For six months Martin Hesp explored Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the Isles of Scilly in search of hidden coves, quiet beaches and remarkable coastal places. This is the story of his Secret Seasides series.

From the golden heights of the South Coast’s tallest summit to the ever-shifting undercliffs of Charmouth and Lyme Regis, Martin Hesp explores five dramatic Jurassic Coast walks—complete with smuggler lore, sweeping Wessex panoramas, and essential safety tips for beach fossil hunting.

Flanked by the granite wilderness of Dartmoor to the east and the Cornish border to the west, West Devon’s market towns are places of fierce resilience and deep history. From Tavistock’s handsome stannary streets to the windswept ramparts of Okehampton and the raw, agricultural heart of Hatherleigh, Martin Hesp explores three distinct border communities.

From the bustling Victorian aisles of Barnstaple’s Butchers’ Row to Bideford’s salty maritime lanes and Great Torrington’s dramatic clifftop ramparts, North Devon’s market towns are defined by rugged geography and deep agricultural roots. Martin Hesp explores five historic hubs that showcase the working heart of the county.

From Honiton’s sweeping, 700-year-old high-street market to Crediton’s red sandstone ‘cathedral’ and the peaceful Exmoor foothills of Bampton, East and Mid Devon are packed with working history. Travel journalist Martin Hesp explores six historic market towns well worth pulling off the highway to discover.

One minute you are strolling across tame, flat fields above Drewsteignton; the next, you are gaping straight into the abyss of the Teign Gorge. It is one of the great surprises of the Westcountry—vertiginous woodland plunging towards the rushing river below, with the granite battlements of Castle Drogo standing sentinel against the high moors of Dartmoor.

From dramatic cliffs and ancient hillforts to lighthouses, seabirds and wild Atlantic views, Martin Hesp explores the great headlands of South West England.

Why build grand castles on the low-tide sand only for the sea to wash them away? Martin Hesp explores the philosophy, competition secrets, and wild seashore feasts of the Westcountry 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

**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.

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.

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.

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