On the trail

It was the perfect winter day in South West England for a hike. Dry, bright and cold. Wrapped warmly against the keen wind and elements in cosy hats, scarves and gloves and thermal layers, David and I (Alison) set out on our 8 mile Foot Trail from Lyme Regis in Dorset on 30 December. We […]

‘The true nature of the human heart is as whimsical as spring weather.’ Charles Dickens Even back in the 1800s, Charles Dickens knew that the weather in spring could be temperamental. Which is why we recommend dressing in several thin layers for spring walking. English spring weather can vary enormously from warm and sunny to

The South West of England is our home, our local patch, a richly diverse area that we would love to share with you in 2026. Our Foot Trails trips take place in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Dorset(shire), Somerset(shire) and Devon(shire). Out in the country each of these areas maintains a distinct character, from the charming stone

Exmoor: a land of moor & heather. Of rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs. It’s a beautiful and remote part of the South West. A place that’s close to mine and Alison’s hearts. Which is why we were thrilled to launch our Wild Exmoor, Coast & Moor trip at the start of this year. We’ve loved

We’re entering the last weeks of autumn ahead of the winter solstice and the festive season is gathering pace here in rural England. Decorations and lights bring joy on dark nights, children’s excitement levels grow ever higher as the ‘big’ day approaches, and local churches mark advent, the anticipation and preparation for the coming of

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So with this in mind, after refreshing the Foot Trails brand look earlier this year, (we do hope you like it) we decided to commission some new photographs to convey our Foot Trails hiking experiences and update our look. We chose professional photographer Matt Lincoln and

“Not all who wander are lost”The Riddle of Strider, JRR Tolkein We love a good wander, taking time to explore the landscape to observe and find quiet. We seek the quiet paths, crowd-free routes, so you can explore like a local. Hiking screen-free brings intimacy with how you experience the countryside and nature. It gives

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve won a bronze award at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards. Alison & David, Foot Trails founders, attended a prestigious gala event in Bath yesterday evening to receive the award on behalf of the Foot Trails team. “We’re overjoyed to win this prestigious award and to be named

Well known for its geological wonders, the Dorset coast also has some alternative, and surprising, landscapes to wander in. Last week on a grey November morning I set off to explore the fringes of Poole Harbour. Formed at the end of the last Ice Age when several valleys flooded, it’s a unique habitat with a

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, known worldwide for their natural beauty, are two of the most iconic locations on the Dorset coast. Walking towards the coast with these vistas opening up before you, dropping down to the beach to enjoy the sounds of crashing waves on shingle beach and the view of this arch that’s

We’ve been enjoying a vibrant autumn here in South West England. It’s been a joy being out on the trails these past weeks and watching the stunning autumnal colours.  A couple of weeks ago, Foot Trails Co-Founders Alison & David Howell were out in Wiltshire exploring the grounds of a country estate in our Country

This past weekend, Foot Trails Co-Founder David Howell completed a three-day hike from his local church to Salisbury Cathedral to raise funds for St Michael’s church in Melksham and the National Churches Trust. Over three days, David hiked through beautiful countryside on ancient tracks over Salisbury Plain (the UK’s largest military training area) past long-forgotten