The English countryside offers some of the most spectacular walks in the world. From heather-scattered moorland to rugged coastlines; glittering lakes to gurgling streams; patchwork hills to towering woodlands; the English countryside is a diverse feast for the senses. Set out for a rural stroll in June and you might hear chattering swallows or the deep hum of bumblebees. You’ll catch the scent of a wild rose and spot butterflies darting across the grass. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll even feel the sun on your skin. 

There is little so healing as the simple act of walking through a beautiful landscape. Spending time in nature can improve our mood, reduce stress and boost concentration and creativity. A solo walk can give us time to think, clarify any challenges and change our outlook, while conversations while walking can deepen bonds and strengthen relationships. Even a short, brisk walk can increase our mental alertness and energy; when you combine exercise with the beauty of the natural world, you get a powerful — usually free — tool for physical and mental health.

At True Grace we’re so passionate about the transformative power of walking that we attempted to distil it into our Functional Fragrances range. Inspired by the English countryside, the scents harness the therapeutic benefits of pure oils to capture the healing power of the natural world. Each fragrance in the range — Lawn, Fields and Moorland — has been named for the landscape that influenced it. Lawn uses a herbaceous blend of cypress oil, geranium, chamomile and lavender to capture the feeling of sinking your bare toes into dewy grass; Fields is inspired by wild flowers and long grasses, using lemon, rosemary and labdanum to refresh and centre you; and Moorland conjures the purifying effect of a hike on a cool and breezy day, with eucalyptus and mint mingling with warming mandarin and clove. 

As a predominantly rural county, Wiltshire has an abundance of beautiful countryside, stretching from the New Forest to The Cotswolds and taking in iconic landmarks, archeological features and chalk carvings. There is no better way to soak up the history and mystery of this ancient landscape than on foot: stroll through rich chalk grassland, admire the view from the top of rolling hills and soak up the atmosphere in sprawling woodland. In the words of artist/photographer and Essence of England interviewee, David R Abram, visiting these sites can feel like “you are communing with human lives from millennia ago.”

Among Wiltshire’s most notable landmarks are, of course, the stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as Salisbury Cathedral (home to England’s tallest church spire), and a number of country houses such as Longleat, Stourhead and Bowood. However, don’t limit yourself to these places alone: the county has any number of places to explore on foot, from short strolls to longer hikes (this book offers plenty of inspiration). Here are some of our favourites.