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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


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


Portreath, Cornwall: A Hidden Harbour, Beautiful Beach & the Revived Basset Arms
Portreath is one of Cornwall's best-kept secrets. Discover its historic harbour, magnificent beach, dramatic coast path and the beautifully restored Basset Arms.
Martin Hesp
Nov 17, 20259 min read


Tuckenhay Circular Walk: A Beautiful 3.5-Mile Devon Walk Around Bow Creek
One of South Devon's finest short walks, this circular route from Tuckenhay combines peaceful estuary scenery, ancient lanes, wildlife, panoramic views and an excellent riverside pub.
Martin Hesp
Oct 19, 20253 min read


Cooling Off in a Heatwave: The West Country’s Secret Weapon – Sunken Lanes and Devon Hedgerows
Heatwaves in the UK and the West Country’s Cool Escape Heatwaves are hitting us thick and fast – indeed the UK is enjoying or enduring one this very day. Which is why I went out early this morning for the daily dog-walk. However, here in the West Country we do have a secret weapon in our armoury which helps us when the heat gets too hot. I am talking about the West Country’s most extensive icon – the myriad deep sunken lanes that wend and weave their way from one end of the r
Martin Hesp
Aug 12, 20253 min read


Speke's Mill Mouth: Discover One of North Devon's Best Hidden Beaches
Hidden beneath the towering cliffs near Hartland Quay, Speke's Mill Mouth is one of Devon's most spectacular secret beaches. Follow the South West Coast Path to discover a waterfall plunging onto a wild Atlantic shore.
Martin Hesp
Aug 11, 20256 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


Ness Cove, Shaldon: Discover Devon's Hidden Beach Through the Famous Smugglers' Tunnel
Hidden behind a famous smugglers' tunnel, Ness Cove is one of Devon's most enchanting secret beaches. Discover how to find it, where to park, nearby coastal walks and why this secluded cove is one of South Devon's finest hidden gems.
Martin Hesp
Aug 6, 20257 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


Crow Point, North Devon: Discover One of Devon's Best Secret Beaches
Crow Point is one of North Devon's least-known beaches, where huge skies, golden sand and sweeping views across the Taw Estuary create one of Devon's finest hidden coastal escapes.
Martin Hesp
Aug 5, 20257 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


Lansallos Cove Walk: 2.5 Mile Circular Coastal Route in Cornwall
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


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


East Devon's Secret Coast - Salcombe Regis Mouth
Explore East Devon's secret coast on a 4-mile circular walk from Salcombe Regis, taking in secret smuggler chasms, the 520ft chalk precipices of Rempstone Rocks, and coastal farming history high above Sidmouth.
Martin Hesp
Jul 29, 20246 min read


Walking the Imbros Gorge, Western Crete
Explore the dramatic Imbros Gorge in Western Crete, a scenic and less crowded alternative to the Samaria Gorge. Starting from the quaint village of Imbros, this 8 km hike features striking rock formations, the narrow "Iron Gates," and diverse flora and fauna, including the Cretan Wildcat. Rich in history and natural beauty, the trek ends in Komitades with stunning Libyan Sea views. Ideal for average fitness levels, it's a must-try for hiking enthusiasts
Martin Hesp
Apr 4, 20244 min read
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