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

Rural trails in South West England

By Emma Surridge / November 6, 2023

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

Our way of walking, our way of caring.
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Midsummer, around 20 June, marks the longest day o

Midsummer, around 20 June, marks the longest day of the year here in the northern hemisphere. A time early sunrises and lingering sunsets. Of village fetes, midsummer festivals and open garden weekends, when private individuals open up their gardens to the general public, giving you a fascinating glimpse of beautiful cottage gardens as well as the grounds of grand manor houses, not normally open for public viewing.

To find out more about our bespoke walking & hiking trips in South West England, visit our website (link in bio).
https://foottrails.co.uk/

#midsummer #summersolstice #VisitEngland #visitengland #summer #summerday #summerhike #summerhikes #Summer2026 #summer2026 #summerwalks #summerwalk #summerwalking #england #hikeuk #walkuk #walkingholidaysuk #walkingholiday #englishcountryside #ruralengland #hikingadventures #southwestengland

June and July are the longest, lightest months of

June and July are the longest, lightest months of the year. The countryside is green, rich and full of colour and life. Classic English garden flowers - foxgloves, lupins, delphiniums and lavender - are also in full bloom. There’s no better time to wander the countryside and explore some of England’s finest country homes.

#englishcountryhouses #countryhouses #cottagegarden #cottagegardens #englishcountryside #englishcountrysideholiday #englishcountrysideadventures #englishgardens #englishgardenstyle #historichouse #statelyhomes #mansion #mansionhouse #hikingadventures #visitengland #traveluk #walkuk #hikeuk

“Sweeter than roses was the face For whom I pluck'

“Sweeter than roses was the face
For whom I pluck'd the flower;'
John Clare, 1793 - 1864

Rambling over stone walls, hedges and timber frames; mingling with hollyhocks, foxgloves and lavender, their fragrant scent drifting on the air. What could typify an English country garden more than a rose?

#englishvillages #englishvillage #englishvillagelife #walkingengland #ruralengland #englishcountryside #englishcountrysideholiday #roses #rosesofinstagram #hikeuk #walkuk #walkingholidays #walkingholidaysuk

In May and June, cottage gardens are transformed w

In May and June, cottage gardens are transformed with colour in England. At this time of year, they feel like spaces where time moves at a gentler pace. Where you can wander winding stone pathways between towering foxgloves, losing yourself in the heady scent of lavender, honeysuckle and roses. Where bees buzz lazily by and busy gardeners are always willing to stop for a chat.

To find out how you can book a bespoke walking holiday through the villages and gardens of South West England, visit our website (link in bio).

#EnglishGarden #BritishGarden #englishcottagegarden #cottagegarden #cottage #cottagecore #cottagelife #hikingvacation #hikinguk #walking #englishcountryside #countrysidewalks #england #englandtravel #uktravel #walkingholidays #walkingholidaysuk #walkuk #hikeuk

There are few things nicer, on a warm summer’s day

There are few things nicer, on a warm summer’s day, than walking through swaying grasslands watching butterflies, bees and other winged insects flit from flower to flower, the sound of buzzing filling the air as you pass by. If you’re lucky, you might even see a hare bounding away in the distance, or come across a slow worm basking in the warm summer sun.

#wildflowermeadow #meadows #meadows #flowers #nature #naturelovers #grasslands #wildflowersuk #natureuk #walkinguk #hikinguk #hikinguk #hikingengland #englandtravel #photosofengland #walkingholidaysuk #walkingholidays #explore_britain #visitbritain #quietinthewild #walkinginnature #landscapelovers

May is a wonderful month for walking. The countrys

May is a wonderful month for walking. The countryside looks stunning—verdant greens and bright whites are everywhere. Trees, hedgerows and verges show off their new vivid green leaves. Clouds of frothy white cow parsley fill verges and hedgerows, while Hawthorne trees seem to be weighed down with the thick clusters of their own blossom.

To find out more about booking a bespoke walking holiday in England in 2026, visit our website (link in bio).

#may2026 #LandscapeLovers #EnglishCountryside #england #visitengland #countrysidelife #traveluk #walkingholidaysuk #hikingholidaysuk #ukwalking #hikinguk #ukholiday #getoutdoors #walkingholidayuk #adventureawaits #england #countrysidewalks

It all began with a walk, a 680-mile walk across F

It all began with a walk, a 680-mile walk across France. When Alison & David Howell gave up their jobs, house and car, and boarded a boat across the channel, carrying with them an appetite for adventure, a small two man tent, a few essential clothes and a gas stove to make tea and cook supper.

Inspired by that journey Alison & David founded Foot Trails on their return to England. Over two decades, Foot Trails has grown into a small dedicated team who share Alison & David's passion for helping our guests discover the very best of South West England, slowly, on foot.

To find out more about the story of Foot Trails, watch our video on our YouTube channel (link in bio).

#getoutdoors #getoutside #hiking #hike #england #walkuk #gohiking #hikingadventures #beautifuldestinations #walkingholidays #walkingholidaysuk #selfguidedwalkingholidays #walksinengland #ExploreEngland #thisprettyengland #travelengland #englandtravel #traveluk #gloriousbritain #beautifulengland #visitengland

Nature has its own magic, and to be immersed in it

Nature has its own magic, and to be immersed in it is a feast for the senses. The vibrant greens of grasses, trees and hedgerows with bright pops of colours from wildflowers. The subtle scents that change from landscape to landscape. All accompanied by the sound of wind in the trees and the echoes of birdsong.

Nature restores us and we always feel better for having spent time outdoors.

#goforawalk #getoutinnature #walkinguk #wellbeing #woodlandwalks #offthebeatentrack #letnaturenurture #roamandwonder #ukwalks #ukhikes #walkinguk #hikinguk #walkingholidaysengland #southwestengland #visitengland

There is something special about walking with fami

There is something special about walking with family and friends in nature. Spending your days wandering the countryside, immersed in nature, with nothing else to do apart from explore and talk deepens connections.

Conversations flow more naturally. There's time to talk and connect or just enjoy companionable silence.

To find out more about our bespoke walking & hiking trips for groups of friends & family, visit our website (link in bio).

#groupwalks #walkandtalk #walkingtogether #AdventureAwaits #natureescape #rechargeinnature #walkuk #hikeuk #england #southwestengland #visitengland #englishlandscapes #countrysidewalks #ruralengland #englishcountryside #quietinthewild #naturewalks #travelinspiration #leavethecity #ukwalkingholidays

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Credits & small print

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

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