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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.
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On our journal

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

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

Autumn splendour

We’ve been enjoying a vibrant autumn here in South West England. It’s been a joy being out on the trails

Life on Instagram

The Somerset Levels, a land of cider, legend and t

The Somerset Levels, a land of cider, legend and timeless rural life. This low-lying wetland in the heart of Somerset, is a true hidden gem of the South West. A place suffused in history, myths and legends, where King Arthur was said to have lived, ruled and died.

Our King Arthur’s Trail trip immerses you in all the different facets of this region - stunning natural landscapes, delightful villages, historic ruined abbeys, vintage cider orchards and breathtaking views. To find out more, message us here on Instagram or visit our website (link in bio)

#somerset #glastonburytor #walkingholiday #walkinguk #england #naturelovers #naturevibes #walkingtour #hikeuk #walkingengland #KingArthur #alfredthegreat #somersetlevels #glastonbury #glastonburyabbey #somersetlevelsandmoors #somerset #visitsomerset #somsersetlevels #somersetwest

#thisprettyengland #walkingholidaysuk #visitenglan

#thisprettyengland #walkingholidaysuk #visitengland #walkingholidays #hikeuk #somerset #offthebeatenpath #slowtravel #foottrailsuk #visitsomerset #hikingengland #beautifulengland #medieval #KingArthur #travelinspiration #travelengland #ruralengland #swisbest #walkuk #walkingadventures #countrysidewalks #countrywalks #hikingtime #landscapesofbritain #walkingholidaysuk

South West England was indelibly shaped by Alfred

South West England was indelibly shaped by Alfred the Great and his descendants. From the small characterful that dot the landscape and the winding lanes that connect them, to the small enclosed field systems that are still in place today, to the miles of hedgerows that still mark boundaries between the patchwork of farmland. The south west is also where Alfred built his fortified settlements (burhs), many of which are now beautiful market towns.

So many features that make the landscape here so unique, rural and captivating can be traced back to Alfred and his descendants. If you’d like to know more about booking walking holiday in this tranquil corner of England, visit our website (link in bio).

#walking #hiking #ukwalking #ukhiking #hikingadventures #hikingvacations #slowtravel #swisbest #slowtraveling #leavethecity #seekthepositive #ruralengland #villagelife #rambling #walking #hiking #ruralidyll #countrysidewalks #landscapecaptures #thisprettyengland #AngloSaxon #AngloSaxonHistory #Wessex #EarlyMedieval

A timeless landscape, steeped in history. Traditio

A timeless landscape, steeped in history. Traditional villages, quiet footpaths and big skies. The Cranborne Chase is a jewel in the south west. Covering an area of 379 square miles, this large chalk plateau is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) and an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Wandering the chalk tracks with no one in sight and views stretching off for miles, you may well be mistaken for thinking you’ve stepped centuries back in time. It’s quintessential Foot Trails country.

#cranbornechase #visitengland #hikingengland #walkuk #hikeuk

When it comes to telling the story of England, the

When it comes to telling the story of England, there are few things as impactful as a castle. From the time of William the Conqueror onwards, these imposing stone structures have borne witness to conquest, power struggles and social change over the centuries.

Built often for defense and as statements of power, many of these fascinating buildings are still part of the landscape of England today.

Our Kings & Kingdoms tour takes you to a number of impressive castles in wonderfully rural settings - the remains of an 11th century motte-and-bailey castle, a 12th century fortified palace of the Bishop of Salisbury and the arguably the most romantic medieval castle ruin in southern England.

If you'd like to know more about booking a walking holiday in the landscapes and castles of ancient England, visit our website (link in bio).

#castlesofengland #walkuk #englishheritage #HiddenGemsUK #englishcountryside #traveluk #castles #visitengland #walkingholidaysuk #walkingholidays #walkingholidaysengland #medieval #medievalcastle #medievalcastles #hikeengland #visitengland #traveluk #ruralengland #countrysidewalks #somerset #dorset #wiltshire

Hike in the footsteps of Saxon kings, through the

Hike in the footsteps of Saxon kings, through the ancient kingdom of the West Saxons - Wessex. Explore stunning landscapes and crowd-free villages, ancient hill-top towns that once defended Wessex from Viking invaders, medieval castles and ancient hunting grounds beloved of an infamous medieval king.

A place where beautiful rolling landscapes give way to open plains, with no two days the same. This wonderfully rural region is steeped in history and tradition, with miles and miles of quiet, tranquil footpaths.

To find out more, message us here on Instagram or visit our website (link in bio).

#englishvillage #visitengland #visitbritain #cottages #hikeuk #walkuk #swisbest #walkingholidayuk #walkingholidays #walkingholiday #dorset #beautifulbritain #englishcountryside #southwestengland #walkuk #hikeuk #slowtravelling #visitengland #weloveengland #selfguidedtravel #offthebeatentrack

"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely s

"I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;"
Sea Fever, John Masefield, 1902

We never tire of walking the spaces where the land meets the shore, and Dorset is one of our favourite places to experience the rhythm of the waves, the scent of salt on the air and the cry of gulls in the distance.

#ukcoast #ukcoastline #coastalwalks #ukcoastalwalks #dorset #england #visitdorset #weloveengland #swisbest #visitengland #hikeuk #walkuk #walkingholidaysuk #hikingvacation #hikingbritain #coastalwalks #coastwalk #ruralengland #southwestcoastpath #coastalscenery #selfguidedtour #ukwalkingholidays

There's a rich and wonderful story to be discovere

There's a rich and wonderful story to be discovered on the Dorset Coast by venturing a little off the coast path. Alison & David have been exploring this area over decades and design the routes to not just give you coastal views and highlights but also variety with rural scenes, tucked away villages and stories of life.

To find out more about our Coastal Seascapes of Dorset trail simply message us here on Instagram or visit our website (link in bio).

#dorsetlandscape #exploredorset #beautifuldestinations #corfecastle #visitdorset #walkinguk #hikinguk #hikingadventures #coastalwalks #englandhiking #englishcoast #ukhikes #ukwalks #walkingholidaysuk #ruralengland #englishcountryside #walking #landscape_captures #englishlandscapes #countrylife #visitengland #swisbest #explore_britain #visitbritain #quietinthewild #walkinginnature #landscapelovers

Is there anything more quintessentially English th

Is there anything more quintessentially English than a cottage? But cottages aren't just beautiful to look at, they are also a living testament to the history and individuality of each area of the UK. Built using locally available material, each region has its own ‘flavour’ of cottage.

A Dorset cottage is typically made of cob (a mix of clay, straw, and earth) or stone, with a thick thatch on top (contrasting with the slate roofs typical to the Cotswolds).

Alongside stunning coastal walking, our Coastal Seascapes of Dorset hikes take you a little inland too, to wander the rolling green countryside through quiet villages, showing you the rural Dorset that we know and love.

If you’d like to know more, message us here on Instagram or visit our website (link in bio).

#coastalwalksuk #dorset #dorsetuk #englishcottages #englishcottagestyle #coastalwalking #englishcoast #englishcoastpath #englishcoastline #englishcoastalpath #ukwalking #hikeuk #walkuk #walkingholidaysuk #walkingholidays #slowtraveling #thisprettyengland #englishwalks #visitengland #traveluk #visituk #walkingholidaysuk #leavethecity #countrysidewalks

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Credits & small print

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

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