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  • Trips & Tours
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Wessex Autumn I

By Emma Surridge / July 7, 2025

Rolling green landscape in autumn. Blue sky and white clouds. Bare trees and long shadows stretching over the fields

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Kings & Kingdoms Guided Trip Day 2

“Day 2 arrived on our guided Foot Trail, Kings and Kingdoms led by David and myself (Alison). By early morning

Kings & Kingdoms Guided Trip Day 1

Our first guided trip of the year started on Monday of this week. David and I (Alison) are spending the

Celebrating the summer solstice at Stonehenge

Stonehenge has been standing tall on the plains of Wiltshire for around 5,500 years. Why was it built? No one

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"Day 2 arrived on our guided Foot Trail, Kings and "Day 2 arrived on our guided Foot Trail, Kings and Kingdoms led by David and myself (Alison).By early morning temperatures had already reached 26 C and it was clear that we would need to be sensible and smart to beat the heat. Today was to be the hottest June day on record. As we did on day 1, the plan was to take regular drinks breaks, rest frequently in the shade, and slow our pace to prevent overheating. This approach served the eight of us well. Allowing us to walk four miles in the morning and three miles in the afternoon. We explored the Fonthill Estate, today home to the current Lord Margadale, enjoying wonderful views through the valley. We then approached a beautiful lake created by damming the local stream. In the distance swans paddled and closer to us lily pads were in flower. At lunchtime the sight of our country pub was very welcome. We all enjoyed a delicious ploughman's lunch with pickled onions, Wiltshire ham, cheddar cheese, celery, tomatoes and chutney. And iced water! Fuelled, rested and rehydrated we all felt we wanted to walk the three miles to our next country inn for the night. Our trail took us through a wonderful meadow, where tall grasses swayed gently in the breeze and bright meadow flowers dotted through the grasses. Every piece of woodland was extremely welcome and we lapped up the sight of the bright green leaves. As our destination, we could see the pretty cottage-lined high street and our inn awaited! We celebrated with a cheer and a round of cool drinks. We had walked seven miles. In the evening, after everyone had checked in to their rooms and showered, we met for dinner together." David, Alison and our guests are walking our Kings & Kingdoms trip in South West England. If you'd like to know more about this inn-to-inn trip, visit our website (link in bio) or drop us a line at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you. #GuidedWalksUK #GuidedHiking #UKWalkingTours #SouthWestEngland #visitwiltshire #visitengland #walkingholdays #englishcountryside #ruralengland #hikersofinstagram #wiltshire #england
Our first guided trip of the year started on Monda Our first guided trip of the year started on Monday of this week. David and I (Alison) are spending the week guiding guests around the stunning landscapes, villages, scenery and sites of South Wiltshire and North Dorset on this inn-to-inn style hiking adventure. Our first day’s walk (Tuesday) was ‘The Deverills’ (9.5 miles). David and I greeted the guests at 09.15 am ready to jump aboard our transport to our drop-off point. We walked five miles during the morning. Stopping regularly to rest in the shade and drink water and also to admire the view. From the top of Cold Kitchen Hill we had 360-degree panoramic views over sweeping countryside and the surrounding hills. We then descended towards our lunchtime country pub where we enjoyed a delicious lunch of roast gammon with greens and new potatoes. After lunch, we set off on our 4-mile walk to return us to our inn. The afternoon walk offered shade with a tree lined avenue that led to the Duke of Somerset's estate and then a mile and a half through beautiful green woodland. We arrived back to the country inn with a cheer! We had made it, despite the heat. It was a wonderful day, full of laughter and chatter! If you'd like to explore this idyllic region, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #GuidedHikes #guidedhikesuk #guidedwalkingtours #hikeuk #walkuk #visitengland #englishcountryside #UKHiking #walkingholidays #ActiveTravel #LoveDorset #OutdoorAdventuresUK #HikersOfInstagram
Stonehenge has been standing tall on the plains of Stonehenge has been standing tall on the plains of Wiltshire for around 5,500 years. Why was it built? No one knows for sure. We do know that it is perfectly aligned with the sun at two key times of the year: The summer and winter solstices. Leading some to theorise that it is a giant solar/lunar calendar. Whatever the reason, Stonehenge has been attracting people for over 5,000 years. And it still does today. Yesterday, at the summer solstice, crowds again gathered to welcome the sunrise on the longest day of the year. Foot Trails team member Natasha was also there and took these great photos. It’s amazing to think that these stones are still a draw to so many people many thousands of years after they were originally erected. #Stonehenge #summersolstice2026 #EnglishHeritage #VsitEngland #walkuk #hikeuk #neolithic #AncientHistory
21 June is the summer solstice in the northern hem 21 June is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This morning, the sun rose at 4:54 a.m, heralding the longest day of the year and the astronomical start of summer. In terms of history, mythology and religion, midsummer has always held an important significance. Here in the south west, there are several sites of cultural importance to the summer (and winter) solstices. Stonehenge is by far the most significant of these. Every year, tens of thousands of people gather at the site to celebrate the sunrise on the summer solstice. But there are countless lesser-known Neolithic and Bronze Age landmarks where people gather to celebrate this turning point in the year: Avebury, Woodhenge, Stanton Drew stone circles, West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill to name just a few. This is truly a landscape rich in pre-history and myths. Just one of the reasons why we love it here so much 🙂 Happy summer solstice! #countrysidewalks #SummerSolstice #LongestDay #StoneCircle #SouthWestEngland #WalkingUK #UKOutdoors #WalkingHolidaysUK #CountrysideWalks
Big skies, big stones and idyllic countryside Wit Big skies, big stones and idyllic countryside With the summer solstice happening this weekend (21 June), I (Foot Trails Storyteller Emma) thought it the perfect time to visit a site in the South West that is always a draw to people looking to celebrate the longest day of the year. Not Stonehenge but Avebury, a vast Neolithic complex dating back to around 4,600 years. Avebury is unique in that it contains within its perimeter a village with its own pub - the only pub in the world to be located inside an ancient stone circle! There’s a real sense of peace and quiet at Avebury and something very special about being able to walk right up to the stones as our ancestors would have done over 4,000 years ago.. I continued on my way through the fields of stones and up to a group of beech trees said to have been the inspiration for JRR Tolkien's talking Ents in the Lord of the Rings. I don’t know if this is true or just another legend associated with the site, but it’s certainly a lovely spot to sit for a while under the rustling leaves, gazing out over ancient stones on a warm summer’s day. If you’d like to explore some of the Neolithic treasures of South West England, simply visit our website or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk to find out more about our guided hikes in Stonehenge and the surrounding countryside. https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/stonehenge-salisbury/ #avebury #walkinguk #hikinguk #wiltshirecountryside #seekthepositive #visitengland #visitwiltshire #avebury #aveburystones #summersolstice #StandingStones #LoveWiltshire #walkingholidays #slowtravel
It’s easy to be deterred by a weather forecast, bu It’s easy to be deterred by a weather forecast, but often there’s still much to enjoy about embracing the elements and stepping out into the great outdoors. Naturally, having the right clothing is also essential to enjoying yourself :) Today’s forecast was rain, poor visibility, and a gusty wind that would keep the temperature low. Not a typical June day. I wore my trusty altberg walking boots, stormshield trousers and a @passenger rain jacket, head to toe cover from the elements. Cosy in my gear it was time to head on out, leaving the valley floor beside the River Wylye to climb the rise, drifting ever higher into the cloud, wind and rain. The path led me into the calm shelter of the woodland, a chance to be refreshed by the lush green and earthiness of the moss and ancient trees. Crossing the river it was time to venture into the open, climb the hill to enjoy the open landscape and far-reaching views. A Sparrowhawk took to the sky, looking effortless despite the conditions. It was time to descend the hill to the village and seek out a warming cup of coffee in the local village shop. Warmed by the coffee I zipped up and headed to the local church to explore the local history. A high status Roman burial from the 3rd or 4th century discovered near to the church hints at a story yet to be uncovered. With more and more light coming to the sky the rain eased as I wandered through green fields. A fallen, old & gnarled, oak tree looked like a slain dinosaur, scales lining its back. Into the woods, gorgeous ancient trees with the views beyond, and frothy Queen Anne’s Lace lining my path. I reached the end of my trail, glowing from being in the elements and feeling energised. Feeling thoroughly rewarded for stepping outside on a wild day. David Howell This walk features as part of our Kings & Kingdom’s Wessex trail. If you would like to plan your trip, simply drop us a line at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #DavidHowellonthetrail #walking #ukhiking #england #uktravel #hikeuk #walkinguk #swisbest #walkingholiday #uktrails #countrywalking #selfguidedwalking #lovegreatbritain #walkingtrip #visitbritain #visitengland #visitwiltshire
Rising like an island above the flat, agricultural Rising like an island above the flat, agricultural wetlands of the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury Tor has been shrouded in mystery and myth since time immemorial. Once known as the Isle of Avalon, the tor has strong links to Arthurian legend. Over the centuries, it has been rumoured to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and one of the possible locations of the Holy Grail. It’s been a place of pilgrimage since the 11th century at least, and it still attracts many walkers and pilgrims to this day, especially around the summer and winter solstices. There is something special about approaching it from afar on foot, seeing it rise out of the landscape as pilgrims and travellers would have done in centuries past. Glastonbury is just one highlight in our King Arthur's Trail hiking trip. Over six or seven nights, our bespoke trails take you through this region shaped by the myths and legends of King Arthur and his knights, from ancient Saxon hilltop towns, through the ancient abbey and tor at Glastonbury to the old world charm of the Somerset Levels – a land of mystery and vintage cyder! To find out more, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrail#walkinguk #glastonbury #somerset #ruralengland #visitengland #uktravel #discoverengland #hikinguk #walkinguk #weloveengland #visitsomerset #glastonburytor #walkingholidays
Last weekend, Foot Trails Storyteller Emma was at Last weekend, Foot Trails Storyteller Emma was at an Open Gardens event in a village in the county of Wiltshire. Having the chance to peek behind the garden gates of properties normally closed to the public was fascinating. Open Gardens are held in towns and villages up and down the south west in June and July. They’re a great way to get inspiration and chat to local gardeners and enthusiasts too! Here's a short video showing some of the beautiful views. To see more videos of our walks & hikes in South West England, visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@foottrails6291/shorts #countryhouse #statelyhome #gardens #visitwiltshire #traveluk #hikingengland #walkinguk #englishcottage #visitengland #maidenbradley #selfguidedwalking #walkingholidays #hikeuk #englishmanor #england #englishcountryside
There are few better ways to spend a summer’s day There are few better ways to spend a summer’s day (in our opinion!) than wandering South West England’s quiet country lanes, passing vibrant cottage gardens, and stopping at local inns, village cafes and shops to refresh and refuel. However, if you are planning a trip from abroad, it can be difficult to know when you should time your visit to catch gardens at their peak. Here are our tips for choosing the best months for seeing English country gardens: - April/May: Late spring brings fabulous bursts of tulips, peonies, and wisteria. - June: The peak for roses climbing brick walls and draping over cottage doorways. Cornflowers, sweet peas, foxgloves, and lavender fill the air with color and fragrance. - July: Tall, dramatic spires of delphiniums and hollyhocks shoot up - August: Deep, rich hues of dahlias, hydrangeas, and echinacea take over. - September: Michaelmas daisies and apple trees star in the golden, early autumn light. If you want to combine stunning walking trails with grand estates and cottage gardens, our Country Houses & Gardens trip could be the perfect choice for you. To find out more, visit our website (link in bio) or drop us a line at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you. #EnglishCountryHouse #CountryHouseStyle #EnglishCottage #WalkingUK #visitengland #WalkingUK #HikingEngland #StatelyHome #PrettyEnglishVillages #CharmingCottages #ThatchedCottage #ExploreEngland #WalkingInEngland #englishgardens
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Photography credits: Alison & David Howell. Alun Callender, The National Trust, English Heritage

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