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.

Reach the roof of the world with these 4 classic circular Exmoor walks. From the wide, open wilderness of Larkbarrow and Brendon Common to the coastal oak woods of Selworthy and the clear waters of the River Barle, discover wild moorland hikes complete with route maps, local pub stops, and places to stay.

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.

From the granite tors of St Agnes to the turquoise bays of St Martin’s and the sub-tropical paths of Tresco, the Isles of Scilly offer some of the finest coastal hiking in the UK. Here is my definitive guide to the six best island circuits, complete with historical detours, quiet pub pitstops, and sweeping Atlantic views.

West Dorset offers a walking landscape like nowhere else. From the wild shingle of Chesil Bank and the high hill-forts of Marshwood Vale to Thomas Hardy’s thatched birthplace, join veteran journalist Martin Hesp on six classic circular routes - complete with local pub recommendations on every route.

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.

Dartmoor offers some of the most exhilarating walking terrain in the Westcountry, from deep gorges to vast open skies. But a good hike is always better with a destination. Join me on six fantastic circular walking routes across the moor, each finishing exactly where a great walk should: at a proper, traditional Dartmoor pub.

Ditch the soggy sandwiches and industrial pork pies. Discover the anatomy of a perfect picnic spot, six hidden locations across Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, and simple Mediterranean-inspired dishes that elevate outdoor dining into a civilised triumph.

Discover The Cornish Snapper, a gripping, atmospheric mystery novel set along the rugged coast of West Cornwall. Written by veteran journalist Martin Hesp, follow the classic "Holmes & Watson" dynamic of Hamilton and Lammoran in the vanishing world of local news.

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."

Discover the wild, untamed side of the Cornish coast. Skip the crowded tourist resorts and explore the true secrets of Cornwall's shores—from the pristine, ink-blotting white sands of St Martin's and the Cold War mysteries of Great Bay, to hidden smugglers' paths, shipwreck legacies, and the forgotten post-industrial coves carved out by Victorian miners. Your ultimate guide to the finest hidden beaches in the West Country.

Most places where people interact with the sea have changed over the past few decades. While some old harbour areas are on the up-and-up, other coastal towns slowly sink into a tidal mud of decline—especially along the shores of the Bristol Channel.

Discover one of Exmoor's wildest circular walks as Martin Hesp explores windswept Hawkridge, ancient woodland and the legendary Tarr Steps, weaving history, colourful characters and breathtaking scenery into an unforgettable four-mile adventure.

The Forest of Dean had somehow escaped me for nearly 70 years. A few days exploring its ancient woodland, panoramic viewpoints, superb cycling trails and outstanding food at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel proved just how wrong I'd been.

**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.

Need a walk to lift the spirits? This magnificent 6-mile circular from Coleton Fishacre explores Kingswear, the Dart Estuary, Froward Point and one of the most beautiful stretches of the South Devon coast.

As a summer heatwave sends thousands flocking to the coast, Martin Hesp reflects on humanity's ancient connection with the seaside and shares a personal selection of his favourite beaches across the Westcountry.

Escape to Dartmoor’s wide-open spaces on this easy four-mile walk from Saddle Tor to Buckland Beacon, with sweeping views, ancient legends, and the famous Ten Commandments stones.