WALKING WITH WORDS

How the idea began

Nichola Cariss & Anna Waddington-Feather

The trail was inspired by Shropshire (Poet’s England), a poetry anthology compiled in 1994 by Neil Griffiths and Rev. John Waddington‑Feather.

When Nichola (Eaton Manor’s owner) revisited the collection – which includes her late mother’s favourite poem, A. E. Housman’s A Shropshire Lad (Wenlock Edge) – a new idea began to take shape.

Nichola and her long‑time friend Anna, Rev. Waddington‑Feather’s daughter, were keen to find a way to share these poems with guests.

Their shared love of walking and literature soon became the foundation for the Eaton Manor Poetry Trail.

A walk to restore & inspire

Along the route, guests can follow the brook while reading The Kingfisher by W. H. Davies, pause to admire sweeping views with Housman’s words, wander into the woods accompanied by Kipling’s The Way Through the Woods, and discover John Waddington‑Feather’s Kristiani at Viroconium outside historic St Edith’s Church.

The walk is mostly flat with one incline, making it suitable for most guests seeking a peaceful rural stroll with something a little different.

As Anna explains, “Walking lifts the mood and reduces stress, while poetry encourages reflection. We hope this trail enriches both the senses and the soul.”