Skip to content
Foot Trails logo
  • 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
    • Our Values
    • Our Story
    • Sustainability
  • Our Journal
  • Talk to an expert
    • Booking Enquiry
    • Book a Video Appointment
    • Our Team
Foot Trails logo
  • 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
    • Our Values
    • Our Story
    • Sustainability
  • Our Journal
  • Talk to an expert
    • Booking Enquiry
    • Book a Video Appointment
    • Our Team

IMG_20241119_143035_158

By Emma Surridge / November 25, 2024

← Previous Media

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

Our way of walking, our way of caring.
Find out more →

We’d love to have you as part of our community

Sign up to our E-Newsletter today to receive our hiking & travel tips and follow along our walking adventures. Plus be first to hear of new trips, trails & brochures. You’ll receive newsletters every 4 – 6 weeks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

On our journal

Wonderful feedback from guests

“We had a fantastic time on our Wessex walk and appreciate all the support along the way. It truly was

Where to see the best cottages in South West England

One of the joys of walking in South West England is seeing how the landscapes and architecture change from region

A Spring Wander Along Wiltshire’s Great Ridge

Throughout the winter and spring months, David, the team and I are often out checking trails. This work is vital

Life on Instagram

"We had a fantastic time on our Wessex walk and ap "We had a fantastic time on our Wessex walk and appreciate all the support along the way. It truly was a memorable experience for the six of us." Margaret, Canada More wonderful words from guests who completed a bespoke Country Houses & Gardens tour in April. We created a tailor-made itinerary that took our guests through an ancient landscape with a distinctly medieval feel: Castles, charming villages, magnificent country houses and beautiful gardens, just some of the highlights of the trip. If you'd like to explore of the South West's most iconic country houses & gardens on trails that take you away from the crowds, visit our website or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/english-country-houses-gardens/ #englishcountryhouse #historichouses #englishgardens #england #walking #slowtravelling #gardensofengland #englishcountryside #walkinguk #hikinguk #selfguided #activetravel #UKtravel
We don’t need an excuse to lace up our boots and g We don’t need an excuse to lace up our boots and get out in the countryside at any time of year. But in May, the countryside is particularly inviting. The winter months now seem long forgotten as the countryside bursts with greens, whites and yellows - hawthorn, cow parsley and swathes of buttercups. The promise of summer is in the air and everything seems bright and fresh. May is simply a wonderful month to be out and about. If you’d like to explore the paths less trodden in South West England this summer, visit our website (link in bio) or simply send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We’d love to share our corner of England with you. #hikeuk #walkuk #swisbest #spring #countrysidewalks #ruralengland #cotswolds #visitwiltshire #visitengland #visitsomerset #visitdorset #slowtraveling #seekthepositive #selfguided #englishcountryside
In South West England, we're blessed with a wonder In South West England, we're blessed with a wonderful variety of cottages, each shaped by its landscape and local history. In Somerset and Wiltshire, for example, you find chalk‑stone farm cottages, their thatched roofs peeking out above hedges along quiet lanes or rolling farmland. Over in the Cotswolds, the character changes to stone-slate roofs and honey‑coloured limestone. Down in Dorset, thatched cottages are again more common - sweeping roofs and whitewashed walls, often surrounded by cottage gardens full of flowers and buzzing insects. In Exmoor, sandstone cottages are nestled in the wild coast and moor, buffeted by sea breezes and the salty sea air. Each type of cottage is rooted in its region, reflecting the different unique characteristics and history. Wandering quiet country lanes and footpaths to discover these hidden gems is one of the joys of hiking in South West England. If you’d like to discover these hidden gems for yourself this summer, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #EnglishCottages #SlowTravelUK #CotswoldCottage #hikingengland #walking #visitengland #cottagecore #hikethecotswolds #VisitWiltshire #visitdorset #visitsomerset #visitexmoor #hikingengland #hikeuk #getoutdoors #englishcountryside #RuralEngland #countrysidewalks #leavethecity
Throughout winter and spring, David, the team and Throughout winter and spring, David, the team and I are often out checking trails. This work is essential for keeping our walking routes updated and our instructions accurate and easy to follow. On a recent sunny weekend, David and I were in Wiltshire checking our Great Ridge trail. We set off from the inn with a spring in our step, beneath bright blue skies and pleasantly warm early‑spring sunshine. Soon we were leaving the village behind and heading into magnificent countryside. We followed paths between crops and saw vivid yellow oilseed rape glowing in the distance. Out here, with wide views all around, we felt a real sense of space and freedom. Using Foot Trails’ robust, waterproof Trail Card, we followed our step‑by‑step written instructions with ease. Halfway along, we met some local walkers out with their dog. You may meet the occasional dog walker or hiker on our routes, but you certainly won’t find crowds, even in summer. Our local knowledge helps us guide you off the beaten path, away from busy A‑to‑B national trails. Later, the trail descended into a pretty valley where a hare sprinted across a field and a kite called overhead. After 4.5 miles, we returned to the village, walking past its attractive cottages—ready for a well‑earned drink. If you'd like to explore the beautiful countryside of South West England away from the crowds, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you. #visitwiltshire #visitengland #hikeuk #walkuk #ruralengland #countrysidewalks #hikingengland #walkingengland #UKHiking #UKWalks #WalkingUK #HikingUK
A walk through a stunning Italianate garden with t A walk through a stunning Italianate garden with the wisteria in full bloom. The perfect way to spend a few hours on a sunny afternoon in the Wiltshire countryside 🪻 If you'd like to explore some of the South West's finest country houses & gardens, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. #statelyhomes #gardens #hikinguk #walkingholidaysuk #walkuk #englishcountryside #englishgardens #ifordmanor
David and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with a g David and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with a group of our guests recently who were hiking our Country Houses & Gardens tour, exploring the beautiful countryside, gardens and estates in Wessex. It's always a joy to put a face to a name and it's great to hear directly from our guests how they are finding their Foot Trail. We can also help answer any questions the guests may have, perhaps about their walk or destination for the day or the next country inn. I love meeting our guests, it's a real pleasure and nice to have a chat! Alison Howell If you're feeling inspired to explore the very best of rural England, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We'd love to share our corner of South West England. #UKHiking #UKWalks #WalkingUK #HikingUK #HikingEngland #visitengland
May is National Walking Month here in the UK. To m May is National Walking Month here in the UK. To mark this, I (Emma) thought I'd ask Foot Trails Co-Founder Alison Howell to share her experience and tips on what to pack for a hiking trip in South West England: “My biggest piece of advice would be to bring comfortable, waterproof walking boots made from leather or Gore‑Tex. If you’re hiking everyday, you’ll want to have happy feet! If you’re flying in from another country, you might want to wear them on the flight to save suitcase weight. Alongside good boots, I’d recommend some comfortable, well-fitting hiking socks. People often underestimate how important good socks can be as they wick moisture away from your feet keeping them cool and dry. I always carry a water bottle with me so I can carry enough water for the entire morning or afternoon. There are lots more tips and recommendations I could give but most importantly, it's about getting outside and enjoying the wonderful countryside we're so blessed with here in South West England!” If you’d like to walk and hike the paths less travelled in South West England, visit our website (link in bio) or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We’d love to chat through your plans. #nationalwalkingmonth #hikinguk #walkinguk #visitengland #englishcountryside #walkingholidaysuk #hikingengland #getoutside
Last week, Foot Trails Storyteller Emma took herse Last week, Foot Trails Storyteller Emma took herself off to one of our favourite country houses, nestled in a tucked-away river valley in Wiltshire: "I absolutely love the setting of this estate, approachable by a single-track road and surrounded by gentle rolling countryside with a beautiful river running through. I spent a lovely couple of hours wandering the winding paths, past water features, topiary hedges, pavilions and terraces overflowing with cascading purple wisteria and bright tulips. The sweet floral fragrance of the flowers was wonderful and I could almost imagine myself wandering the countryside of Tuscany rather than the rural charm of Wiltshire. I couldn’t think of any better way to lose myself for an afternoon in the South West. This stunning house and countryside is one of the highlights of our Castle on Frome walk. A trail that follows the course of the river through charming villages, dramatic castles and beautiful manor houses to a bustling market town dating back to Roman times. If you’re inspired to walk this tranquil landscape this summer, visit our website (link in bio) and request a brochure or send us an email at enquire@foottrails.co.uk. We’d love to chat though your plans. #wisteria #ifordmanor #visitbath #cotswolds #springflower #historichouses #springbloom #wisteriahysteria #englishcountrygarden #weloveengland #visitengland #hikingengland #walkingengland #englishcountryside #cotswolds #countryhouses #visitwiltshire #britishgardens #countrygardens
Today, 3 May, is International Dawn Chorus Day. He Today, 3 May, is International Dawn Chorus Day. Here's a look back at last year when Foot Trails Storyteller Emma decided to wake up early, get outside and head out into the countryside to hear the birds singing. Happy International Dawn Chorus Day! #DawnChorusClub #DawnChorus #sunrise #internationaldawnchorusday #sunrisewalk #morningwalk #goldenhour #walkuk #hikeuk
Follow on Instagram

Useful links

Hiking in South West England →
About Self-guided hiking →
Our accommodation & food →

Contact us

enquire@foottrails.co.uk
+44 (0) 1747 820 626

The Welsh Mill, Frome, BA11 2LE

Credits & small print

Privacy policy

Photography credits: Alison & David Howell. Alun Callender, The National Trust, English Heritage

© Foot Trails 2006-2025, walking holidays UK
Foot Trails

® Foot Trails is a registered Trade Mark. This entire web site and its content is copyright Foot Trails.