Our Walking Journal

A ruined castle on a hill in an autumnal setting

Hiking to a king’s stronghold

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

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A limestone arch reaching out into the sea with the waves hitting the shingle beach.

Icons of the Dorset coast

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

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Scene of a lake surrounde by golden autumnal trees and a replica Greek pantheon on a hill in the distance

Autumn splendour

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

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Salisbury cathedral up close with the spire reaching into the sky

A pilgrimage to Salisbury Cathedral

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

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Image showing the front cover of the 2026 Foot Trails walking & hiking in England brochure

Foot Trails launches NEW 2026 brochure and new-look website

Foot Trails is thrilled to announce the launch of its NEW 2026 brochure and NEW website. Featuring Foot Trails’ new look, our 56-page 2026 brochure showcases a tempting range of self-guided hiking and walking tours throughout South West England, including The Cotswolds, Bath and Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Exmoor. The beautiful photographs featured in

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Photo of Alison & David Howell standing on a small hill, the countryside rolling away into the distance

Foot Trails: Where it all began

In 1995, Alison & David gave up their jobs and boarded a boat for France. Armed only with a small two-man tent and a few essentials, they hiked 680 miles across France, doing what they loved most, being close to nature and exploring. When Alison & David returned to the UK, they wanted to help

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