Our Walking Journal

A small group of wild ponies on Exmoor

The wild beauty of Exmoor

Exmoor: Wild, dramatic, and beautiful. Heather-clad moors, wild ponies, rugged coastline and wooded river valleys. It’s everything you don’t expect from South West England.  This unique landscape has long been a draw to Foot Trails Co-Founders Alison & David Howell. Its natural landmarks, prehistoric monuments, rocky rivers where white water tumbles make it a fascinating

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Two walkers walking on a gravel path in a landscaped garden past a temple

Hiking a picturesque landscape in South West England

As part of our rolling schedule to check all of the trails in our walking & trips, Becky, Alastair and myself (Emma) were excited to be walking our ‘Living Painting’ trail, which is part of our Wessex Ancient Kingdom and Country Houses & Gardens trips. We started our walk at an imposing triangular tower built

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Two people walking in a field behind a fence with a hand-painted sign reading 'Footpath only'

Hiking the Cotswolds – away from the crowds

When it comes to getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s nothing better than walking in the countryside. Immersing yourself in peace & quiet; wandering quiet footpaths away from the crowds. This is exactly what we (David, Becky and Emma) were looking forward to with our latest trip to the Cotswolds.

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Green footpath trail marker attached to a tree

Exploring a Golden Valley

Earlier this July, Foot Trails Co-Founder and Trail Creator David Howell was back in the Cotswolds exploring new routes to add to our walking & hiking trips in the region. What he discovered was beautiful, tranquil paths far from the crowds, and a landscape full of stories, history and fascinating tales: “The morning was shrouded

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A person walking along a footpath in a field, deep in thought

The benefits of walking

‘If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.’ Good advice, we think. But it doesn’t come from us. It comes from Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. He’s purported to have said it almost 2,500 years ago. The ancient Greek

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A female walker standing in front of a large sculptured hedge with a church tower peeking out above the hedge in the background

Hiking the Cotswolds: Q&A with Alison Howell

Foot Trails Co-Founder Alison Howell has always loved the Cotswolds. With strong ties to the region and family who still farm there, it’s an area that holds a very special place in her heart. Read on to discover what it is about the Cotswolds that Alison finds so captivating and how this love of the

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