Public Footpaths

Countless footpaths crisscross the English countryside

I am still in awe of the number of footpaths that crisscross the English countryside passing through farmer's fields, grazing cows, horses and sheep and even golf courses and horse racing tracks. Some blooms you won't want to miss:

• Bluebells (April - May) — They are a protected species and nearly half of the ancient bluebell woodlands are found in the UK.
• Rapeseed (late April) — Known as canola oil in the US, it is considered the new ‘British olive oil’. The view from the air is particularly stunning.
• Wild Garlic (March – May) — To make sure you are foraging* the right plant, take crush a leaf in your hand and inhale. The white star-shaped flowers are edible too.

While there are loads* of websites with maps of footpaths, finding ones that are near a great pub requires more effort. A few pubs places to start or end your hike, include:

• The Bell (Fetcham)
• The Derby Arms (Epsom)
• Medicine Garden (Cobham)
• Parrot Inn (Forest Green)
• Running Horses (Mickleham)

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