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Coastal Trails and Harbour Feasts: A Walker’s Guide to West Cornwall
From St Ives and Zennor to Cape Cornwall, Newlyn and Mousehole, explore the wild coastal landscapes, historic mining heritage and harbour food of West Cornwall.
Guest Contributor
1 day ago5 min read


The Great Headlands of South West England
From dramatic cliffs and ancient hillforts to lighthouses, seabirds and wild Atlantic views, Martin Hesp explores the great headlands of South West England.
Martin Hesp
6 days ago8 min read


The Flavour Revolution: Why Great BBQ Starts with Local Charcoal
Why supermarket briquettes spoil your BBQ: Martin Hesp visits traditional woodsman Chris Silverwood to discover the ancient craft of coppiced charcoal burning, plus a glazed pork chop recipe from Marcus Bawdon of the UK BBQ School.
Martin Hesp
Aug 238 min read


20 Years, 6,000 Miles: How I Made a Career Out of Country Walks
My wife thought I’d lost my last remaining marbles when I asked if I could get paid to walk. Twenty years, 6,000 miles, and over 1,000 weekly newspaper features later, Martin Hesp looks back on a lifetime of exploring the West Country's wildest trails.
Martin Hesp
Aug 206 min read


Great Places to Stay in North Cornwall with Walks
I've stayed and walked in some of the finest corners of North Cornwall. Here are four places I recommend for combining a comfortable stay with spectacular coastal walks.
Martin Hesp
Aug 198 min read


The Fine Art of Sandcastle Building (And a Wild Seaside Feast)
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.
Martin Hesp
Aug 168 min read


The Wisdom of Booking an MOT Before Your Next Driving Adventure
There’s a unique freedom in heading out on a UK road trip, whether it’s coastal drives through Cornwall or scenic runs in the Highlands. But before hitting the open road, getting your car adventure-ready with an MOT and pre-trip check ensures peace of mind so you can focus entirely on the journey ahead.
Martin Hesp
Aug 132 min read


Exploring Salisbury Plain: Turning off the A303 at Liba Vineyard
Most travellers sweep across the A303 past Stonehenge without stopping. Martin Hesp turns off the highway to discover luxury vineyard glamping on Boscombe Down, sweeping downland vistas, and the wild, secret history of Salisbury Plain.
Martin Hesp
Jul 268 min read


"Better Way" Affordable Overnight Stay Service Launched to "Benefit Everyone"
A new UK community travel platform, bed4night, has launched to connect cyclists, hikers, and off-the-beaten-track travelers with local hosts offering affordable spare rooms and garden spaces.

Chris Page
Jul 242 min read


Stay Central in the "Art" of Liverpool: A Creative Living Canvas
Eclectic Liverpool was a centre of creativity long before European Capital of Culture status was awarded almost two decades ago. From the Vivienne Westwood exhibition at the Walker Gallery to the family-friendly Mildred's Albert Dock Art Trail, here is how a central stay puts you in the beating heart of Liverpool’s artistic living canvas.

Chris Page
Jul 233 min read


A Return to Bath – England’s Most Beautiful “Big Village”
Bath remains one of England’s most beautiful cities — a “big village” of golden stone, Georgian grandeur and hidden corners. On a recent return visit, I explored the Royal Crescent, stayed at Hotel Indigo Bath and enjoyed the city’s evolving food scene. With walkable streets and timeless charm, Bath continues to cast a powerful spell.
Martin Hesp
Apr 128 min read


Whispering Pine Lodge Review: A Luxury Loch Lochy Hotel for Exploring the Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye
Move over Loch Ness—Loch Lochy offers a magnificent, serene alternative. From the shores of the Whispering Pine Lodge to the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillins on Skye, Martin Hesp explores the wilder edges of the Highlands.
Martin Hesp
Apr 58 min read


Highland Highs: Why the Ambassador Hotel Inverness is the Perfect Base for a Northern Road Trip
Is it possible to travel abroad while staying in the UK? Martin Hesp flies from Bristol to Inverness to explore the "Costa Del North," stay in a revamped 19th-century boutique sanctuary, and drive the wildest roads in Britain.
Martin Hesp
Mar 299 min read


The Jetty Christchurch Review: Alex Aitken’s Waterside Restaurant at Harbour Hotel
A dozen years after fishing with chef Alex Aitken, I visit The Jetty at Harbour Hotel Christchurch to see how this Dorset waterside restaurant continues to thrive.
Martin Hesp
Mar 17 min read


Boscastle & The Valency Valley: A Stay at Cornwall’s Historic Wellington Hotel
Boscastle is a place that hits deep. In this latest Hesp Out West adventure, Martin returns to the "fjord-like" indentation of the North Cornish coast to explore the wild beauty that has captivated him since boyhood.
From the dramatic blow-hole at Penally Point to the historic hallways of The Wellington Hotel, this journey blends personal nostalgia with a review of St Austell Brewery’s latest refurbishment. Discover the literary links of Thomas Hardy, the maritime history of
Martin Hesp
Jan 277 min read


A Foodie Weekend in Bristol: The River Grille and Hotel du Vin
A foodie weekend in Bristol, with dinner at The River Grille and a comfortable stay at Hotel du Vin, combining good food with a West Country city break.
Martin Hesp
Dec 1, 20254 min read


The Royal George, Tintern: A Luxury Inn in the Wye Valley
A first-hand review of The Royal George in Tintern, a beautifully restored historic hotel in the Wye Valley, with luxury rooms, excellent dining and Tintern Abbey on the doorstep.
Martin Hesp
Oct 31, 20255 min read


Rothay Manor Hotel Review: Luxury Stay in the Heart of the Lake District
Looking for a luxury hotel in the Lake District? Read our review of Rothay Manor in Ambleside, where elegant accommodation, award-winning dining and breathtaking Lakeland scenery create an unforgettable escape.
Martin Hesp
Feb 23, 20258 min read


Luxury Winter Break in the Lake District: The Samling Hotel Review & Scenic Drives
Looking for a luxury Lake District hotel? Join us on a memorable winter break at The Samling overlooking Lake Windermere, where Michelin-star dining, spectacular scenery and some of England's finest mountain roads combine to create an unforgettable escape.
Martin Hesp
Feb 17, 20255 min read


Pendeenah: A Luxury Holiday House in Polzeath, North Cornwall
Pendeenah is a remarkable luxury holiday house in Polzeath, Cornwall, with spectacular coastal views, clever upside-down design and the South West Coast Path almost on the doorstep.
Martin Hesp
Feb 3, 202512 min read
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