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The Lamb of God and the High Places: 10 West Country Hills to Climb this Easter
From the ancient ‘Lamb of God’ tradition on Dunkery Beacon to the ruined churches of the Somerset Levels, discover the 10 best hills to climb in the West Country this Easter for stunning views and a touch of local folklore.
Martin Hesp
Mar 293 min read


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
Mar 135 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
Mar 133 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 Cornish Seasides: Whitsand Bay
Just minutes from Plymouth lies a stretch of coast so secluded it is often called Cornwall’s "forgotten peninsula." From the iconic cliffside chalets of Treninnow to the lonely sheep-grazed slopes of Eglarooze, Whitsand Bay offers a wild maritime escape that feels worlds away from the city.
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
I once climbed down to this Secret Seaside and saw a fat naked man wobbling along in a single sandal." From bizarre flotsam to the rare Mediterranean ants that hold the key to a butterfly's survival, Strangles Beach is a wild, wonderful, and lonely masterpiece of the Cornish littoral.
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: Lansallos
An overview of an excellent hike at Lansallos on the south Cornish coast
Martin Hesp
Jun 12, 20254 min read


Cornish Walks: the Scenic Mawnan Smith Peninsula
Discover a wonderful walk around the coastal parts of Mawnan Smith in Southern Cornwall
Martin Hesp
Jun 12, 20255 min read


Cornish Walks - Luxulyan Valley
Cornwall is famed for its beaches, but inland lies a mysterious, lush ravine steeped in history. From the breathtaking 89-foot granite arches of the Treffry Viaduct to the quiet ancient woodlands of Prideaux, the Luxulyan Valley is one of the county's best-kept walking secrets.
Martin Hesp
Apr 16, 20253 min read


A Taste of the Isles of Scilly: Discovering Artisan Food and Drink in the Fortunate Isles
The Isles of Scilly have long been famed for their white sands and turquoise waters, but a new revolution is simmering beneath the surface. Beyond the subtropical landscapes lies a world of passionate producers, from boutique gin distillers to island-born vintners. Join Martin Hesp and photographer Veryan Lammoran as they go island-hopping to uncover the unique flavours, heritage, and characters defining the modern Scillonian palate.
Martin Hesp
Mar 25, 20258 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
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