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The Cornish Snapper: The Granite Mystery Unveiled
Can a press photographer be the modern-day Sherlock Holmes? Award-winning journalist Martin Hesp introduces 'The Cornish Snapper', a new mystery series born from a BBC debate and set in the rugged landscape of West Penwith. Meet Veryan Lammoran and Thomas Hamilton—the most unlikely investigative duo in the West Country.
Martin Hesp
Feb 203 min read
A West Countryman’s Guide to a Luxury London Escape: From Paddington to Belgravia
London can feel a world away from the West Country, but arriving at Paddington needn't mean diving straight into the crowds. On a recent trip I discovered a wonderfully civilised route through Hyde Park to Knightsbridge and Belgravia, with stays at the luxurious 15 Basil Street and Royal Lancaster London. Here's my guide to enjoying a rather more relaxed side of the capital.
Martin Hesp
Feb 165 min read
Midwinter Mediterranean Recipes: Healthy Budget Cooking
After a month of heavy roasts and carnivorous delights, the body begins to cry out for something light, easy-going, and plant-based. But how do you eat seasonally in the depths of winter without relying on tasteless supermarket salads? The answer lies in the humble pulse. From protein-packed Sicilian lentils to warming Moroccan tagines, I’m taking the healthy Mediterranean route to bridge the gap between midwinter and spring—without breaking the bank.
Martin Hesp
Feb 123 min read
Exmoor’s Ancient Stone Circles: The Mystery of the Micro-Monoliths
Exmoor’s ancient builders had a problem: no big rocks. While Stonehenge got the glory, our local ancestors had to make do with "micro-monoliths." From the "napping floors" of Hawkcombe Head to the mysterious stone circles near Porlock, I explore why these tiny stones still hold a 7,000-year-old secret about who we really are.
Martin Hesp
Feb 124 min read
St Lucia Travel Guide: The Emerald Jewel of the Caribbean
You could take a beating on the cricket pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. From the towering volcanic peaks of The Pitons to the rhythmic chaos of a Gros Islet 'Jump-up', Martin Hesp explores why St Lucia remains the ultimate Caribbean emerald—an island so beautiful it makes your eyes ache and your heart soar.
Martin Hesp
Feb 123 min read
The Hidden Challenges of Travelling Abroad With a Newborn
Planning a trip with a baby? Discover the overlooked challenges of traveling with a newborn, from infant jet lag and feeding concerns to navigating healthcare abroad.
Martin Hesp
Feb 124 min read
A Bastion of Englishness: 75 Years of the Chapman Family at Taunton’s Castle Hotel
There are things in life that just don’t change. They are permanent fixtures. You expect them to be there and, when you turn up, you’re somehow comforted to find they’re doing what they’ve always done. It could be anything, from a local hilltop with a memorable view to a favourite pub - but in this particular case I want to talk about a grand old hospitality establishment. The Castle Hotel, Taunton Whenever I think of Taunton’s Castle Hotel, set in the heart of Somerset’s cou
Martin Hesp
Feb 97 min read
A Taste of the Tropics: Uncovering the Hidden Food Markets of the West Indies
A quick guide to the markets of the Caribbean
Martin Hesp
Feb 73 min read
From Alpine Peaks to Atlantic Shores: My Definitive Summer 2026 Travel Guide
A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026
Martin Hesp
Feb 43 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
5 Best Circular Pub Walks in Cornwall: Coastal Hikes & Historic Inns
Looking for the perfect Cornish day out? I’ve rounded up 5 of my favorite circular coastal walks that start and end near a great local pub. From the hidden creeks of the Helford to the rugged cliffs of Fowey, these tried-and-tested routes offer the very best of the West Country landscape.</p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 204 min read
Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? The Benefits of a Pre-Travel MOT Check
Why a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection is Essential for Stress-Free Travel The excitement and anticipation of planning a road trip often take over, shaping every part of the process. Car travel gives you freedom, the ability to choose your route, and the opportunity to take your time exploring. However, long drives put a lot of stress on the car, especially when it is loaded with luggage and passengers for extended periods. It is a must to be well-prepared for hassle-free trips, t
Martin Hesp
Jan 202 min read
Kingsbury Episcopi: The Secret Heart of Somerset Cider Country
Is Kingsbury Episcopi the true heart of the cider world? Martin Hesp joins poet James Crowden to explore a landscape of 'ghost' apple varieties, Somerset oak brandy, and the proper old-fashioned cider houses of the Levels.
Martin Hesp
Jan 189 min read
Walking and Eating Your Way to Health: A Guide for the New Year
<p style="white-space:pre-wrap;" data-rte-preserve-empty="true">After the festive slump, a simple stir-fry and a coastal walk might be the best medicine. I catch up with health coach Rebecca Farrington Turner to share three grounding recipes—from butternut soup to turmeric shots—designed to nourish the body without the 'detox' misery</p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 165 min read
6 Best Somerset Walks: From the Quantock Hills to the Secret Somerset Levels
a quick guide to six first class walking routes in the county of Somerset
Martin Hesp
Jan 155 min read
New Adventures in Journalism Podcast
A quick guide to the Adventures in Journalism Podcast which is available on the Libsyn platform and theref[re every other podcast platform and also linked to this website
Martin Hesp
Jan 112 min read
Winter Sun in Gran Canaria: Why Las Palmas is the Ultimate January Escape
A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time
Martin Hesp
Jan 84 min read
Our 2025 Remembered - Part 2, From July
A quick round up to some of this websites travels towards the end of 2025
Martin Hesp
Jan 72 min read
Discovering Crete's Windmill Plain: The Lasithi Plateau 🌿🌀
High in Crete's Dikti Mountains lies the spectacular Lasithi Plateau, famous for its white-sailed windmills, fertile farmland and timeless villages. From the legendary Cave of Zeus to quiet mountain roads and welcoming tavernas, this scenic corner of Crete offers one of the island's most rewarding day trips away from the busy coast.
Martin Hesp
Jan 64 min read
Experiencing authentic eats abroad: a guide for travellers
Quick guide to finding authentic food while abroad
Martin Hesp
Jan 52 min read
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