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6 Classic West Dorset Walks: Coastal Ridges, Literary Haunts & Village Pubs
West Dorset offers a walking landscape like nowhere else. From the wild shingle of Chesil Bank and the high hill-forts of Marshwood Vale to Thomas Hardy’s thatched birthplace, join veteran journalist Martin Hesp on six classic circular routes - complete with local pub recommendations on every route.
Martin Hesp
2 days ago8 min read


The Cornish Snapper: The Granite Mystery
Discover The Cornish Snapper, a gripping, atmospheric mystery novel set along the rugged coast of West Cornwall. Written by veteran journalist Martin Hesp, follow the classic "Holmes & Watson" dynamic of Hamilton and Lammoran in the vanishing world of local news.
Martin Hesp
Jul 143 min read


The Lost Ports and Muddy Havens of the Bristol Channel
Most places where people interact with the sea have changed over the past few decades. While some old harbour areas are on the up-and-up, other coastal towns slowly sink into a tidal mud of decline—especially along the shores of the Bristol Channel.
Martin Hesp
Jul 68 min read


The Best West Country Walks for a Heatwave: 10 Coastal, Moorland and Woodland Escapes
**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.
Martin Hesp
Jun 2511 min read


Madeira's Cider Revolution: How Ancient Mountain Orchards Are Producing Award-Winning Sparkling Cider
Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.
Martin Hesp
Jun 158 min read


Taw Head Dartmoor Walk: Following the River Taw to Its Source
A long and exhilarating Dartmoor hike from Belstone to Taw Head, following the River Taw towards its remote source beneath Hangingstone Hill. This memorable seven-mile walk takes in Taw Marsh, Oke Tor, Steeperton Tor, Belstone Tor and some of the wildest scenery in Devon.
Martin Hesp
Jun 115 min read


The Lemon Tree Forest: Why I Cut 40,000 Words to Create the "Director’s Cut"
The silence of the mountain was deceptive. Somewhere in the shifting shadows of the valley, the pursuit was closing in. Sebastian felt the cold air bite at his lungs—a sharp reminder that they were no longer in the gentle, familiar hills of Exmoor.
"We can't stop," Sasha whispered. Her eyes were fixed on the jagged peaks ahead.
Sebastian looked back. Far below, a single pinprick of light flickered. They were being hunted by a family that viewed loyalty as a commodity to be
Martin Hesp
Apr 82 min read


A Life on the Road — One Saturday at a Time
For more than twenty-five years Martin Hesp has written about the landscapes, people and traditions of the West Country. In this episode he reflects on growing up in West Somerset, the shadow that war cast over his childhood, and how local history — from Viking raids to Alfred the Great — shaped the imagination of a generation.
Martin Hesp
Mar 115 min read


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


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


Northern Sri Lanka: Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar & Wilpattu
Northern Sri Lanka remains one of Asia's most overlooked destinations. Join Martin Hesp as he explores Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar and Wilpattu National Park on a journey filled with history, wildlife and unforgettable encounters.
Martin Hesp
Jun 9, 20258 min read


Southern California Road Trip: Joshua Tree, Palm Springs & Santa Monica
From flying on a circus trapeze in Santa Monica to driving through Joshua Tree National Park in a convertible, Martin Hesp discovers why Southern California remains one of America's greatest adventures.
Martin Hesp
Apr 10, 20246 min read


The Lemon Tree Forest
An epic travel novel that begins in the wild hills of Exmoor before sweeping through Greece, northern Italy and Switzerland in a compelling story of love, mystery and redemption.
Martin Hesp
Apr 21, 20233 min read


Spinalonga: Echoes of Isolation in Mirabello Bay
Venetian ramparts, Ottoman stone houses, and poignant echoes of human resilience. Step onto the island of Spinalonga in Eastern Crete through this atmospheric photo essay and historical guide.
Martin Hesp
Jul 8, 20202 min read


Dreaming of Daios Cove: Pure Coastal Luxury in Crete
Carved into the rugged sea cliffs of north-eastern Crete, Daios Cove offers an unforgettable blend of dramatic architecture, private beach seclusion, and world-class Cretan gastronomy. Step inside one of the Greek Islands' finest luxury retreats.
Martin Hesp
Jul 6, 20205 min read


Cool Thoughts in a Heatwave: Remembering Iceland’s Ice and Fire
When a West Country heatwave strikes, the best mental antidote is the raw, sub-zero beauty of Iceland. Journey across black ash fields, glacial lagoons, and ancient blue ice sheets in this reflection on the Land of Fire and Ice.
Martin Hesp
Jun 23, 20202 min read


Martinique: Volcanoes, Rhum Agricole, and French Caribbean Soul
French sophistication meets tropical Caribbean warmth. Explore Martinique through a gallery of coastal views, volcanic peaks, and an island fact file covering its famous Rhum Agricole and Creole heritage.
Martin Hesp
Jun 22, 20203 min read


The Cornish Coast: Hidden Coves, Dramatic Cliffs and Timeless Fishing Villages
After exploring Cornwall for more than 50 years, I've discovered secret coves, dramatic cliffs, picturesque harbours and unforgettable coastal walks. This is a personal journey around one of Britain's most spectacular coastlines.
Martin Hesp
Jun 17, 20205 min read


The British Cheese Renaissance: Passion, Pasture, and Craftsmanship
Britain is home to some of the finest artisan cheesemakers in the world. From clothbound Cheddars to rich, hand-crafted specialty cheeses, explore the passion, soil health, and traditional techniques driving the British cheese renaissance.
Martin Hesp
Jun 10, 20206 min read


Tamarisk Farm
An essay recalling a fascinating trip to a wonderful organic farm on the Dorset coast
Martin Hesp
Jun 9, 20206 min read
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