Our story and values

Co-founder Alison Howell grew up on farms in the West Country. David Howell in a village in the Cotswolds. For both, travel has been a way of experiencing new cultures, of deepening their understanding of the world, and of making memories to treasure.

They met at university. After which Alison was working in customer service at IBM and David in IT but they both knew a career behind a desk wasn’t for them. So they packed a tent, headed for France and walked 680 miles together – asking questions about freedom, place and what a different life might look like.

In 2002 that journey became Foot Trails – a walking travel company rooted in the South West of England, shaped by people not mass tourism. The company has gone on to win many awards for its pioneering approach and outstanding service and experiences including becoming the first UK travel organisation to win a Big Tick for Rural Action, by Business in the Community. One of the Prince of Wales charities.

In 2015 Alison would become unwell and wait nearly three years for a bipolar diagnosis. With David’s unwavering support they continued to grow Foot Trails using the quiet philosophy and principles of ‘The Howell Way’.

In 2026 Alison and David launched Drive and Stroll, destined from the start to also do things differently. With a desire to show guests the authentic and peaceful South West England they have grown to love over the decades. These private tours avoid scripts, headphones, screens, large tour buses and crowds. Instead Drive and Stroll focuses on moments, memories, story telling and warm, natural conversations.