**Excerpt** When temperatures soar, there are better places to walk than crowded beaches and sun-baked lanes. Join Martin Hesp on ten of his favourite West Country walks, where cooling sea breezes, shady woodland, open moorland and peaceful islands make perfect escapes during a summer heatwave.

Discover one of Dartmoor’s most fascinating short walks as Martin Hesp explores Trowlesworthy Warren from Cadover Bridge to Great Trowlesworthy Tor. This scenic circular route passes ancient rabbit warrens, prehistoric remains, dramatic granite tors and the striking Whitehall Yeo china clay pit, combining wild moorland beauty with centuries of human history

Walk across Hamel Down on Dartmoor National Park to discover the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound, panoramic views from Hameldown Tor and one of Devon's most rewarding moorland hikes.

Martin Hesp enjoys a walk on Dartmoor by taking a useful seasonal bus service to the top of the hills