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5 Best Walks in and Around St Ives, Cornwall
Five of the best walks in and around St Ives, Cornwall, taking in spectacular beaches, wild Atlantic cliffs, Godrevy Lighthouse, Godolphin Hill and the ancient St Michael's Way.
Martin Hesp
13 hours ago7 min read


Five Great Cornish Smuggler Hikes: Secret Coves, Wild Headlands and Coastal Inns
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Walk the wild, windswept smuggling coast of West Cornwall and the Lizard with travel writer Martin Hesp. Discover five classic circular coastal hikes featuring secret coves, sea-carved tunnels, dramatic headlands, route fact files, and traditional local pubs.
Martin Hesp
Aug 216 min read


St Enodoc Hotel Rock: A Walk to Sir John Betjeman's Grave
Stay at St Enodoc Hotel in Rock and follow a memorable five-mile walk to St Enodoc Church, Sir John Betjeman's grave, Polzeath and Daymer Bay.
Martin Hesp
Aug 188 min read


St Moritz Hotel Cornwall: Walking from Rock to Daymer Bay and St Enedoc
The St Moritz Hotel near Rock and Polzeath is a wonderful base for exploring North Cornwall, with the South West Coast Path, Daymer Bay, St Enedoc and the Camel Estuary all close by. Having stayed here more than once, I look at the hotel, its spa and facilities — and one of my favourite walks from the door.
Martin Hesp
Aug 189 min read


Polurrian on the Lizard Review: Staying at One of Cornwall's Finest Cliff-Top Hotels
Perched high above the Atlantic near Mullion, the Polurrian is one of Cornwall's finest cliff-top hotels. Join me as I discover its history, wonderful sea views, excellent food and why it's the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Lizard Peninsula.
Martin Hesp
Aug 179 min read


4 Dramatic Coastal Walks in West Cornwall
West Penwith is a landscape of extraordinary opposites—where granite cliffs drop into turquoise waters, and ancient tin-mining heritage sits alongside Atlantic gales and sea-borne fogs. From the rugged cliffs of St Just and the hidden sands of Pedn Vounder to the ancient stones above Lamorna, discover four dramatic coastal walking routes complete with local pub stops, route navigation, and parking details.
Martin Hesp
Aug 65 min read


6 Spectacular South Devon Coastal & River Walks
Discover six of South Devon’s finest coastal and river walks, stretching from the light-drenched cliffs of Start Point to the quiet banks of the River Dart. Complete with local history, atmospheric scenery, and the best walker-friendly pubs along the way.
Martin Hesp
Aug 49 min read


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
Aug 18 min read


Six Great Pub Walks in Devon
Discover six outstanding Devon pub walks, from dramatic Atlantic sea-cliffs and leafy coastal undercliffs to shadowy river gorges and ancient escarpments—each paired with a top-notch local inn for well-earned refreshment.
Martin Hesp
Jul 298 min read


The Ultimate Cornish Seaside Guide: Hidden Coves & Secret Sands
Discover the wild, untamed side of the Cornish coast. Skip the crowded tourist resorts and explore the true secrets of Cornwall's shores—from the pristine, ink-blotting white sands of St Martin's and the Cold War mysteries of Great Bay, to hidden smugglers' paths, shipwreck legacies, and the forgotten post-industrial coves carved out by Victorian miners. Your ultimate guide to the finest hidden beaches in the West Country.
Martin Hesp
Jul 89 min read


5 Best Pub Walks on Exmoor: Historic Trails & Classic Inns
From the high crest of Dunkery Beacon to the deep ravine of the River Exe, explore five classic circular walks capturing the haunting history, wild landscapes, and best traditional pubs of Exmoor National Park.
Martin Hesp
Jun 3012 min read


Coleton Fishacre Walk: A Spectacular South Devon Coast Path Circular
Need a walk to lift the spirits? This magnificent 6-mile circular from Coleton Fishacre explores Kingswear, the Dart Estuary, Froward Point and one of the most beautiful stretches of the South Devon coast.
Martin Hesp
Jun 185 min read


Bude Beach Walk: Crooklets, Northcott Mouth and Summerleaze Downs
One of Cornwall's finest beach walks, this easy four-mile circular route from Bude combines dramatic cliff-top scenery, rolling coastal downs, golden sands and fascinating maritime history. Just be sure to check the tides before setting off.
Martin Hesp
Jun 124 min read


The Most Varied Coast in Britain: From Mudflats to Ancient Pavements
It is arguably the most varied stretch of coast anywhere in Britain. From the mud-horse fishermen of Bridgwater Bay to the vertiginous wonders of Lynton and Lynmouth, join us on a journey along the mighty littoral that caps this peninsula to the north.
Martin Hesp
Apr 35 min read


Best Exmoor Walks: Favourite Routes Across the Moor, Valleys and Coast
An overview of the walks which can be enjoyed in and around Exmoor National Park - the article introduces you to various walks and areas within the national park
Martin Hesp
Mar 109 min read


Peaceful Perfect Porthgwarra
An introduction to Porthgwarra on the South West Cornish Coast - part of the inspiration for the first Cornish Snapper novel
Martin Hesp
Feb 243 min read


From Alpine Peaks to Atlantic Shores: My Definitive Summer 2026 Travel Guide
A quick guide to some of the places we think will be influential and important for leisure travellers in 2026
Martin Hesp
Feb 43 min read


Boscastle & The Valency Valley: A Stay at Cornwall’s Historic Wellington Hotel
Boscastle is a place that hits deep. In this latest Hesp Out West adventure, Martin returns to the "fjord-like" indentation of the North Cornish coast to explore the wild beauty that has captivated him since boyhood.
From the dramatic blow-hole at Penally Point to the historic hallways of The Wellington Hotel, this journey blends personal nostalgia with a review of St Austell Brewery’s latest refurbishment. Discover the literary links of Thomas Hardy, the maritime history of
Martin Hesp
Jan 277 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 204 min read


True Start of the South West Coast Path? The Portishead to Clevedon Walk
Could the South West Coast Path really begin at Portishead? I walk the beautiful coastal trail to Clevedon via Black Nore Lighthouse, wild bays and wooded cliffs, finishing at one of England's finest piers.
Martin Hesp
Aug 26, 20257 min read
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