Program 678: Hiking in England; British Footnotes; High Tea in London

Two English tour guides discuss a time-honored way to enjoy the British countryside: "rambling" along Britain's well-marked system of hiking trails. Then author Peter Fiennes describes his cross-country journeys in the footsteps of great British writers, and what his travels revealed about how much the UK has changed in recent years. And Rick learns about the rightfully revered tradition of afternoon tea — and the best places to make it an occasion in London.

• English tour guides Lorraine Dineen and Deborah Heyburn
• Peter Fiennes, author of "Footnotes: A Journey Round Britain in the Company of Great Writers" and "A Thing of Beauty" (Oneworld Publications)
• London-based tour guide Britt Lonsdale

• The non-profit Ramblers association has provided details on public access trails in England and Wales since 1935.  
• The guides recommend the scenic Wye Valley Walk along the England-Wales border.  http://www.wyevalleywalk.org/
• Lorraine Dineen can be contacted for private guiding in England through Seymour Travels.
• Peter Fiennes is a travel writer based in London.  His book "Footnotes: A Journey Round Britain in the Company of Great Writers" was reviewed by The Guardian.  Peter's latest book is "A Thing of Beauty: Travels in Mythical Greece."
• Britt Lonsdale is a Blue Badge-certified guide based in London.
• Fortnum and Mason offers a few pointers on the etiquette of serving tea at home.
• Other places mentioned for afternoon tea in London include the Orangery (behind Kensington Palace), the Ritz Hotel (where sittings start as early as 11:30am), the Langham Hotel, the Wolseley Cafe, and the Landmark Hotel.  Caller Cheryl particularly enjoyed afternoon tea at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

High school travel group
Four countries in six short days
Where is Taco Bell?
— Karen Bray, Columbus, Indiana

Travel with adult child
No more burgers to eat
When can I stop footing the bill?
— Annetta Miller, Marion, Illinois

Buckingham Palace,
Big Ben, The Tate, Shakespeare's Globe.
We mainly do pubs.
— Imozelle McVeigh, Chula Vista, California

Backpacking with Meg,
She, a guy magnet, not me.
We, fending off men. 

He said, "I love you!
Look me! American girl!
I want marry you!" 

Traveling abroad
Too bad we tourists stick out.
Loud, lost, impatient.
— Sarah Tuttle, Corvallis, Oregon