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  • Trips & Tours
    • The Cotswolds
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    • Events: Group Walks
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  • The Howell Way
    • The Howell Way
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Photo VII

By Emma Surridge / August 25, 2024

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

Our way of walking, our way of caring.
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On our journal

Creating new routes on the Dorset coast

At the start of March, Foot Trails Co-Founder and Trail Creator David Howell was out doing what he loves best,

The magic of hiking Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

There’s something unmistakably exciting about the place where the land meets the sea. Catching that first glimpse of the water

Our team walk in Wiltshire

Last Tuesday, the Foot Trails team (and team mascot Molly the king charles spaniel) met up for a walk and

Life on Instagram

Today is the Spring equinox in the northern hemisp Today is the Spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. It’s the day when day and night are of almost equal in length and it marks the astronomical start of spring. From now on, the days will be longer than the nights until the summer solstice in June. It’s traditionally a time of new beginnings, renewal and balance. Spring is certainly underway here in the south west and we are loving the warmer weather and profusion of new life everywhere in the countryside. If you'd like to hike the landscapes of South West England in spring 2027, visit our website (link in bio) for inspiration or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #springequinox #spring #equinox #spring2026 #quietinthewild #walkinginature #springsunshine #southwestisbest #hikeuk #walkuk
The Dorset coast has always been a go-to family es The Dorset coast has always been a go-to family escape for Alison and myself. So I was delighted to be heading down there last week to finalise the last sections of the new walks in our Coastal Seascapes of Dorset trip. The weather was perfect, warm, sunny with a few fluffy white clouds in the sky. I made my way through Dorset’s coastal landscape, along ancient paths that have led locals, fishermen, travellers and smugglers to and from the sea for centuries. The patchwork fields stretching out in front of me and I soon spied the sea appearing as a thin line between the hills. I joined the coast path and made my way along the coast to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. Having reached my destination for the morning, I stopped at the beach, pausing a while to watch the waves lapping on the shingle shore and letting the gentle rhythm of the sea and the vastness of the water work its gentle magic. Tearing myself away, I made my way back inland to have a bite to eat and start the second part of my day on the coast. David If you'd like to know more about our trips on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, simply visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #JurassicCoast #lovegreatbritain #visitengland #uktravel #EnglishTourismWeek26 #gloriousbritain #lovefordorset #britishcountryside #countrysideescape #walkuk #hikeuk #CoastalWalking #CoastalWalks #SeaViews #EnglandCoastPath #TravelInspiration #NatureWalks #visitengland
There’s something unmistakably exciting about the There’s something unmistakably exciting about the place where the land meets the sea. Catching that first glimpse of the water as you crest a hill is always an exhilarating experience. When you’re surrounded by big skies and the vast expanse of the sea, it’s hard not to feel a sense of adventure and possibility. On our Coastal Seascapes of Dorset trip, the paths and trails you’ll follow are rich with fossils and rock formations dating back hundreds of millions of years. You’ll also be walking through millennia of human history — on trails used by fishermen, travellers, pilgrims and smugglers for centuries. You can explore the Jurassic Coast at a gentle, unhurried pace with stunning coastal highlights and spectacular views at every turn, as well as lesser-known gems waiting to be discovereed. You’ll also venture a little inland for a taste of rural Dorset, tucked-away villages and dramatic castle ruins. If you’d like to explore this beautiful, history-rich region we’d love to help you plan your journey. Simply visit our website (link in bio) or request a brochure or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #JurassicCoast #lovegreatbritain #visitengland #uktravel #EnglishTourismWeek26 #gloriousbritain #lovefordorset #britishcountryside #countrysideescape #walkuk #hikeuk #CoastalWalking #CoastalWalks #SeaViews #EnglandCoastPath #TravelInspiration #NatureWalks #visitengland
I often wonder how many miles I've walked since we I often wonder how many miles I've walked since we started Foot Trails 24 years ago. It's definitely in the thousands........ Not that clocking up the miles matters. It doesn't. Just get out for a walk, half a mile, a mile, then build up. I find it a complete tonic. Not just for my fitness but for my mental health too. It's pretty tricky to let other thoughts fill your head when you're out on the trail, gorgeous views and wonderful nature surrounding you! Equally, if there is something on my mind I find a conversation outdoors makes it seem less challenging. Back in February, I was out with David creating a brand new trail for our Coastal Seascapes of Dorset hiking trip. We walked nine miles to Old Harry's Rock on Studland. Pausing part way round for the necessary pub lunch. We were lucky enough to have a table right by the log fire. Perfect after having been windswept on top of the cliffs. Alison (Foot Trails Co-Founder) If you’d like to hike this stunning stretch of Dorset’s coastline (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you can find out more by visiting our website (link in bio) or sending us message here on Instagram. #EnglishCoast #CoastalWalking #DorsetCoast #OldHarryRocks #slowtravel #JurassicCoast #HikingUK #VisitDorset #UKWalking #CoastalWalks #UKCoastline #SeaViews #winterwalks #EnglishCountryside #walkingholidaysuk #walkuk #hikeuk #EnglandWalks #footpath
'The daffodils were fair to see, They nodded light 'The daffodils were fair to see, They nodded lightly in the lea' Jean Ingelow, 1862 The countryside is awash with bright yellow daffodils at the moment. And soon they'll be giving way to more spring flowers — wild garlic and bluebells. If you'd like to experience spring in all its glory in South West England, we're already taking bookings for 2027. To find out more, visit our website or send us an email to enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #daffodils #daffodilseason #england #spring #england #hiking #ruralengland #walking #walkuk #hikeuk #slowtravel #ExploreUK #walkingholidayuk #hikingvacations #hikethecotswolds #cotswolds #swisbest
Stepping into rural Dorset is like stepping back i Stepping into rural Dorset is like stepping back in time. Quiet lanes, rolling green fields and views for miles. The perfect place to step back from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in simple countryside hiking. To find out more, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #slowtravel #hikeuk #UnhurriedMoments #EnglishCountryside #RuralEngland #visitengland
We’ve always felt that hiking the rural countrysid We’ve always felt that hiking the rural countryside of Dorset is like stepping back in time. It’s a landscape made famous by Victorian poet and novelist Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), who perfectly captured the timeless feel of this rural county in his famous books. But it’s also so much more. As you wander the paths and trails of Dorset, it’s easy to see and feel how little has changed since Hardy’s time: rolling green hills of chalk grasslands, sweeping 360° views with not a single road or electricity pylon in sight. Shady, intimate river valleys with tiny villages, little changed since they were first recorded in the Domesday book. Norman and Saxon churches, romantic ruined castles and thatched cottages. It’s quintessential ‘Old England’ at its best. David and I have always felt that Dorset offers the ultimate escape from the noise of day-to-day life. A chance to step well and truly off the beaten track and immerse yourself in nature. When we first started exploring this area nearly 30 years ago, we immediately felt its beauty and tranquility. It’s something that we and our guests still feel today. It’s why this of the South West remains as close to our hearts now as it was all those years ago. Alison If you'd like to know more, visit our website (link in bio) or send us a message here on Instagram. #UKHiking #UKWalks #WalkingUK #HikingUK #EnglishTourismWeek26 #EnglandWalks #WalkingInEngland #HikingEngland #EnglishCountryside #DiscoverEngland #slowtravel #visitdorsetofficial #visitdorset #ruralengland #countrysidewalks #walkingholidays #walkingholidaysuk #hikingvacations
In Dorset, far from the madding crowd Last week, In Dorset, far from the madding crowd Last week, David & I (Emma) went to check one of our routes in Dorset. This was the first time I had walked this particular trail and I was expecting good things. But what I found exceeded all expectations: stunning landscapes and the textbook definition of a rural idyll. Following our trusty trail guide through the rolling Dorset countryside, we hiked along ridges, beside streams and through remote farms that felt like they belonged to a different century. We stopped at churches and paused on benches in villages, soaking up the stillness and enjoying the warmth of the spring sunshine on our faces. This part of Dorset feels like you are a million miles from the modern world. It’s a place of ancient paths, farmland that has little changed in centuries and beautiful villages where you can easily imagine Hardy’s Tess or Bathsheba going about their daily business. Delightfully untouched by tourism, you can walk for miles without meeting others (except for the odd local dog walker). If you’d like to know more about our off the beaten path walks in Dorset, take a look at our website (link in bio) or simply send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We’d love to chat. #dorset #visitdorset #visitdorsetofficial #visitengland #uktravel #englishcountryside #escapetheeveryday #thebestofsouthwest #slowtravel #hikeuk #walkuk #englandtravel #ruralescape #englishcountryside #walkingholidaysuk #lovegreatbritain #ukexplore #ukhikers #yourbritain
What is a Foot Trails walking holiday? At Foot Tr What is a Foot Trails walking holiday? At Foot Trails, our routes are picked for joy, rhythm and peace – not just practicality. Each day's hiking is carefully curated to give you the best possible walking experience, not just an A to B route or the usual tick-box sites. With us, you'll explore the beautiful countryside that we know and love: the stunning views, hidden gems and the peaceful places away from more crowded spots. Each day feels like a mini adventure. You'll have two to three hours to walk & explore in the morning before pausing at a welcoming cafe or inn for lunch or visiting historic site (with a cafe). Then you'll enjoy a few more hours of hiking in the afternoon before arriving at a cosy country inn for refreshments, local ales & ciders and great food. If you’d like to know more about how we can create a unique hiking & walking trip in South West England for you, visit our website (link in bio) or send us a message here on Instagram. #VisitSouthWest #foottrailsuk #SouthWestWalks #englishcountry #englishcountryside #englishcountrysides #cotswolds #thecotswolds #englishgarden #countryhouse #exploreengland #southwest #spring #visitengland #visitsomerset #dorset #visitwiltshire #hikethecotswolds
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Photography credits: Alison & David Howell. Alun Callender, The National Trust, English Heritage

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