Beat the Heat: 4 Refreshing West Country Hikes for Summer Days Devon's South East Coast During the two decades I spent writing a weekly walks column, the most common question from readers was: “What’s your favourite hike?” It is a question impossible to answer. This region boasts some of the finest walking routes in Europe; picking just one would be like naming a single favourite piece of music. There is simply an embarrassment of riches. The second most frequent query concer

Heatwaves in the UK and the West Country’s Cool Escape Heatwaves are hitting us thick and fast – indeed the UK is enjoying or enduring one this very day. Which is why I went out early this morning for the daily dog-walk. However, here in the West Country we do have a secret weapon in our armoury which helps us when the heat gets too hot. I am talking about the West Country’s most extensive icon – the myriad deep sunken lanes that wend and weave their way from one end of the r

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.

Just minutes from Plymouth lies a stretch of coast so secluded it is often called Cornwall’s "forgotten peninsula." From the iconic cliffside chalets of Treninnow to the lonely sheep-grazed slopes of Eglarooze, Whitsand Bay offers a wild maritime escape that feels worlds away from the city.

Discovering the Best Sand in Britain: St Martin’s, Isles of Scilly Sand is a very important topic when it comes to seasides – secret or otherwise – people often ask which beaches have the best sand, partly because the stuff comes in so many forms… The answer is simple – but you’re going to have to travel 28 miles west of Land’s End to walk barefoot in it. The beaches of St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly have amazing white sand. It is the Rolls Royce of granular geology – the

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.

I once climbed down to this Secret Seaside and saw a fat naked man wobbling along in a single sandal." From bizarre flotsam to the rare Mediterranean ants that hold the key to a butterfly's survival, Strangles Beach is a wild, wonderful, and lonely masterpiece of the Cornish littoral.

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.

An overview of an excellent hike at Lansallos on the south Cornish coast

Discover a wonderful walk around the coastal parts of Mawnan Smith in Southern Cornwall

Nothing captures the flavour of the English countryside quite like a traditional cream tea. Discover the history of this much-loved West Country tradition, the secrets of the perfect scone, and some of the finest tea gardens in Somerset where you can enjoy this timeless British treat.

Why don't we have an ancient rural tradition of gleaning food for free in the countryside?" From wild garlic to the elusive St George's Mushroom, join Martin Hesp on a revelatory foraging expedition through the hedgerows of the South West.

Razor clams are among the Isles of Scilly's most unusual natural treasures. Discover where to spot them, how they're caught and why seafood lovers prize this underrated shellfish.

Experience one of Cornwall's finest private chefs as Martin Hesp discovers Indulgence Catering, where fresh local seafood, seasonal produce and restaurant-quality cooking are brought straight to your holiday home.

Perched above the picturesque harbour of Mousehole, The Fallen Angel is one of Cornwall's most distinctive luxury retreats. This first-hand review explores its striking architecture, breathtaking coastal views, exceptional design and why it makes an unforgettable romantic escape in one of Britain's most beautiful fishing villages.

Cornwall is famed for its beaches, but inland lies a mysterious, lush ravine steeped in history. From the breathtaking 89-foot granite arches of the Treffry Viaduct to the quiet ancient woodlands of Prideaux, the Luxulyan Valley is one of the county's best-kept walking secrets.

From golden beaches and artistic heritage to a bustling fishing harbour and winding granite streets, discover why St Ives remains one of Cornwall's most captivating seaside towns.

Discover a stunning spring walk in the Quantock Hills AONB With Easter arriving this month, now’s the perfect time to extol the virtues of staying at home — especially if your home patch happens to be the West Country. Easter falls late this year, and if the weather is even halfway decent, West Country roads will be heaving with holiday traffic. So, what better time to enjoy the pleasures of your local area? And what a patch we have. I’ve just spent a lovely weekend in West C

The Isles of Scilly are fast becoming one of Britain's most exciting food destinations. Discover fresh seafood, artisan producers, island spirits, vineyards and unforgettable local flavours.

The Isles of Scilly have long been famed for their white sands and turquoise waters, but a new revolution is simmering beneath the surface. Beyond the subtropical landscapes lies a world of passionate producers, from boutique gin distillers to island-born vintners. Join Martin Hesp and photographer Veryan Lammoran as they go island-hopping to uncover the unique flavours, heritage, and characters defining the modern Scillonian palate.