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Frankincense and the Christmas Story
<p class="">The story of the door through which just ab out all the world’s frankincense would have been carried 2000 years ago - and some would have made its was to a rather famous manger… The article delves into the author's personal experiences and historical insights related to frankincense, particularly its connection to the Christmas story and its historical trade in Southern Oman. It touches on the significance of frankincense in various cultures, its harvesting proces
Martin Hesp
Dec 23, 20215 min read


Christmas at Culbone
<p class="">The walk to and from Culbone on the Exmoor coasts is one of the very best hikes you can do at Christmas, says Martin Hesp - this article covers his experiences and observations about a hike to Culbone, including details about the smallest complete church in England, local landmarks like Porlock Bay, and recommendations for nearby dining experiences. The page is rich in details about the walk and the surroundings, focusing on the unique aspects of Culbone and the a
Martin Hesp
Dec 23, 20215 min read


Devon Walks - Braunton Burrows
<p class="">Braunton Burrows in North Devon provides one of the most remarkable landscapes in South West England - in this article Martin Hesp enjoys a walk around the dunes - this article is about the unique dune area in the UK. The article includes details about the area's vast sand dunes, diverse flora and fauna, walking paths, and environmental aspects, such as the role of military maneuvers in the ecosystem. It also mentions local attractions and provides insights into t
Martin Hesp
Dec 23, 20215 min read


The Magic of Mirihi
<p class="">Mihiri Island in the Maldives is the kind of dream destination which many millions dream of visiting when midwinter cloaks the northern hemisphere in darkness - Martin Hesp spent some time on this lovely resort islet in the Maldives. The content focuses on the tranquil environment, breathtaking landscapes, top-notch cuisine, and engaging activities such as diving and swimming with marine life, particularly emphasising the relaxing and exotic nature of a stay at Mi
Martin Hesp
Dec 23, 20216 min read


La Palma
<p class="">Photographs of a visit to La Palma a few years ago - glad not to be there now - feel sorry for the people of this most beautiful of islands</p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 10, 20211 min read


Lanzarote Walks - El Golfo and El Llago Verde
<p class="">Walking in the western parts of Lanzarote can be interesting - an exhausting - lava flows are not the easiest terrain to stroll across</p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 10, 20212 min read


Cornish Walks: Godolphin Hill
<p class="">A walk around the National Trust’s Godolphin Estate in Cornwall</p>
Martin Hesp
Oct 26, 20215 min read


Cornish Walks: Mousehole to Lamorna Circular Route
<p class="">A wonderful circular walk in Cornwall from the old fishing harbour at Mousehole west to the famous artists’ cove at Lamorna and back across the fields. </p>
Martin Hesp
Oct 25, 20215 min read


Tamar Bridge 60th Birthday
<p class="">The famous Tamar Bridge - once the longest suspension span in the UK - is 60 years old. Here journalist Martin Hesp recalls the article he wrote 10 years ago when the bridge was celebrating its half-century </p>
Martin Hesp
Oct 25, 202110 min read


Creative Scilly
<p class="">A new arts and cultural festival is underway on the Isles of Scilly - Martin Hesp enjoyed a sneak preview just before the autumnal series of events began</p>
Martin Hesp
Oct 13, 20216 min read


Dartmoor Walks - Over Hamel Down
Martin Hesp takes us on a walk up over the hills from Widecombe in the Moor, following in the footsteps of Uncle Tom Cobley and All…
Martin Hesp
Aug 27, 20214 min read


Brilliant Budleigh Salterton
<p class="">Anyone who visits Budleigh Salterton today will undoubtedly come away saying it is a very nice place indeed, but it wasn’t always like that. Back in 2003 Martin Hesp remembers writing an article about the East Devon seaside town after it was named the biggest rip-off zone for property prices in Britain…</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 22, 20216 min read


Dartmoor Walk - Haytor to Widdecombe
<p class="">Martin Hesp enjoys a walk on Dartmoor by taking a useful seasonal bus service to the top of the hills</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 9, 20214 min read
St George's, Grenada
<p class="">Martin Hesp recalls a trip to St George’s, capital of Grenada in the Caribbean</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 3, 20213 min read


Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
<p class="">Martin Hesp takes a turn around Las Palmas, capital of Gran Canaria and one of his favourite cities in all of Spain</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 3, 20212 min read


(Dining) Room With a View - Great Places to Eat With Fabulous Sea Views
<p class="">Room with a view - or rather, dining room with a view… We’re looking for suggestions - the best cafes, pubs or restaurants with sea-views… In Devon, Dorset, Somerset or Cornwall in this particular case…</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 28, 20211 min read


The Wreckers' Coast of Devon and Cornwall
<p class="">Journalist Martin Hesp writes about the Wreckers’ Coast which stretches from Hartland Point in North Devon South West in to Cornwall</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 21, 20218 min read


10 Best Beaches in Devon and Cornwall
<p class="">A shortlist of the ten best beaches in Devon and Cornwall - with one in Somerset for good measure</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 14, 20213 min read


If I Could, I Would - Go To Madeira This Weekend
<p class="">Martin Hesp remembers a journey across Madeira to the wild and vertiginous north coast</p>
Martin Hesp
May 14, 20211 min read


Tuscany in Style 3 - Quick Visit to Lucca
<p class="">Martin Hesp spends a day in Lucca, Tuscany - a remarkable Renaissance city - the perfect sort of place in which to explore on a Sunday morning</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 9, 20211 min read
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