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Catch of the Day in the Isles of Scilly: Seafood from Britain’s Atlantic Edge
The Isles of Scilly sit far out in the Atlantic, where fishing remains part of everyday life. Here lobster, crab and the day’s catch move quickly from sea to plate, offering visitors a true taste of Cornwall’s island seafood traditions.
Martin Hesp
6 days ago5 min read


Cornish hevva cake, pasties and stargazy pie: a look at some of the Southwest’s most iconic traditional dishes
A quick and easy guide to some of Cornwall's specialities
Martin Hesp
6 days ago3 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 203 min read


Best Post-Christmas Walks in the West Country (Easy Festive Walks Across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset)
A very quick guide to some excellent winter walks in the West Country
Martin Hesp
Dec 28, 20257 min read


Discovering Portreath: Cornwall’s Least Touristy Harbour and the Revived Basset Arms
Discovering One of Cornwall’s Least Touristy Harbours If you had to make a shortlist of the Westcountry’s finest attributes, then the peninsula’s harbour towns and villages would be near the top. You only have to visit our seaside venues at any time of the year nowadays to know that is the case. Some of the prettiest havens are nowadays filled with visitors summer and winter. Which, to many of us, immediately begs the question… Which are the least visited most untouristy com
Martin Hesp
Nov 17, 20257 min read


Secret Seasides: Whitsand Bay
Secret Seaside Near Plymouth: Whitsand Bay and Cornwall’s Forgotten Peninsula Discover Cornwall’s Hidden Coastal Gem Just Minutes from Plymouth As the 15th biggest city in England you wouldn’t think Plymouth could boast such a thing as a secret seaside – but the old maritime community knows a thing or two about the sea and, rather cleverly, keeps a beautiful stretch of coast very much to itself. It’s not that secrtet as most Plymouthians have some kind of relationship with Wh
Martin Hesp
Aug 11, 20254 min read


Cornwall's Secret Seasides: Scilly's St Martins Has Some of the Best
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
Martin Hesp
Aug 8, 20256 min read


Cornwall’s Secret Seasides: Strangles Beach, Wild Goats, Rare Butterflies, and Solitude on the North Coast
Discovering Strangles: Cornwall’s Secret Seaside on the North Coast A Wild and Wondrous Hidden Beach Once upon a time I climbed the long descent down to this Secret Seaside and saw a fat naked man wobbling along in nothing but a sandal and a boot, neither of which seemed to fit him. If that sorry image puts you off reading any further, then I only mention it because it gives a clue as to the whereabouts of one of the finest secret seasides in the region. Nudist Beaches and Wa
Martin Hesp
Aug 6, 20255 min read


Cornwall's Hidden Gem: The Helford River, its Timeless Charm and the Budock Vean
Budock Vean Hotel and the Helford River Area Every region has special corners where geography and landscape combine to make things just a little bit more lovely than elsewhere, and this article is all about one such place. The area around the Helford River really is one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown. What Is a Ria? Cornwall’s Unique River Valleys All Cornwall’s rias are scenic—a ria, as you’ll know, being a flooded river valley rather than a tidal estuary in the normal
Martin Hesp
Jun 27, 20255 min read


Cornish Walks: Zennor and West Cornwall, Staying at Treloyhan Manor
Any Excuse to Head West: A Journey Through West Cornwall The Meaning of Hesperian The Oxford Dictionary defines "Hesperian" as an "inhabitant of a western land," making it a fitting term for someone named Hesp. Especially when that land is bathed in Atlantic salt spray. Exploring West Cornwall In keeping with the spirit of these pages, it was time for another westward journey—this time to West Cornwall. The trip included a visit to Porthleven for the relaunch of Jude Kereama’
Martin Hesp
Mar 4, 20254 min read


Cornish Walks: Trevalga
A comprehensive guide to the tiny village of Trevalga on Cornwall's north coast
Martin Hesp
Feb 26, 202510 min read


Exploring Trebah Gardens: A Sub-Tropical Wonderland in Cornwall
An article describing how journalist Martin Hesp met an interviewed Tony Hibbert who founded Trebah Gardens in Cornwall
Martin Hesp
Oct 11, 20244 min read


Secret Cornwall: Hayle and its dunes
<p class="">Nestled along the picturesque coastline, Hayle boasts a unique blend of beaches, rich history, and diverse wildlife. With its stunning sandy stretches and fascinating past, this charming coastal town promises a delightful experience for every traveller. Explore Hayle's captivating atmosphere, from the majestic Riviere Towans to the vibrant Copperhouse Pool Reserve - catch a glimpse of the town's gems and must-see attractions. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or
Martin Hesp
Apr 10, 20235 min read


Cornish Walks: Around St Anthony Head, Cornwall
Embrace the beauty of Cornwall on this circular walk featuring stunning views and abundant wildlife Introduction Experience the perfect Cornish coastal walk at St Anthony Head, ideal for those seeking fresh air and a chance to escape the indoors. This gentle and easy-to-navigate route offers a delightful combination of seascapes, serene creeks, lush woodlands, and wildlife. Whether you're looking to explore the area during unpredictable spring showers or on a sunny day, this
Martin Hesp
Apr 4, 20232 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


Secret Cornwall - Church Cove
<p class="">A walk around iconic Church Cove on The Lizard in South West Cornwall</p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 14, 20214 min read


Secret Cornwall - Black Head, Ropehaven and Pentewan
<p class="">A walk along the south Cornish coast from the village of Pentewan to Black Head</p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 14, 20214 min read


Cornish Walks - Malpas-St Clement in Southern Cornwall
<p class="">In the fifth of our Six Cornish Walks, Martin Hesp takes the delightful circular route from Malpas near Truro to beautiful little estuary hamlet of St Clement</p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 8, 20215 min read


Cornish Walks - Tregardock, North Cornwall
<p class="">Winter coastal walking in Cornwall - Martin Hesp visits Tregardock on the north coast</p>
Martin Hesp
Dec 6, 20204 min read


Celebrated Cornwall - Goonhilly
<p class="">Martin Hesp goes walking on Goonhilly Down - one of the strangest landscapes in England, let alone Cornwall</p>
Martin Hesp
Oct 9, 20205 min read
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