I recently did my first ever barefoot trail accompanied by four youngsters and I am a convert! We had so much fun walking barefoot along the prepared trail experiencing smooth wood, gravel, sand, cobblestones, logs, grass, flowing water and the children's' favourite – squelchy black mud – along the trail. Sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are the best!
National Trust's first ever Barefoot Trail at Godolphin
The National Trust property of Godolphin near Helston is the first NT estate to permanently install a novel Barefoot Trail. It was opened by renowned barefoot podiatrist Steve Bloor in April 2013. He is a firm believer in barefoot walking, as nature intended, and sees it as a great tonic for healthy feet.
Designer by local ranger, Julie Hanson, the varied trial was created without disturbing the historic fabric of the estate. “Bare feet have a gentler foot print, and this theme of treading lightly on the earth runs through the whole barefooting experience at Godolphin,” she says.
The Barefoot Trail at Godolphin is very eco-friendly. It was produced from natural products, reclaimed timber and recycled fabric such as shoes & bags along with reusable water for rinsing off dirty feet at the end of the course. Along the way you will find logs, tickly fir cones, soft sand and gritty gravel to allow children to differentiate between smooth, soft, prickly or tickly surfaces.
If you fancy reconnecting with nature and doing something crazy as a family, the Godolphin Barefoot Trail should definitely tick all the boxes.
More fun walks at Godolphin
The lovely Godolphin estate has plenty of more orthodox walks for visitors too. There are six miles of country walking trails around this historic estate which takes in mine ruins and archaeological features. Dogs are allowed on the footpaths as long as they are kept on a lead. Car parking and entrance to the estate is free, but there are modest charges for tours of the house and gardens.
My tip for visitors is to pick up the Hidden History Trail sheet from reception and enjoy a choice of lovely walks around the estate ranging from two to five miles in length. They take you past fields of grazing cattle, rolling Cornish hills, stunning views and ancient woodland which is home to over 200 species of birds. In summer, the meadows and hedgerows are full of wild flowers which attract some rare butterflies.
Godolphin's Family Treasure Trail
Another fun way to enjoy exercise as a family is on the Family Treasure Trail which is free to participate in with normal admission. Clues will have everyone hunting high and low for a Tudor boy's hat, a grooming brush for horses and different scented herbs. The end of the trail is a treasure chest where children can dress up as a king or queen – a great photo opportunity!
Once you have explored this beautifully located Cornish estate, curiosity will probably get the better of you and you will want to see what's behind those grand front doors. Guided tours take place every day at 11am and 2pm – just turn up and join in. The King's Room is one of the highlights and always has an interesting display of exhibits, usually relating to the estate or to life in Cornwall.
Quite a few attractions in the UK have installed Barefoot Trails. Have you ever done one? Do let us know where else we can find these fun barefoot walks with nature.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.
Wow, I’ve never experienced a barefoot trail. It seems fun enough coz they ready the track, dirt, mud, sand, grass. I would like to try it out or find one closer to home.