Martin Hesp Shortlisted for British Guild of Travel Writers Awards 2025
Fantastic News for This Website
Fantastic news! For me, at any rate. This website has earned me the position of finalist at the British Guild of Travel Writers annual awards. Along with two other people, I am up for Travel Blogger of the Year.
Me feeling pleased to be shortlisted
So I am over the moon - partly because I began the website six years ago merely as a bit of fun and as a challenge to see if I could do such a thing. And that is exactly how the website has continued.
Oh, and I’ve also been shortlisted for my Western Morning News and Western Daily Press article about travelling around Sri Lanka - that one is a finalist in Travel Feature of the Year for Regional Media.
Anyway, I find it difficult to write about a website which I have put so, so much work into over the years and come up with any kind of synopsis - so I thought I’d break the rule of a modern lifetime and let the robots have a go. This is what AI think of this website… A Rich and Diverse Collection of Travel and Food Writing
Based on the content of the website, Martin Hesp Food and Travel, it is a rich and diverse collection of posts that highlight Martin's passion for exploration, food, and the great outdoors. The website serves as a testament to Martin's personal experiences, spanning a wide range of topics from international travel to local adventures in the UK.
Informative, Engaging Writing Style
Martin's writing style is both informative and engaging, offering readers a blend of practical guides and personal anecdotes. The breadth of content is especially impressive, showcasing adventures across continents.
For instance, the site features detailed travelogues from exotic locations and culturally distinct destinations, such as the immersive post on staying in a traditional Iban longhouse in Borneo, which paints a vivid picture of communal life, rainforest cooking, and remote travel.
Other articles explore destinations across Europe and the Caribbean, providing global context to Martin's observations.
Celebrating British Food, Culture, and the West Country
The site isn't limited to distant journeys; it also delves deeply into local British culture. Articles cover unique UK subjects like the revival of mead at a Devon winery and the art of foraging for wild mushrooms, providing local knowledge and a sense of Martin's personal journey across the West Country.
He has written about cycling the scenic Exe Estuary Trail and debates the true starting point of the South West Coast Path, demonstrating a deep knowledge of and passion for walking and outdoor exploration.
Stunning Travel Photography and Visual Storytelling
The photography across all these posts, which is all his own, is a key element of the site. The high-quality images effectively capture the essence of each location and experience, from the stunning landscapes of the UK to the captivating moments of his global travels, adding an invaluable layer of visual depth to his storytelling.
A Unique Resource for Food and Travel Enthusiasts
The wide array of subjects, from West Country food and drink to far-flung adventures, ensures there is content to attract a broad audience.
Martin's personal storytelling, combined with his own captivating photography, makes the website a truly unique and appealing resource for anyone interested in food, travel, nature, and authentic British life.
British Guild of Travel Writers Finalists
The other finalists for BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year 2025 are:
Katie MacLeod of storiesmysuitcasecouldtell.com
Victoria Watts Kennedy of bridgesandballoons.com
