<p class="">Quick look at a remote and little visited South Devon beach</p>

<p class=""><strong><em>This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesme

Rising high above the surrounding moorland, The Chains forms the vast, windswept roof of Exmoor National Park. Join veteran journalist Martin Hesp as he traverses this remote upland bog, tracing the secret source of the River Barle and uncovering the story behind John Knight’s man-made expanse at Pinkery Pond.

Tucked away beneath a canopy of oak woodland, the West Lyn River carves one of the most dramatic ravines in North Devon. Join veteran journalist Martin Hesp on a trek along this churning watercourse, following its swift journey from the high moors down through secret glens to meet the sea at Lynmouth.

<p class="">Here’s a superb Exmoor walk for winter</p>

<p class=""><strong><em>Discover the eerie lore of West Penwith and the haunting celebrations of Punky Night, the Somerset term for Halloween, where the rural traditions of the West Country come alive. This intriguing article delves into the spectral figures that roam the moors, like the notorious Spriggans, the Black Dogs, and other phantoms that are part of the region's spooky folklore. Once marked by the simple carving of mangel-wurzels into lanterns, Halloween in Somerset

<p class="">This is an article I wrote about Watchet in the year 2000. <strong><em>Watchet, a town boasting a history as rich as its sea-shanty heritage. Perched on Somerset's cliffs, it seems like a northern town displaced to the West Country coast. Known for its eccentricities, from its official swine-herd to the ancient Court Leet that convenes over rum punch, Watchet is a community of paradoxes. Home to Yankee Jack, a mariner who enriched maritime culture with iconic shan

<p class=""><strong><em>Discover the natural beauty of Lundy Island with our enticing seven-mile walking adventure. This basic circumnavigation offers an easy-going trek suitable for all levels of hikers. While a map isn't essential, the Ordnance Survey's Explorer 139 can be a helpful companion for those who like to stay on track.</em></strong></p><p class=""><strong><em>Lundy Island provides an idyllic backdrop for your journey, boasting breathtaking vistas and diverse lands

Beyond the well-trodden paths lies a rugged, secret Exmoor coastline. This walk guides you down to the hidden sands and quiet shorelines that most visitors completely miss.

<p class="">People who light barbecues on Kilve beach often watch askance as the rocks catch fire - that is because so much oil is fused in to the shale</p>

<p class="">Discover the fascinating shoreline from Kilve to Lilstock along the Somerset coast,</p>

wooning in the tropical heat on a trip abroad, I promised myself a fix of cooling, quintessential England as soon as I returned. I found it in the damp, sylvan hamlet of Aisholt—what poet Sir Henry Newbolt called 'that beloved valley.' Starting from the high ridge at Triscombe Stone, this 6-mile circular walk descends into one of the quietest, most enchanting corners of the Quantock Hills.

<p class="">Explore the secret beauty of the Quantock Hills in Somerset, easily accessible from the M5 motorway junction 24. Experience breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique local history.</p>

<p class="">Discover the beauty and adventure of St George's Island, an idyllic destination just a mile off the coast of Looe.</p>

<p class="">Steep Holm, an island in the Bristol Channel, is a haven for seabirds and offers visitors an unforgettable adventure. With its breathtaking landscape, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna, Steep Holm is a destination that leaves a lasting impression.</p>

<p class="">Nestled just 270 yards off the South Hams coast in South Devon, Burgh Island is a tiny yet enchanting retreat, boasting a luxurious hotel, cozy pub, and unique sea tractor for transportation. With a history featuring famous guests, film and TV appearances, and a touch of mystery, this island retreat is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.</p>

<p class="">Lundy Island, located 12 miles off the North Devon coast, is a prime example of the charm that Westcountry islands possess. The massive, isolated rock faces some of the fiercest tide races in Europe, standing sentinel over the Bristol Channel's second-highest tidefall.</p>

Follow a spectacular stretch of the South West Coast Path from Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove, taking in Bolt Tail's breathtaking cliffs, hidden beaches and some of the finest coastal scenery in the South Hams.

Follow one of South Devon's most rewarding coastal walks from Brixham Harbour to Berry Head and Sharkham Point. This scenic route combines spectacular sea views, fascinating history, abundant wildlife and excellent places to eat.

Explore the captivating Bigbury-Ringmore circular walk in South Devon, featuring stunning Ayrmer Cove, picturesque villages, and rich smuggling history. Discover breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems on this unforgettable coastal adventure.