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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
2 days ago4 min read


Porlock Weir and Porlock Marsh: Where Exmoor Meets the Sea
Perfect Porlock Weir Porlock Weir is one of my favourite places in the world and I have written about it many times. As the nicest of our local seaside haunts I’ve been visiting the place since I was a small boy - and later writing many different newspaper articles based on many different subjects down there where the Exmoor hills dip to meet the sea. I popped down to the Weir this week with a spare hour to spare and walked in the rain. Porlock Marsh: Britain’s Fastest Changi
Martin Hesp
Oct 22, 20257 min read


Exmoor Walks: Hoar Oak and Preyway Head
A Journey Across the Remote and Empty Chains This hike was originally the idea of Dr. Nigel Stone, who at the time was Chief Executive of the Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA). He invited me to join him to explore some of the work done to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Two Moors Way. Britain’s Hidden Long-Distance Gem If there were a competition for Britain’s most beautiful but least known long-distance trails, the Two Moors Way would likely win. A new logo promise
Martin Hesp
Dec 11, 20242 min read


Exmoor Walks: Hopcott - Minehead to Dunster
Exploring the countryside is one of the greatest joys of walking. You can revisit a place you know intimately and yet find a footpath that leads you into a part of it you've never experienced before — suddenly revealing breathtaking views you never knew existed. Another enchanting aspect of walking is discovering unexpected connections: a familiar town or village approached from a completely new direction, allowing you to see it with fresh eyes. 🌲🏙 A Magical Walk Around Min
Martin Hesp
Nov 22, 20243 min read


Exmoor Walks: Picturesque Journey Through The Woods and Hills Around Selworthy 🌿
Discover Selworthy: A Sanctuary of Nature and Tranquility 🏞️ Home of a hundred hikes, each more picturesque, dramatic, and ruggedly rural than the next, Selworthy boasts deep, moody woods, swathes of high moorland heather, vast Exmoor panoramas, rolling vistas of Porlock's perfect vale, and wild salty glimpses of the Severn Sea. All of these wonders are on offer within just a mile or two of this extraordinary village. 🌲✨ So why not follow me up along the intricate footpaths
Martin Hesp
Nov 11, 20243 min read


Exmoor Walks: A Hike Through Simonsbath’s History and Scenery 🌿
For centuries, we despised bogs, doing everything in our power to avoid or drain them. But increasingly, people are beginning to appreciate the value of these squelchy wet places – an idea I once witnessed at an event called Past in the Peat , part of the Festival of British Archaeology. This exhibition aimed to show not only the environmental importance of healthy peat bogs but also the rich history such landscapes contain and protect. The Secrets Within the Peat 🌍 Peat is
Martin Hesp
Nov 11, 20243 min read


Exmoor Walks: Lynton's Valley of Rocks
Discover the Enchanting Valley of Rocks: A Walk Through History and Natural Beauty ⛰️✨ What can one say about the Valley of Rocks that has not been said before? This mystical landscape in North Devon has inspired countless visitors over the centuries. The poet Coleridge referred to the "commotion of the elements" here, while William and Dorothy Wordsworth called it "The Valley of Stones." R.D. Blackmore immortalized it as the setting for Mother Melldrum's cave in Lorna Doone
Martin Hesp
Oct 30, 20245 min read


Exmoor Walks: The Chains and Pinkery Pond
<p class="">Winter walk to Pinkery Pond on Exmoor</p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 16, 20236 min read


Exmoor Walks: West Lyn River
<p class="">A walk up the West Lyn River on Exmoor</p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 16, 20234 min read


Exmoor Walks: Withypool Common
<p class="">Here’s a superb Exmoor walk for winter</p>
Martin Hesp
Nov 16, 20234 min read


Exmoor Walks: The Secret Sands
<p class="">One of the West Country’s<strong><em> best-kept secrets - a golden sandy beach tucked away from the usual tourist trails. This remarkable destination, somewhere between Weston-Super-Mare and Combe Martin, boasts magnificent scenery, yet remains untouched due to the challenging journey that demands a keen awareness of tidal situations and exceptional agility. Despite its allure, visitors are urged to tread carefully, as the beach's surrounding rugged cliffs and po
Martin Hesp
May 16, 20236 min read


Exmoor Walks: Selworthy Circular - Bossington Hill and Surroundings
<p class="">Escape the social media noise and reconnect with nature on a beautiful walk through the picturesque Selworthy village in West Somerset.</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 6, 20232 min read


Exmoor Walks: Porlock Vale - Ancient Forests and Micro-Climates
<p class="">A journey to one of the most sheltered spots in the Westcountry. Tucked away in the lee of Exmoor's highest hills, Porlock Vale and the village of Horner offer a haven of tranquility, a micro-climate, and a soporific atmosphere that's hard to resist.</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 6, 20232 min read


Secret Places 1 - Central Exmoor
<p class="">In the first of a short series we look at some of the secret corners of the South West - and we do so without naming them! We begin somewhere in central Exmoor…</p>
Martin Hesp
Jan 31, 20236 min read


Exmoor Walks: Countisbury
<p class="">Quick walk up to Countisbury from Lynmouth on the Exmoor Coast</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 22, 20222 min read


Exmoor Walks: Lynton and Lynmouth
<p class="">A walk around the amazing scenery of Lynton and Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 27, 20224 min read


Exmoor Walks: Weir Water
<p class="">A walk around Weir Water, above Robber’s Bridge on Exmoor</p>
Martin Hesp
Jun 27, 20224 min read


Exmoor Walks: Dunster Walk Inspired by The Deer Park
<p class="">A walk in the hills behind the medieval village of Dunster - the hike covers much of the ground which is the location for Martin Hesp’s new fairy-tale book ,The Deer Park</p>
Martin Hesp
Dec 6, 20215 min read


Exmoor Walks: Grabbist Above Dunster
<p class="">A walk across Hopcott and Grabbist Hills above Dunster and Minehead</p>
Martin Hesp
May 23, 20215 min read


Exmoor Walks: Hoar Oak
<p class="">A walk to Hoar Oak Cottage in the heart of Exmoor</p>
Martin Hesp
Aug 10, 20202 min read
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