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5 Unmissable Devon Walks: From Dartmoor Tors to the Jurassic Coast
Discover 12 of the best walks across Devon. From the towering maritime cliffs of Exmoor and the wild granite tors of Dartmoor to tranquil estuarine paths and ancient heathlands, this curated guide offers detailed routes, distances, and difficulty ratings for every type of walker.
Martin Hesp
3 hours ago10 min read


How to Escape the Summer Crowds in South West England
August is in full swing, and the West Country peninsula is busier than ever. If you're looking for green leafy voids, oceanic vastness, or moorland emptiness away from the crowded hotspots, here is a guide to the most lonesome, wild, and quiet corners across Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
Martin Hesp
1 day ago13 min read


4 Dramatic Coastal Walks in North Devon
From the sweeping sands of Bideford Bay to the sheer, dizzying sea-cliffs of Exmoor, North Devon offers a landscape of striking contrasts. Whether you are tracing lost Victorian railway lines, exploring secret sea-coves, or wandering through vast dune systems, discover four dramatic coastal walking routes complete with local pub stops, route navigation, and parking details.
Martin Hesp
4 days ago6 min read


6 Spectacular South Devon Coastal & River Walks
Discover six of South Devon’s finest coastal and river walks, stretching from the light-drenched cliffs of Start Point to the quiet banks of the River Dart. Complete with local history, atmospheric scenery, and the best walker-friendly pubs along the way.
Martin Hesp
6 days ago9 min read


Beating the Heatwave: Where to Find Cool Relief in the West Country Landscape
When summer heatwaves strike, the South West offers a hidden refuge. From ancient, damp sunken lanes and breezy upland ridges to shady coastal paths, deep forests, and steep river gorges, discover four classic West Country landscapes where you can find cool relief from the blazing sun.
Martin Hesp
Aug 38 min read


Six Great Pub Walks in Devon
Discover six outstanding Devon pub walks, from dramatic Atlantic sea-cliffs and leafy coastal undercliffs to shadowy river gorges and ancient escarpments—each paired with a top-notch local inn for well-earned refreshment.
Martin Hesp
Jul 298 min read


Little Switzerland: The Dramatic Highs and Lows of Lynton and Lynmouth
For pure landscape drama, few locations in England can match the vertiginous cliffs and romantic history of Lynton and Lynmouth. Discover the deep river gorges, the legendary Valley of Rocks, and a beautifully restored historic inn right in the heart of Exmoor's "Little Switzerland."
Martin Hesp
Jul 138 min read


5 Best Pub Walks on Exmoor: Historic Trails & Classic Inns
From the high crest of Dunkery Beacon to the deep ravine of the River Exe, explore five classic circular walks capturing the haunting history, wild landscapes, and best traditional pubs of Exmoor National Park.
Martin Hesp
Jun 3012 min read


The Best West Country Walks for a Heatwave: 10 Coastal, Moorland and Woodland Escapes
**Excerpt**
When temperatures soar, there are better places to walk than crowded beaches and sun-baked lanes. Join Martin Hesp on ten of his favourite West Country walks, where cooling sea breezes, shady woodland, open moorland and peaceful islands make perfect escapes during a summer heatwave.
Martin Hesp
Jun 2511 min read


The Most Varied Coast in Britain: From Mudflats to Ancient Pavements
It is arguably the most varied stretch of coast anywhere in Britain. From the mud-horse fishermen of Bridgwater Bay to the vertiginous wonders of Lynton and Lynmouth, join us on a journey along the mighty littoral that caps this peninsula to the north.
Martin Hesp
Apr 35 min read


The Rivers of Exmoor: Hiking the Exe, Barle, Lyn & Horner
Exmoor is shaped by its rivers. From the wild, boggy heights of the Chains to wooded valleys and hidden coastal combes, these waterways define the landscape — and some of the finest walks on the moor.
Martin Hesp
Mar 258 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 107 min read


The Ancient Art of Netting Wild Salmon
Join the last of the River Exe salmon netters as a thousand-year-old West Country tradition comes to an end. A fascinating story of heritage, conservation, exceptional seafood and the people determined to preserve one of Britain's oldest fishing customs.
Martin Hesp
Feb 248 min read


Where to Stay in Dartmouth: Inside the Newly Refurbished Royal Castle Hotel
Discover why Dartmouth remains one of Devon's most beautiful harbour towns as Martin Hesp stays at the newly refurbished Royal Castle Hotel and explores its history, restaurants and spectacular River Dart setting.
Martin Hesp
Dec 7, 20258 min read


Tuckenhay Circular Walk: A Beautiful 3.5-Mile Devon Walk Around Bow Creek
One of South Devon's finest short walks, this circular route from Tuckenhay combines peaceful estuary scenery, ancient lanes, wildlife, panoramic views and an excellent riverside pub.
Martin Hesp
Oct 19, 20253 min read


Cycling the Exe Estuary Trail: Devon's Best Traffic-Free Cycle Ride
Looking for one of Devon's best cycling routes? The Exe Estuary Trail offers a largely traffic-free ride between Exeter and Exmouth, passing estuary wildlife, picturesque villages, cafés and spectacular riverside scenery.
Martin Hesp
Sep 2, 20259 min read


Speke's Mill Mouth: Discover One of North Devon's Best Hidden Beaches
Hidden beneath the towering cliffs near Hartland Quay, Speke's Mill Mouth is one of Devon's most spectacular secret beaches. Follow the South West Coast Path to discover a waterfall plunging onto a wild Atlantic shore.
Martin Hesp
Aug 11, 20256 min read


Ness Cove, Shaldon: Discover Devon's Hidden Beach Through the Famous Smugglers' Tunnel
Hidden behind a famous smugglers' tunnel, Ness Cove is one of Devon's most enchanting secret beaches. Discover how to find it, where to park, nearby coastal walks and why this secluded cove is one of South Devon's finest hidden gems.
Martin Hesp
Aug 6, 20257 min read


Crow Point, North Devon: Discover One of Devon's Best Secret Beaches
Crow Point is one of North Devon's least-known beaches, where huge skies, golden sand and sweeping views across the Taw Estuary create one of Devon's finest hidden coastal escapes.
Martin Hesp
Aug 5, 20257 min read


Vintage Cider Tasting with the West Country's Leading Cider Experts
What happens when artificial intelligence tries to describe a vintage cider? We put AI to the test alongside some of the West Country's finest cider makers and discovered the difference experience makes.
Martin Hesp
Aug 3, 20258 min read
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