Two people stand on a grassy hillside path overlooking the rolling countryside of Wiltshire. The man wears a grey T-shirt, black shorts, and a checkered drawstring backpack, while the woman wears a floral top and black leggings. The wide landscape stretches into the distance under a cloudy sky, with patchwork fields, hedgerows, and gentle ridges visible. The scene conveys a peaceful moment of rural exploration and appreciation of the natural beauty. Text in the corner reads "Roaming the Paths.

Roaming the Paths: a collective of expert partners and associates

Associates

Mike Atkinson-Willes from Waking Wiltshire

Walking Wiltshire

Specialising In botanical-based tours.

Walking Wiltshire offers a wealth of information, insight and commentary on the medicinal and other uses of the flora.

See the Walking Wiltshire website

Portrait of a jewellery maker wearing handmade accessories. She is looking to one side while standing beside a window, wearing a floral dress, chunky silver hoop earrings, and a pale blue stone pendant necklace on a black cord. Natural light highlights the handcrafted jewellery.

The Tarnished Wren

Kailey makes Handcrafted jewellery inspired by the ancient landscapes of Wiltshire.

Nestled beneath the Alton Barnes White Horse, at the foot of the Marlborough Downs, The Tarnished Wren creates distinctive handcrafted jewellery influenced by one of England’s most remarkable landscapes.

Now based in the neighbouring villages of Alton Barnes and Alton Priors, the workshop sits among crystal-clear chalk springs, ancient churches, sarsen stones, and the historic Ridgeway. This is a place where history, folklore, and spirituality have left their mark for thousands of years.

Every piece is carefully handcrafted, drawing inspiration from the natural world and the timeless character of the Wiltshire countryside. The rolling downs, hidden valleys, wildflowers, standing stones, and ever-changing skies all find their way into the creative process.

The Tarnished Wren believes that jewellery should be more than decoration. It should tell a story, evoke a memory, or create a connection to a special place. Whether inspired by the ancient pathways of the Ridgeway, the tranquillity of the chalk streams, or the quiet mystery of the downs, each creation is made with care, individuality, and attention to detail.

Designed and handcrafted in rural Wiltshire, every piece celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep connection to the landscape that surrounds it.

Woman wearing a green cap standing by a farm gate with a herd of cattle in a muddy winter field behind her.

Thoughtful Detectorist

I am delighted to work with Amy, who is known as the Thoughtful Detectorist

When she is not in a field, she can often be found in a museum, revelling in the delights they contain.

A keen countrywoman (we really need a better word for this), photographer, historian, and antiquarian, and someone local to the area, it is hard to find anyone more invested in the heritage of the countryside.

Alongside visiting the Thoughtful Detectorist Instagram account, I would also recommend reading her excellent blog posts.

Emma Coxon from Little Piece of Wonder leading a Green Sketching session.

Little Piece of Wonder

Green Sketching with Little Piece of Wonder.

Little Piece of Wonder…the place to discover stories & ideas about living a more creative & connected life.

Exploring the wonder of nature & the magic that comes from slowing down. This adventure will introduce people & places including artists, creators & those living a simpler & more connected way of living.

Visit the Little Piece of Wonder Blog page for recent news, the Little Piece of Wonder Facebook page or the beautifully curated Little Piece of Wonder Instagram account because life is beautiful. 

Paul Whitewick

Videographer and explorer of heritage and history.

Paul has a passion for all aspects of human geography encompassing railways, canals, Roman roads and ancient track-ways.

He often explores the countryside and documents interesting artefacts for his YouTube channel.

Also, see Paul’s content on Twitter and Instagram.

Picture of Alan Coxon - founder of Roaming the Paths

Alan R Coxon

I am a countryman with a lifelong fascination for the landscapes, wildlife, history, and food that shape our countryside. My aim is simple: to help as many people as possible discover the peace, curiosity, and quiet joy that can be found outdoors in every season.

Through Roaming the Paths I hope to entertain, inform, educate, and inspire. The countryside is far more than scenery. It tells the story of where our food comes from, why biodiversity matters, how ancient tracks and forgotten history still shape our modern lives, and why these places should matter just as much to people in cities as they do to those who live beside them.

Professionally, I work in countryside access and public rights of way, helping to protect and improve the paths and landscapes that allow people to explore and enjoy the countryside safely. That practical experience, combined with a lifelong curiosity about rural life, history, farming, and food, shapes everything I do through this project.

Along the way I have assembled a remarkable group of collaborators, each an expert in their own field, to help guide you on a journey of discovery, enjoyment, and sometimes the occasional surprise.

I also write for national publications, including Platinum magazine, where I serve as resident gardener.

The Wandering Wench

OK, We know her as Karen and as an extraordinary ecologist. Local to Wiltshire but travels around the world in the quest for knowledge.

We are Roaming the Paths are gifted to have her on board with her amazing knowledge and incredible enthusiasm for all things outdoors. See her Facebook page – The Wandering Wench

Mark Pilkington - writer, publisher (Strange Attractor Press), curator and musician with particular interest in the fringes of knowledge, culture and belief.

Mark Pilkington

A writer, publisher (Strange Attractor Press), curator and musician with a particular interest in the fringes of knowledge, culture and belief. (Wikipedia)

Living in the Vale of Pewsey, where the Wiltshire landscape abounds with heritage, history, mysticism and music, Mark brings an enthusiasm for cultural and anthropological aspects of rural life.

Best known as author Mirage Men: A Journey into Disinformation, Paranoia and UFOs and Far Out: 101 Strange Tales from Science’s Outer Edge Mark stands out as one of a few great critical thinkers of our time.

Dr. Nikki Cook

We are Doubly lucky to have Nikki on the team. A PhD in Archaeology (Cambridge), and qualified as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and owner of Lotus Wellbeing.

With extensive knowledge of archaeology Nikki can transform your knowledge of the landscape and how it’s been used. The ancient human occupation and the deep human and spiritual connection to the land.

Ebony Last

Landscape architecture student and aspiring ecologist is an ambassador for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and is very knowledgeable about the area.

Visit the el_landscape_ecology for some inspiring wildlife photography.

Hedley Thorne

Renowned Landscape and aerial photographer, podcaster and supplier of Aerial services Hedley has an ardent following. Visit HedleyThorne.com for links to the photography, podcasts and services, or have a look at Hedley Thorne on Instagram to get an idea of the majesty of his work and the passion for the countryside.

The Strollers Tale / The Magpies Feathers

The Strollers Tale developed from a love of visiting places around the UK and discovering folklore and traditions, walking, history, landscape and how it all connects.

The aim is to share information on interesting subjects, gather stories from places we go and people we meet and encourage others to explore their surroundings and share their own unique stories

Get a copy of the Strollers Tale Zine from The Magpies Feathers and enjoy a wonderful world.


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