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  • Trips & Tours
    • The Cotswolds
    • Coastal Hikes
    • Land of Kings
    • Heritage and Gardens
    • Family & Friends Groups
    • Events: Group Walks
    • All Trips
  • The Howell Way
    • The Howell Way
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  • Our Journal
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By Emma Surridge / March 27, 2026

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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

Exploring Avebury: The World’s Largest Megalithic Stone Circle

Nestled in the heart of rural Wiltshire is an ancient Neolithic henge containing three stone circles, one of which is

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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
There is something timelessly romantic about explo There is something timelessly romantic about exploring a grand country house on foot, approaching it just as travellers did centuries ago. On our Country Houses & Gardens trip, you will experience some of the most treasured estates in South West England, Elizabethan houses, castles, and hidden villages in South West England. Over six to nine nights, you will explore a fascinating mix of grand aristocratic history and the very best of rural England, away from the tourist hotspots. Foot Trails Founders Alison and David have spent their lives hiking these landscapes. Combining their passion for history with local expertise, we create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your ideal daily walking distance and interests. We also take care of all the details, including: - Beautiful accommodation in centuries-old country inns. - Arranging seamless luggage transfers. - Advising on entry tickets to gardens and estates and on the best seasonal times to visit. All you have to do is walk, relax and explore. To find out more about our Country Houses & Gardens trip, visit our website (link in bio) or email us at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We'd love to chat through your plans. #EnglishCountryHouse #CountryHouseStyle #EnglishCottage #WalkingUK #visitengland #WalkingUK #HikingEngland #StatelyHome #PrettyEnglishVillages #CharmingCottages #ThatchedCottage #ExploreEngland #WalkingInEngland #englishgardens
Cake, cottage gardens, and country houses... What Cake, cottage gardens, and country houses... What more could you want on a June afternoon? Last Sunday was one such afternoon when I (Foot Trails Storyteller Emma) went to an Open Gardens event in a nearby village. Part of the National Open Gardens Scheme, these events allow private homeowners to open their gates to the public, raising money for charity through a modest entry fee and cake sales. I spent a wonderful couple of hours wandering through an open garden village in Wiltshire (a beautiful spot featured on our Kings & Kingdoms walking trip). I was especially keen to see the local manor house, which is normally closed to the public. It didn’t disappoint. We wandered along winding paths filled with roses, foxgloves & catmint all buzzing with bees and other pollinators. We explored everything from formal lawns to wooded areas before stopping for an enormous slice cake and a cup of tea. Afterward, we used our map to track down more secret spaces across the village, from grand dower houses to humble cottage gardens. It was a lovely afternoon spent chatting with gardeners and enjoying a unique glimpse into these hidden gardens. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more open garden events this June! If you’d like to explore some of South West England’s finest country house estates and picturesque village gardens, take a look at our Country Houses & Gardens trip or send us an email. We’d love to chat through your plans. #OpenGardens #summergardens #gardens #summer #england #visitwiltshire #swisbest #visitengland #maidenbradley #flowers #england #garden #ukgardens #walkuk #hikeuk #englishcountryside #countrysidewalks #walkingengland #walkingholidaysuk #nature #countryhouse #englishcottage
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Photography credits: Alison & David Howell. Alun Callender, The National Trust, English Heritage

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