The real delight of this place is found in the quiet details. It is the soothing sound of the ancient mill leat trickling through the grounds, the architectural precision of the boxwood gardens that resemble a green velvet tapestry in the sunshine, and the cosy interiors that smell faintly of woodsmoke and beeswax. Unlike retreats that sit dreamily tucked away from society, Le Vieux Logis is deeply integrated into the life of Trémolat, a small, living, working community.

Porlock Bay is one of the most exquisite jewels on the West Country coast. Join travel writer Martin Hesp as he visits the historic harbour at Porlock Weir, samples fine Portuguese-inspired dining at the Porlock Weir Hotel, shares chef Miguel Tenreiro’s signature prawn rissole recipe, and tackles the dramatic 7-mile circular coastal hike to Culbone—home to England’s smallest parish church.

Rising high above the surrounding moorland, The Chains forms the vast, windswept roof of Exmoor National Park. Join veteran journalist Martin Hesp as he traverses this remote upland bog, tracing the secret source of the River Barle and uncovering the story behind John Knight’s man-made expanse at Pinkery Pond.

Tucked away beneath a canopy of oak woodland, the West Lyn River carves one of the most dramatic ravines in North Devon. Join veteran journalist Martin Hesp on a trek along this churning watercourse, following its swift journey from the high moors down through secret glens to meet the sea at Lynmouth.

In an era dominated by GPS and instant lookup, can true countryside mystery still exist? Martin Hesp revisits his father Peter’s legendary Secret Exmoor walks, uncovering a secluded ring of sunken trees deep in the high moors and reflecting on why some wild, beautiful places deserve to stay hidden.

West of Dunkery Beacon lies a vast, primeval expanse that feels closer to the Russian steppes than southern England. Travel writer Martin Hesp leads a five-mile loop through this untouched wilderness—tracing John Knight's unfinished industrial canal, dropping into the remote moorland zone known as Beckham, and visiting the shell-blasted ruins of WWII-era Larkbarrow Farm.