Bath, City & CountryIndependent (self-guided) holiday, staying in one place

Bath, City & CountryIndependent (self-guided) walking / hiking tour

Bath- such a rare place, a city in touch with its country setting. Bath, City & Country walking / hiking tour is both indulgent and down to earth. Nestled in a group of seven hills appealing views reach out to you from every corner of Georgian stone cornicing.

Experience the iconic sights this world heritage city has to offer, from the stunning Georgian architecture of crescents circus's and parades to the ancient, The Roman Baths and the thermal springs that rise right in the heart of the city. Then immerse yourself in the surrounding countryside, a world away with its plunging valleys, rivers, aqueducts & mills and charming villages full of old English character.

Foot Trails are a unique experience, tailor made walking trips and tours that take you off the beaten track to enjoy crowd free walks in the British landscape.

Contents

Highlights from the trail p5

Sample daily itinerary p7

Luxury character hotel p10

Included in your holiday p12

Prices & booking p15

“Just letting you know that we really enjoyed the first two walks in Bath and the Priory walk today. The guide notes were faultless and took us to some really interesting and beautiful places. We even made it back in reasonable shape!”Di & David, Australia

“Everything about our adventure in England was perfect – weather, accommodation, walks, food, and companionship. Foot Trails worked with us on arranging just the right walks, accommodation and transportation. I highly recommend them!”

Highlights from the trail

Tailored to suit you! Your walking / hiking trip will be tailored to suit you and the season. Trails fall into two daily length programs, shorter 5 to 7 mile trails or longer, up to 10 miles trails. 3 or 4 night itineraries are available all year round and 2 night breaks available from October to March.

Bath has drawn visitors for thousands of years. The earliest evidence shows our ancestors fist arrived here in 8000bc. The city itself claims to have been founded in 863bc when Prince Bladud founded the city in gratitude, he had bathed in the waters and been cured of leprosy.

Bath was then adopted by the Romans in the 1st century. Founding 'Aqua Sulis', Sulis would evolve to become the most important centre for relaxation and time out in the western Empire. Graced by elaborate temples and baths it was a sanctuary for the Romano-British.

Four nights is a good length to enjoy all our trails have to offer and allow for some free time to explore the city and museums. And we can extend your trip with more nights to include different experiences in the surrounding area such as The Cotswolds or Wiltshire if you wish.

Next page for more highlights...

Highlights include -

* Staying in an indulgent, small and super friendly hotel in Georgian Bath.

* Discover thousands of years of Celt, Roman and Georgian history in this world heritage city.

* Find mills and charming villages of mellow stone where once the early industry thrived.

* Find amazing examples of civil engineering from our past on the Kennet & Avon canal with its aqueducts,, locks and charming canal boats.

* Wander through the peaceful river Avon valley with its stunning pastures and green countryside views.

* Marvel at some of the finest 18th century Georgian architecture in Britain.

* Enjoy Prior Park landscape gardens and its view over the city, the abbey standing proud at its heart.

* Include time to visit the Thermae Bath Spa, Roman Baths or other museums if you wish.

* Enjoy delicious food & drink, pausing to sample a Bath Bun, Bath cheeses or try the local ales & beers or a locally brewed cider. You'll find recommendations in your Foot Trails walk & explore pack.

* By evening enjoy Bath's cosmopolitan atmosphere eating at some of the city's best restaurants, inns and pubs.

Sample daily itineraryEvery Foot Trail trip & tour is personalised and tailored. Here's an example itinerary but everything from 2 to 14 nights is possible.

Bath, City & Country is available from 2 to 4 nights as a 'staying in one place' independent holiday. It makes a great starting point for exploring more of the South West of England and can be incorporated into a longer itinerary.

Example 4 nights / 5 days itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive, relax and refresh

Arrive to Bath and your hotel, accessible with ease from London and Heathrow airport. Enjoy our complimentary short walk from the doors of the hotel to get to know the heart of the city. In the evening relax at the hotel, maybe enjoy an indulgent meal in the award winning restaurant or enjoy one of the recommended restaurants in your pack.

Day 2 - Out on the trail, "The Prior's View"

Enjoy breakfast prepared for you by the hotel, then step out on your trail.

Wander through the valleys and back to the city on this 7 mile trail, a perfect start. Along the way you will find the abandoned ruins of an 18th century canal, hard to imagine a 100,000 tons of coal once passing though this peaceful valley!

Onwards and over the hill to some of the best views of Bath in the gorgeous Prior Park (entrance required).

Once a country park for the Prior's of Bath it became a beautiful 18th landscape garden. Spend some time in the gardens then find yourself returning into the city on foot.

Return invigorated by a day exploring, refresh the enjoy dinner.

Day 3 - Explore the hidden side of the city - "A Georgian Wander"

Fresh coffee and breakfast, then time for a day of discovery in the "secrets" day!

Secret city! Explore the delights of Georgian Bath and find some lesser known spots. A city trail to discover the city, its architecture, parks and more. With recommended museums

and stops along the way. Spend all day on the trail pausing at the recommended museums - some free, some paid. A 4.5 mile walk with time then to explore the museums.

Or if you prefer, take the "Valley of the Freemen" for a longer country walk of "Secret Valleys".

Into some hidden gems that surround Bath on this walk you can discover a secret Tudor / Jacobean house perched in a forgotten valley. Learn more of the Battle of Bath in 1643 and then discover Bath's "Mother church" a gorgeous 12th century building. Jane Austen walked these valleys, mentioning to her sister in her letters green, picturesque & restful the valleys are. Truly inspiring. A 7 or 11 mile walk.

Back in the city, time to try another dining experience!

Day 4 - To the valleys - "Mills, Hills & Aqueducts"

After breakfast, time for a little train ride. The experience of heading out into the valley on the train is not one to miss. Once off the train it's time to explore the Avon Valley.

Many superlatives have been used to describe the valley here and it is truly marvellous. The river loops around whilst the canal cuts across the valley by two Aqueducts. There are delightful villages to find along the way and tucked away spots.

There is the story of Cronwell’s rest, Millers and their evening antics! Enjoy lunch in a canal side café before walking the meadows with sensational views of the city. A fitting end to a few days walking & exploring. A 10 mile or 8.5 mile walk.

A last evening then to dine in Bath, try the award winning hotel restaurant tonight! Or head into Bath for a English pint of beer.

Day 5 - Depart refreshed & inspired

Enjoy a lingering leisurely breakfast, maybe pop back into the city for some last shopping or sightseeing. Then pick up your luggage from the hotel and make your onward journey as you choose.

Luxury character hotelYou will be staying in a gorgeous independently owned character hotel in Bath. Central, so that you can enjoy all that Bath has to offer, yet tucked away in a quiet residential area of the city. The old Georgian buildings of the hotel date from 1717 and the hotel offers a small boutique style.

No two bedrooms are the same and they have all been furnished to be a home away from home and of course each has its own en-suite bathroom. As the hotel owner puts it "We think these rooms should make you feel perfectly at home, yet utterly indulged, all at the same time."

The hotel boasts a lovely garden, bar and to make things extra special an award winning restaurant (3 AA rosettes). And we'll include a list of all the other recommended restaurants and eateries to enjoy during your stay in Bath. Other facilities include a drawing room for relaxing, free Wi-Fi in the public areas and complimentary teas and coffees.

Included in your holidayInsider know-how at your fingertips

Our local knowledge and expertise in your own individual itinerary. Best days to explore certain places, good times to set off so you arrive for lunch, where to park. We make the suggestions, you decide.

Escape the hordes

Award-winning walking. Expertly crafted trails – well and truly off the well trodden trail. Inspiring and varied. We leave no stone unturned in the quest for your perfect walk.

Chilled out stays in an English country inn

Relaxation with peace of mind. Real ale, wine, passionately prepared food and creature comforts – all in delightful village locations.

Our hand-picked country inns are a much loved part of the Foot Trails experience.

Leisurely breakfasts

To set you up for the day – proper meaty bacon, freshly laid eggs, fresh ground coffee and more.

Discovery Trail Guides

Our innovative trail cards are robust and waterproof. They feature easy to follow directions, perfect whether you can map read or not. Local stories and legends are included to enjoy as you walk.

Proper full Scale Ordnance Survey Maps

Follow your progress for those who prefer to map read (your trails are clearly marked) and keep as a souvenir of your trip. We only use proper full scale maps, not photocopies.

Nature and wildlife

We love to inspire you in rural England’s natural world. It’s part of the adventure. Identify wildflowers, trees and animals with our complimentary nature guides included in your walk pack.

Lunch like a King

We meticulously plan your trails with a great lunch in mind. Stop at a country pub or buy a picnic on route, we’ll tell you how. Much better than carrying a squashed sandwich or a rumbly tummy.

Walking grades? Oh no!

We are often asked, why do you not grade your walks? We answer quite simply because a Foot Trail is all about enjoyment and not the physical challenge. We hope you will take the opportunity to stop and enjoy the views the villages the local churches and of course the lunch time pubs. Along the way you will find a mix of open country, some stiles and the odd hill, but never too many.

As we tailor all our itineraries it means we can find daily trails to suit you and can give you a mix of distances depending on your walking appetite.

Walk this way..

Foot Trails are different. We don't rely on the national trails, we use our local knowledge and expertise to create your trails and holiday. This means you will explore off the beaten track, discover places most don't know exist, and enjoy amazing sights and peaceful walking.

All our holidays & trails can be enjoyed with or without the use of a car and all transport during your holiday can be included for you.

If you have any questions just give us a call on +44 (0) 1747 820 626 and we will be pleased to help with your plans.

Where is Bath & Avon?

Bath & Avon is in the west country of South West of England. This historic country city borders the Cotswolds, Somerset and Wiltshire and is an area of outstanding natural beauty, a great place from which to tour south west England.

How to get here?

Bath, City & Country is located in north east Somerset. Travel is about 2½ hour drive from London by car. The nearest train station for arrivals is at Bath Spa, 90 minutes from London Paddington.

From further afield, the nearest airports are at Bristol, Birmingham and London Heathrow. Airport cars often make the most convenient transfer and we would pleased to help you with this.

Prices & Bookings

Prices inclusive of walk & explore pack for your walking with trail guide, maps and more, your en-suite accommodation, breakfasts and complimentary wine. Dinner options available. Based on two persons sharing a bedroom.

Bath City & Country (Staying in one place)

from £399 p/p b&b, 3 nights / 4 daysfrom £520 p/p b&b, 4 nights / 5 days

Winter Special – short breaks from just £259 p/p, 2 nights / 3 days. Available from 01 November to 31 March, excludes weekends. Subject to availability.

To book

Available all year (Subject to availability at your chosen hotel).

Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balances due 8 weeks before arrival.

Pay Pal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.

Contact us

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)056 0366 7087 (voip)Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

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

www.issuu.com/foottrailsUK

Office 1803 Edgar BuildingsGeorge StreetBathBA1 2FJ