Our Walking Journal

A selfie taken by Foot Trails Co-Founder David showing a field, trees and a hill behind him under a grey, cloudy sky.

The benefits of being outdoors in all weathers

As any outdoor enthusiast knows, there are real benefits and joys to be had exploring the countryside whatever the weather. Last week, Foot Trails Co-Founder David Howell was out checking one of our routes in Wiltshire. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, David had a wonderful time exploring this beautiful corner of the South West: “It’s

Read more →
View of Glastonbury Tor from the steps leading up to the church tower.

What can I expect when I hike up Glastonbury Tor?

Glastonbury Tor rises like an island above the flat, agricultural wetlands of the Somerset Levels. Before the 18th century, the Levels were a frequently flooded saltwater marsh with isolated hills rising up out of the mists. Glastonbury Tor is one of these hills and has been a magnet for pilgrims and wanderers for centuries. It’s

Read more →
View of the front of a cottage with red and white roses climbing over the door

When is the best time to visit English country gardens?

There are few better ways of spending a summer’s day (in our opinion) than wandering the quiet footpaths and country lanes of South West England, walking from village to village past humble cottages gardens bursting with colour and life. And stopping, of course, for a cream tea or spot of lunch at country inn or village

Read more →
Front view of an Elizabethan manor house with people walking up a wide driveway through green lawns to the front door.

Exploring country houses & gardens in South West England

There is something timelessly romantic about exploring a grand country house. Wandering rolling green countryside and quiet country lanes, through picturesque villages with traditional cottage gardens before you approach a grand manor on foot, seeing it as a traveller would have centuries before. On our Country Houses & Gardens trip, you’ll experience some of the

Read more →
Photo of a footpath waymarker with green countryside stretching out in the background

Hiking with skylarks on Dorset’s chalk downs

Earlier this week, Emma from the Foot Trails team was out in north Dorset checking part of one of our trails in our Thomas Hardy’s Dorset trip that takes you out to one of the most impressive chalk downs in the county. “I arrived early at my startpoint to be greeted by an overcast sky

Read more →