leisure At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures.

Walks / hikes lengths?

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.

The trail mileages (kms) are summarised in the ‘Trail Details’ and range from your 7.5 to 9 miles a day. On some days there are options to shorten / lengthen trails.

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“Thank you, Foot Trails, for a superbly organised walking holiday in Somerset and Dorset. Your attention to detail was much appreciated as I followed your precise instructions and useful map.�

Barbara, USA

Where you stay personally chosen 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.

We know our guests will be well cared for at this sumptuous, award-winning country inn.

Set in a small village with a church, you are well placed to step out and enjoy the views. The 18th century building houses 8 beautifully decorated bedrooms where you can rest your head and refresh. By evening enjoy award winning freshly produced local and seasonal food.

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

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Trail details & prices Details for the sample 4 night itinerary Best start day: Daily miles:: Grade: Arrival train station:

Monday, staying for 4 nights 2 - 9 - 8.5 - 7.5 – depart Easy to moderate, walking with some ascents & descents Sherborne, Dorset (for Somerset!)

Winter: April & October: May & September: June to August:

Standard - £310 p/person // Superior - £335 p/person Standard - £365 p/person // Superior - £395 p/person Standard - £420 p/person // Superior - £455 p/person Standard - £390 p/person // Superior - £425 p/person

Weekend supp: +£35 p/person Transport Montacute: +£50 p/person Prices are based on 2 persons sharing a bedroom. Twin (2 x single beds) bedroom options available. Solo's welcome (solo supplements apply). 3 night stays start from £240 per person.

Group discounts (4+) and returning guests thank you discounts offered.

Customise your itinerary 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.

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What is included? * 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, double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms * Country breakfast to set you up each day * 3 days of independent walking with a tailored itinerary to suit you and the season * Transport drop off services if required for your itinerary * 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 hand picked country pubs or cafes (lunch not included) * Foot Trail’s famous fortifying sweets, nature guide, guest booklet, local information and more

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Booking your trail 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 01747 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 ÂŁ125 per person. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Balances are due 8 weeks before arrival. We accept all major credit cards, PayPal and bank transfers.

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Words from our guests “We LOVED our trip, and would book again, and recommend to family and friends.

Wonderful, beautiful days, beautiful countryside.”

Adrienne, Renne & Bunny “Very enjoyable with excellent organisation, I was impressed with the quality of all the services that were used.”

Annette “Thoroughly enjoyable 3 days of walking with all the hassle taken out of organising a break away. I have walked the South West Coast Path, Cotswolds Way, South Downs Way and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. My first experience with having all the arrangements done for me, a real treat.”

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

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Why a Foot Trail?

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.

Simple - Crafted – Authentic The press say: "One of the 7 Adventure Vacations you need to take in your lifetime."

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.

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Bookings & contacts Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a £125 per person deposit will be payable. Bank transfers, PayPal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.  +44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)  Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

 www.FootTrails.co.uk www.facebook.com/FootTrails www.instagram.com/FootTrailsUK

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