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The Howell Way
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Trips & Tours
The Howell Way
Our Journal
Talk to an expert

David walking woods

By Emma Surridge / March 13, 2025

David walking in the woods on the Summer People trail.

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On our journal

The festive season in rural England

We’re entering the last weeks of autumn ahead of the winter solstice and the festive season is gathering pace here

A perfect day for a photoshoot in Wiltshire

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So with this in mind, after refreshing the Foot Trails brand

The joy of exploring the countryside without screens

“Not all who wander are lost”The Riddle of Strider, JRR Tolkein We love a good wander, taking time to explore

Life on Instagram

One of our favourite parts of Exmoor are the seclu

One of our favourite parts of Exmoor are the secluded steep-sided wooded ‘combs’ or valleys that cut through the uplands on the way to the sea. These hidden gorges echo with the sound of white water tumbling over rocks. Deep and narrow, they are thick with trees, the ground covered with mosses, ferns and leaf mould.

Immersed in the steep valleys, surrounded by ancient trees, the sound of water and birdsong, it’s easy to think that you’ve stepped into a different world. Especially as you walk from the sweeping landscapes of the moor down into these enveloping, intimate spaces. Following the twists and turns of the rivers, streams and waterfalls as they cascade down to the sea is a unique experience, and one of the reasons why we love Exmoor so much.

To find out more about our walking & hiking trips in Exmoor, visit our website (link in bio).

#exmoor #exmoornationalpark #exmoor4all #ukhiking #ukwalking #coastaladventures #heather #somserset #visitexmoor #nationalpark #moorland #countrysidewalk #visitengland

Exmoor has long been a draw to Alison & I. We’ve s

Exmoor has long been a draw to Alison & I. We’ve spent years exploring the coast, valleys and uplands of this remote corner of the south west. Sparsely populated & extremely beautiful, nature is the soundtrack to every step you take here.

The wild upland moors are the perfect tonic for the stresses of day-to-day life and a feast for the senses in all seasons: The greens of grasses and fresh bracken in spring, give way to purple heather, yellow gorse and straw-coloured grasses in summer. Then there’s the slow transition to muted ochres, bronzes & coppers in autumn and winter. It’s a place that we’re drawn back to time and again.

David & Alison

If you’d like to book a bespoke self-guided walking & hiking trip in Exmoor in 2026, visit our website (link in bio).

#exmoor #exmoornationalpark #visitexmoor #exmoorwalks #visitengland #walkuk #hikeuk #swisbest #slowtraveling #landscapecaptures #weloveengland #exmoor4all #exmoornationalpark #foottrailsuk #walkuk #ruralengland #ukwalks #visitsomersetuk #visitsomerset #ukwildponies #exmoorponies #leavethecity #englishcountryside #ukwalkingholidays #hikingtrails #hikingadventures #walkingholidays #hikingvacation #englishcountryside

Exmoor: a land of moor & heather. Of rugged coastl

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 sharing this wonderful region with our guests this year and are already planning trips for 2026. Some of the things we love best about Exmoor are:

1. The dramatic coastline: A place of towering cliffs, rocky shores with shingle coves
2. The sweeping, colourful moor: An undulating landscape of colourful heather & gorse that feels a million miles from anywhere.
3. History, stories & folklore: The Bronze Age barrows & standing stones that dot the landscape speak of a history stretching back millennia.
4. The wildlife: The uplands of Exmoor are home to herds of wild ponies & red deer.
5. The wonderfully varied hiking & walking in the region: Dramatic coastal hiking, undulating moorland &steep wooded valleys.

To find out more about Exmoor and our self-guided walking & hiking trips in the region, visit our website (link in bio).

#exmoor #exmoornationalpark #foottrailsuk #walkuk #ruralengland #ukwalks #visitsomersetuk #visitsomerset #ukwildponies #walkingholidaysuk #hikeuk #walkuk #englishcountryside #ukwalkingholidays

Bath is a city that has always been close to our h

Bath is a city that has always been close to our hearts. Alison, myself and our family lived in Bath for nearly a decade. We never tire of returning to explore, especially during the festive season.

As we wandered the city, the golden Bath stone facades of the Georgian buildings reflected the warm glow of Christmas lights criss-crossing the the streets. The gothic stonework of Bath Abbey was lit up impressively and we were tempted more than once to warm our hands (and hearts) with a glass of mulled wine from one of the Christmas market stalls :)

As we tend to do (both on and off trails), we ventured away from the hustle and bustle to explore the smaller side streets and shops. Christmas wreaths made of evergreen branches, berries and flowers were hung on doors and the windows of the shops, tearooms and inns glowed invitingly.

It was the perfect way to usher in the festive season.

David Howell

#christmasmarketuk #visitbath #welcometobath #visitengland #bathengland #xmaslights #festiveseason #england #Cotswolds #visitbath #festive #christmasspirit #visitengland #walkingholidaysuk #prettystreets #countrylife
#countryliving #beautifulengland #walkinguk

One of the joys of spending time in rural England

One of the joys of spending time in rural England during the festive season are the Christmas markets and fairs held in towns and villages. At this time of year, decorations and lights bring joy on dark nights and children’s excitement levels grow ever higher as the ‘big’ day approaches.

It’s a time with a great sense of gathering, one that harks back millennia to when our ancestors in the northern hemisphere could do little but gather around the fire, share provisions and tales while they waited for the days to lengthen.

A traditional festive market is the perfect way for communities to come together and get in the festive spirit. We always make sure to go to our local festive market at this time of year. 🎄

Alison & David Howell

#Christmas2025 #christmas #walking #selfguided #SelfGuidedTour #selfguidedtour #ruralengland #englishvillagelife #englishvillage #walkuk #hikeuk #walkingholidaysuk #christmasmarkets #travel #winterwalks #christmasinengland #visitengland #englandtravel #uktravel #ukchristmas #lovegreatbritain #festiveseason

We're now entering the last weeks of autumn ahead

We're now entering the last weeks of autumn ahead of the winter solstice, and the festive season is gathering pace here in rural England.

Walking in this season requires a little weather flexibility but the rewards can be lovely. A sun-pierced frosty morning, statuesque trees looming in a mist; on some the last autumn leaves hang like golden jewels. Woodsmoke furling from cottage chimneys, drifting on the air in the afternoon dusk. I love wrapping up and getting out for an earthy wander at this time of year.

Step inside the village pubs and log fires are ablaze, the scent of warm spiced wines and ciders linger on the air and then there’s always the promise of a warmed mince pie.

Here are a few images from our winter wanderings over the years. We love getting out and about at the this time of year - there’s still so much beauty in the countryside even in the deep midwinter. We hope you enjoy our photos.

David

#christmas2025 #countrysidewalks #ruralengland #naturetrail #naturewalks #winterwalking #hikingadventures #travel #england #walking #quietinthewild #seekthepositive #leavethecity #embracingtheseasons #countrysidewalks #englishcountryside #slowtravel #landscape_lovers #swisbest #visitengland #selfguidedwalks #walkingengland #winterlandscape

As the day of our photoshoot drew to a close, the

As the day of our photoshoot drew to a close, the countryside was bathed in a wonderful golden light. We carried on to our next stop, a 17th century packhorse bridge over a beautifully tranquil river. It’s a stunning setting that feels almost like stepping back in time—worn cobbles, an ancient stone fulling mill, and a grand country house standing testament to the wealth generated by the cloth-making industry.

We spent a wonderful day immersed in the countryside that is so special to us. There’s nothing we love more than sharing this region with our guests.

If you’d like to book a bespoke walking holiday in South West England, visit our website (link in bio)

#hikeuk #walkuk #slowtravel #seekthepositive #slowtraveling #landscapecaptures #villagelife #countrywalks #hikingtime #walkingadventures #getoutside #ukwalkingholidays #takeintheview #englishwalks #hikingvacations #visituk #leavethecity #weloveengland #ruralengland #walkingholidayuk

#travelinspiration #ruralengland #swisbest #thispr

#travelinspiration #ruralengland #swisbest #thisprettyengland #travelinspiration #travelengland #beautifulengland #countrywalks #explorethecountryside #weloveengland #britainoutdoors #countrysideadventures #cottages #englishcottages #englishvillages

Back in late September, David & myself spent a day

Back in late September, David & myself spent a day visiting locations from some of our walks in Wiltshire and Wessex with photographer @mattlincolnphoto. We were blessed with a chilly but beautifully bright day. Perfect for wandering the wonderful countryside of Wiltshire.

We're thrilled with the results and hope you enjoy looking at them too.

Alison

To find out more about our walking & hiking trips in the Cotswolds & South West England, visit our website (link in bio).

#hikingengland #hikeuk #ukwalking #walkuk #visitwiltshire #countrysidewalks #thisprettyengland #visitengland #hikingtrails #ukhikers #ukwalkingholidays #landscapesofbritain #chalkdownland #visitsomersetuk #visitwiltshire #visitthecotswolds #ifordmanor #landscapecaptures #slowtravel #walkingholidaysuk

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Credits & small print

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

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