Skip to content

Trips & Tours
The Howell Way
Our Journal
Talk to an expert

Trips & Tours
The Howell Way
Our Journal
Talk to an expert

Smugglers-Tale-1.jpg

By Sarah / September 18, 2023

← Previous Media

We don't follow the national trails.
We follow the Howell Way.

Our way of walking, our way of caring.
Find out more →

We’d love to have you as part of our community

Sign up to our E-Newsletter today to receive our hiking & travel tips and follow along our walking adventures. Plus be first to hear of new trips, trails & brochures. You’ll receive newsletters every 4 – 6 weeks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

First name

Last name

Email

On our journal

A pilgrimage to Salisbury Cathedral

This past weekend, Foot Trails Co-Founder David Howell completed a three-day hike from his local church to Salisbury Cathedral to

Foot Trails launches NEW 2026 brochure and new-look website

Foot Trails is thrilled to announce the launch of its NEW 2026 brochure and NEW website. Featuring Foot Trails’ new

Foot Trails: Where it all began

In 1995, Alison & David gave up their jobs and boarded a boat for France. Armed only with a small

Life on Instagram

There is something magical about walking in woodla

There is something magical about walking in woodlands in spring. In the dappled light that falls while trees are still leafless. Hardy blooms such as plum cherry blossoms, primroses, wild garlic and bluebells are welcome reminders that spring is here and the long, dark days of winter are behind us.

#spring2026 #woodlandwalks #HikingUK #wanderlust #outdooradventures #treemagic #walkingholidaysuk #springwalks #selfguidedtour #selfguidedwalkingholidays #england #hikeuk #walkuk #hikingadventures #springflowers🌸 #woodlandflowers

When we think of spring, we often picture flowery

When we think of spring, we often picture flowery May. Early spring is often overlooked. However, March and April have charms of their own that make them perfect for walking in South West England.

Early spring is a time when nature is just beginning to stir after winter. There are signs of spring everywhere - snowdrops and crocuses peek out from beneath trees, walls and hedgerows. Bright primroses dot the landscape too, and the first buds start to appear on trees.

Walking in early spring feels very grounding and real. Wandering landscapes on the cusp of change has a charm all of its own.

#springvibes #springholidays #spring2026 #springhiking #englishcountryside #ruralengland #hikingtrails #ukhikes #beautifulengland #englishspring #swisbest #beautifulspring #ukadventures #weloveengland #visitengland #escapetheeveryday

In May, spring reaches its crescendo. The countrys

In May, spring reaches its crescendo. The countryside is a riot of greens and whites, with fields, meadows and hedgerows bursting into life. Hawthorn and horse chestnut trees are laden with creamy white blossoms, and sprays of cow parsley bob and sway along footpaths, verges and roadsides.

There is a freshness, energy and optimism to May that make it perfect for walking. If you’d like to experience spring in all its glory in South West England next year, send us a message.

#springvibes #spring2026 #springhiking #springholidays #wildflowers #southwestengland #walkuk #hikeuk #walkingholiday #visitengland #visitbritain #countrysidewalks #englishcountryside #hikingengland #slowtravel

Here in South West England, the seasons are changi

Here in South West England, the seasons are changing. Autumn is in full swing. Last weekend, the clocks went back, ushering in shorter days and the time when nature starts its slow, quiet descent into winter.

As much as we love walking in autumn and winter at Foot Trails, we can’t help but think ahead to 2026 as we help our guests plan their spring walking adventures. This most captivating of seasons is always a joy to walk through for all the senses.

#spring2026 #springhiking #englishcountryside #ruralengland #traveluk #visitengland #walkingholidaysuk #countrysidewalks #ukwalking #ukhikes #springvibes #hikingseason #hikinginengland #footpaths #naturehike

Alongside our range of self-guided walking trips i

Alongside our range of self-guided walking trips in South West England, we also offer private guided tours of Stonehenge with Foot Trails Co-Founder, David Howell.

David has been exploring South West England on foot for over three decades, gaining unparalleled knowledge of the regions in which we walk.

On a day’s guided walking to Stonehenge with David, you will see the stones in their landscape as was originally intended, approached on foot and away from the crowds.

As well as the immediate and wider site of Stonehenge you’ll explore the river Avon valley and enjoy a picnic of local foods and goodies en route.

If you’d like to know more about adding a guided Stonehenge walk with David to your Foot Trail, simply message us here on Instagram.

#stonehenge #stonecircle #standingstones #megalithic #archeology #landscapesofbritain #walkingholidaysuk #englishheritage #ukwalking #hikeuk #hikingtrails #britishheritage #travelbritain #hikingvacations #ukhiking #countrysidewalks #visitbritain #landscapecaptures #guidedwalks #thisprettyengland #foottrailsuk

The story of our ancient ancestors from prehistory

The story of our ancient ancestors from prehistory is full of intrigue and wonder.

Modern humans started to settle the cave area of Somerset in South West England from around 10,000 BC. Over the next millennia the population grew, with nomads roaming across the land. Around 3800 BC, the introduction of farming would lead to the area becoming a centre for the Neolithic world. Stonehenge & Avebury are two unparalleled sites that were built at this time.

But beyond the world-renowned, you can still discover the lesser known across South West England. From Long Barrows, ancient burial tombs, there's a whole host of lesser-known sites to discover.

#stonecircle #standingstones #megalithic #archeology #landscapesofbritain #walkingholidaysuk #englishheritage #ukwalking #hikeuk #hikingtrails #britishheritage #travelbritain #hikingvacations #ukhiking #countrysidewalks #visitbritain #landscapecaptures #guidedwalks #thisprettyengland #foottrailsuk #stonehenge #avebury #visitengland

Earlier this summer, I was out exploring the wonde

Earlier this summer, I was out exploring the wonderful landscape of Wiltshire, immersing myself in the history and landscape of Avebury and the surrounding countryside. Encompassing the ancient standing stones themselves as well as a magnificent manor house, fields of golden wheat and tranquil, rolling landscapes, I think this is a wonderful corner of the South West to explore and share.

The wide open spaces of Wiltshire give you a real sense of peace and quiet, and a feeling of having stepped back in time. That’s one of the reasons why we love it so much. It’s also where Foot Trails started 23 years ago, so it will always be a special place to Alison & myself.

David

#walkuk #hikeuk #standingstones #stonecircle #standingstone #avebury #wiltshire #megalithic #neolithic #visitwiltshire #ruralengland #countrysidewalks #swisbest #walkingholidaysuk #hikingengland #walking #hiking #englishcountryside #escapetheeveryday #countrysidewalks #travelinspiration #travelengland #visitengland

Stonehenge is a place of wonder. Standing tall on

Stonehenge is a place of wonder. Standing tall on Salisbury Plain for the past 5,500 years, it’s a draw to visitors the world over. This impressive megalithic monument is somewhere that tells the story of human history, but also throws up countless questions, too. Who were the people who created this site? What were their lives like? Why did they choose here?

To find out more about our guided trips to Stonehenge, Avebury, Salisbury and the wider countryside, simply send us a message here on Instagram.

#stonehenge #stonecircle #standingstones #megalithic #archeology #landscapesofbritain #walkingholidaysuk #englishheritage #ukwalking #hikeuk #hikingtrails #britishheritage #travelbritain #hikingvacations #ukhiking #countrysidewalks #visitbritain #landscapecaptures #guidedwalks #thisprettyengland #foottrailsuk

Autumn hike to the centre of medieval Salisbury. A

Autumn hike to the centre of medieval Salisbury. After 800 years the spire still dominates the landscape.

#autmnwalks #autumnseason #autumn #fallhiking #falluk #travelinspiration #traveluk #salisbury #salisburycathedral #visitwiltshire #walkingholidaysuk #hikingadventures #hikinguk #hikinginengland #walkinginengland #weloveengland #igengland

Follow on Instagram

Useful links

Hiking in South West England →
About Self-guided hiking →
Our accommodation & food →

Contact us

enquire@foottrails.co.uk
+44 (0) 1747 820 626

The Welsh Mill, Frome, BA11 2LE

Credits & small print

Photography credits: Alison & David Howell. Alun Callender, The National Trust, English Heritage

© Foot Trails 2006-2025, walking holidays UK
Foot Trails

® Foot Trails is a registered Trade Mark. This entire web site and its content is copyright Foot Trails.