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The Cornish Snapper: The Granite Mystery – Story Behind the Novel | Martin Hesp
Martin Hesp reveals the real-life journalism, photography and Cornish landscapes behind The Cornish Snapper: The Granite Mystery — a modern mystery where a sharp-eyed photographer and a seasoned reporter uncover clues others miss.
Martin Hesp
4 hours ago7 min read


Unforgettable Scottish Escapes with Black Heep Hotels: Inverness & The Highlands (So Far!)
From the sun-soaked peaks of the Isle of Skye to the rugged northern coastline of Thurso, our recent journey through the Scottish Highlands has been nothing short of spectacular. Staying at the welcoming Ambassador Hotel in Inverness and the serene Whispering Pines, we've discovered the perfect bases for exploring the wild beauty of the north. Here is a first look at our fabulous long drives and Highland highlights—with much more to come.
Martin Hesp
2 days ago2 min read


Exploring England’s “Fair and Pleasant Land” in the Northern Cotswolds While Staying at the Farncombe Estate
A stay at the luxurious Farncombe Estate reveals the magic of the northern Cotswolds. Travel writer Martin Hesp explores Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway while experiencing Dormy House and The Fish Hotel.
Martin Hesp
Mar 158 min read


Catch of the Day in the Isles of Scilly: Seafood from Britain’s Atlantic Edge
The Isles of Scilly sit far out in the Atlantic, where fishing remains part of everyday life. Here lobster, crab and the day’s catch move quickly from sea to plate, offering visitors a true taste of Cornwall’s island seafood traditions.
Martin Hesp
Mar 135 min read


Cornish hevva cake, pasties and stargazy pie: a look at some of the Southwest’s most iconic traditional dishes
A quick and easy guide to some of Cornwall's specialities
Martin Hesp
Mar 133 min read


A Life on the Road — One Saturday at a Time
For more than twenty-five years Martin Hesp has written about the landscapes, people and traditions of the West Country. In this episode he reflects on growing up in West Somerset, the shadow that war cast over his childhood, and how local history — from Viking raids to Alfred the Great — shaped the imagination of a generation.
Martin Hesp
Mar 115 min read


Best Exmoor Walks: Favourite Routes Across the Moor, Valleys and Coast
An overview of the walks which can be enjoyed in and around Exmoor National Park - the article introduces you to various walks and areas within the national park
Martin Hesp
Mar 106 min read


Dunkery Beacon Walk, Exmoor: Views, Legends and Mysteries
A guide to the Dunkery Beacon walk on Exmoor, including where to park at Webber’s Post, the best views over Porlock Vale and the legends surrounding Exmoor’s highest hill.
Martin Hesp
Mar 98 min read


How to Travel Denmark in Comfort: A Guide to Hygge, Transport and Easy Touring
Exploring Denmark: How to Travel the Country in Comfort Denmark and comfort go “hand in glove”. Defined by its concept of hygge (coziness), this Scandinavian gem often ranks among the world’s happiest countries, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re traveling to Denmark soon, expect slow-living, sustainability, and first-class amenities. Crowds dining outdoors in Copenhagen Whether you’re exploring the vibrant capital, Copenhagen, or veering slightly off the beaten path to the
Martin Hesp
Mar 65 min read


The Jetty Christchurch Review: Alex Aitken’s Waterside Restaurant at Harbour Hotel
A dozen years after fishing with chef Alex Aitken, I visit The Jetty at Harbour Hotel Christchurch to see how this Dorset waterside restaurant continues to thrive.
Martin Hesp
Mar 16 min read


What to Know Before Choosing an eSim for Global Use
International travel usually depends on stable mobile data access for maps, bookings, and communication. Airports, transit systems, and unfamiliar streets can make reliable connectivity feel essential. Digital SIM technology offers an alternative to physical cards that require swapping. A bit of preparation helps reduce avoidable issues before departure. Device Compatibility Comes First Phone compatibility should always be the first checkpoint before any purchase. A global eS
Martin Hesp
Feb 273 min read


Magic of Madeira Weaves an Even Bigger Spell at the Island's Annual Wine Festival
Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island
Martin Hesp
Feb 265 min read


Bountiful Barbados as Seen From the Classic Cobbler's Cove
A stay at the classic Cobbler’s Cove resort in Barbados could be one of the most relaxing and satisfying things you could do in the Caribbean
Martin Hesp
Feb 266 min read


10 Great West Country Beaches
I wouldn’t put this up in summer—many of these beaches can get crowded. But in spring autumn you might visit any of these ten spots and find yourself entirely alone. From the rope-climb descent of Pedn Vounder to the fossil-filled pavements of Doniford and the Caribbean-white sands of St Martin’s Bay, this is my personal shortlist of the West Country’s finest stretches of sand. Whether you are looking for surf, silence, or a sense of history, these are the places that haunt t
Martin Hesp
Feb 253 min read


Bequia: The Green Jewel of the Grenadines
Our little island plane dropped off two local passengers at Carriacou before heading north across the dreamy isles to arrive at the green, green jewel of Bequia. Here, life moves at a deliberate ten miles per hour, mostly from the back of the island's ubiquitous pick-up truck taxis. From the sublime luxury of the Bequia Beach Hotel to the chewy excellence of a conch salad in Port Elizabeth, this is a Caribbean escape that feels like a discovery. It is a place where the only t
Martin Hesp
Feb 252 min read


Exploring Tokyo
Listen to a podcast in which Martin Hesp explores Tokyo, meeting with an old Somerset friend - Adam Kennedy - who has lived in the city for the past 17 years
Martin Hesp
Feb 241 min read


A Very Fishy Christmas: Pushing the Boat Out at Hartland Quay
It might sound crazy to cook on a beach in midwinter - but a day out with Devon’s Dan the Fishman is just what’s needed to blow away the Christmas cobwebs
Martin Hesp
Feb 246 min read


The Ancient Art of Netting Wild Salmon
The last of the British salmon netters
Martin Hesp
Feb 246 min read


Peaceful Perfect Porthgwarra
An introduction to Porthgwarra on the South West Cornish Coast - part of the inspiration for the first Cornish Snapper novel
Martin Hesp
Feb 242 min read


Why Wild Garlic is the Star of Spring 2026
Here is an evocative excerpt for your website and social media. I’ve designed this to hook the "old school" reader with a strong seasonal opening while subtly hinting at the expert advice contained within.
Wild Garlic: The Pungent Herald of Spring 2026
The distinctive scent of garlic is once again wafting through the West Country woods, marking the true start of the foraging season. From the simplicity of a butter-rich omelette to the vibrant kick of a fresh pesto, wild garl
Martin Hesp
Feb 243 min read
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