ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Simon Whittaker
Tour Guide for In & Beyond Bath
Simon is a born-and-bred Wiltshireman (a so-called ‘Moonraker’ as people from the county are known) who can remember being taken to both prehistoric monuments from an early age.
This sowed a lifelong seed which grew into a passion for his native countryside, the rare chalk hill habitats known as Downland that Wiltshire has so much of and the incredible monuments and enigmatic remains left by our ancestors there.
Working on the farms of the Wiltshire stately home Bowood House, owned by Lord Shelburne, Marquess of Lansdowne, as a teenager has ingrained in him a deep love and understanding of the landscape and seasons in the Westcountry.
He likes nothing better than showing our visitors the best hidden corners of the area.
What's your favourite location in the local region and why?
Martinsell Hill
'Far from the Madding Crowd', unspoilt Martinsell Hill is on the lip of Wiltshire’s rolling Uplands, with clear views towards Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge.
Here, in the sun and wind, I feel a real connection with the ancient prehistoric communities who lived, worshipped and erected their enigmatic earthworks on this atmospheric spot.
What are you interested in writing?
I’m especially interested in writing pieces that help first-time visitors get a feel for the region, what to expect, what not to miss, and what makes the area so special. I love exploring the countryside on foot, and I’m keen to share walking-friendly guides and local insights that make people feel more prepared and excited ahead of a tour. If someone finishes reading one of my blogs and feels like they already know the lay of the land before they even arrive, that’s a win.
