check out our other Devon Hikes here By the way, anyone who says they are not up to four and a half miles Location: Hope Cove, South Devon County: Devon National Landscape: South Devon National Landscape Trail The abyss in question being the valley behind Soar Mill Cove, guarded by the craggy reaches of Cathole But my minder from the South Devon AONB team reminded me that this was billed as a two hour walk and Distance and going: just over four miles, fairly gentle climbs, easy going.

. 🏨 Stay Close to the South West Coast Path Thinking of exploring more of the English Riviera? Recommended Map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 20 - South Devon. Distance & Going: Two-and-a-half to five miles depending on whether you extend hike to Sharkham Point The walk from Brixham Harbour to Berry Head is around 2½ miles one way. Sharkham Point and return via Higher Brixham, the walk becomes a rewarding circular route of around 5–6 miles

Traditional pleasure boat on the Dordogne River Introduction: The West Country Spirit in South West France That would be one way of describing central south-western France. The delight here is found in the detail… the sound of the ancient mill leat trickling through the grounds I’d go as far as to say it is one of the prettiest areas in all of South West France. The Dordogne is a beautiful region in south-west France, known historically as the Périgord.

Travel a few miles upstream, higher and deeper into the hills, and you will come to Clatworthy Reservoir , today supplies some 200,000 homes, but when I was a toddler back in 1960 it was just beginning to fill Beneath its deep dark waters are several farms and cottages as well as a mill compete with an overshot This is what Peter wrote… “If I were looking for an example of the typical hill farmer’s wife, I would “Mrs Cowling will think ill of me for writing all this about her, but it is nevertheless true, and I

Discover one of the Best Scenic Drives in the Lake District If you are planning a drive around the south-western Journey Through Remote Landscapes But we must rejoin the A593 and follow it south-west - it will eventually The narrow road clings to the contours of the land, undulating over the hills with breathtaking views You can drive for miles without seeing another soul, save for the odd shepherd, fell-walker or a few But for those who are confident behind the wheel , this is a thrilling drive, filled with dramatic scenery

Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town on the Adriatic Coast of Italy, just south of Bari - on a part About 30 miles down the coast we come to Parco Naturale Regionale Dune Costiere da Torre Canne a Torre Perhaps not so much the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area Coastal and marine reserve about five miles south again. The Torre Guaceto Marine Protection Area is a zone filled large numbers of Mediterranean species.

One of the most flavoursome wild harvests around is popping its green leaves up all over the South West And when the temperatures do warm up the deep vales of the Brendon Hills are capable of producing vast

Sightings have already been reported across local hills and heathlands. A few years ago I wrote the following two articles all about adders in the English hills. Searching for Adders in the Somerset Hills There’s a solitary man walking slowly across the great heaths of the Quantock Hills with his head well and truly down. amphibian group in Somerset have joined the effort, helping to cover more ground across the Quantock Hills

But the big peaks are all far to the north of the West Country - not a single grain of South West soil Godolphin Hill is as fine a mound as any. You can see almost all of West Cornwall - from the giant dishes of Goonhilly Down to the south, right of the hill. Distance and Going: Three-and-half miles easy going.

Flat Holm Island: A Swashbuckling Adventure in the Bristol Channel Flat Holm Island, situated in the Bristol Channel between Somerset and Wales, offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty. With powerful tides, whirlpools, and steep cliffs, this limestone island provides a thrilling journey for all who dare to explore it. Embarking on an Adventure to Flat Holm Island Our journey to Flat Holm began at Cardiff Bay, where the Lewis Alexander, a boat built to carry 45 passengers, awaited us. As we set sail, we faced short, steep waves that towered like 10-foot brick walls and massive currents generated by the second highest tidefall in the world. The captain of the Lewis Alexander warned us about the whirlpool that could spin our boat around, adding a sense of excitement to our adventure. A Rich History and Home to Seagulls Flat Holm, or Ynys Echni in Welsh, has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, the island has served as a refuge for Vikings, a home for religious hermits, and even the founding site of the Bristol Channel Mission, which later became the Mission to Seafarers. Today, Flat Holm is a Local Nature Reserve managed by the Cardiff Council as The Flat Holm Project, supported by the Flat Holm Society. The island is also home to a large population of seagulls, including lesser black-backed and herring gulls. Visitors during the nesting season should be prepared for these protective parents to screech, yell, and even dive at intruders who venture too close to their nests. A Swashbuckling Journey around Flat Holm Island As we circumnavigated Flat Holm, we discovered the remains of its human history, including the 90-foot lighthouse and the giant foghorn built in 1906. The island's isolation hospital, now in ruins, served as a testament to the island's role in treating sailors suffering from infectious diseases during the 19th century. The Flat Holm Project The team is working to increase opportunities for birds on the island, exploring traditional crops and sustainable methods of agriculture. The project has also focused on transitioning to greener energy sources, such as wind turbines. Ghost stories and legends of smugglers abound on Flat Holm, adding a sense of intrigue to the island's already fascinating history. Whether rowing over for a drink at the former hotel or seeking out the island's secret tunnels, there are plenty of swashbuckling tales to uncover on Flat Holm. Our return journey to Wales was smoother than our initial crossing, leaving us with fond memories of our adventure to Flat Holm Island. To learn more about Flat Holm or to plan your own visit, head to www.flatholmisland.com .

Steep Holm, an island in the Bristol Channel, is a haven for seabirds and offers visitors an unforgettable adventure. With its breathtaking landscape, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna, Steep Holm is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. A West Country Adventure Awaits Steep Holm provides a unique experience for those seeking an adventurous getaway in the West Country. The island's rugged charm, intriguing history, and welcoming community of volunteers make it a captivating destination. A Dedicated Community The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, a charitable organisation, owns and manages the island with the help of dedicated volunteers. The trust aims to preserve and enhance the island's natural beauty, landscape, antiquities, wildlife, and scientific interest for all to enjoy. Steep Holm's Rich History From prehistoric man to Romans, Vikings, monks, and Victorian soldiers, Steep Holm has a diverse history. The island was fortified in the 1860s as part of the Palmerston Forts, a line of defenses protecting Bristol and Cardiff. Steep Holm's military past is evident in the gun batteries, barracks, and other remnants that still dot the landscape. A Botanical Treasure Trove Steep Holm is home to over 260 species of plants, including the wild peony (Paeonia mascula) and a unique variety of buck's-horn plantain (Plantago coronopus). The island's abundant flora offers a glimpse into its past and the influence of its various inhabitants. A Haven for Seabirds The island's thriving seabird population is one of its most notable features. With around 1,800 breeding pairs of gulls, Steep Holm is a lively and noisy haven for these coastal birds. Visitors during breeding season should be prepared for some spirited encounters with the island's feathered residents. Visiting Steep Holm For information on visiting Steep Holm and supporting the Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, visit www.steepholm.org . Steep Holm is a destination that captures the imagination and offers a unique adventure for those who make the journey.

Herm, the smallest of the archipelago's isles open to the public, is a mere mile and a half in length and a lovely half mile in width. A Glimpse into Guernsey's Rich History Guernsey's history is filled with intrigue and battles, from Neolithic