All in Devon Cornwall & Somerset

Easter Walking in the West Country

Easter walks offer a healthy, enjoyable alternative to intense fitness regimes. With longer days and warmer weather, walking in the UK's beautiful landscapes is a perfect way to increase fitness. It's a popular, simple, and social activity, suitable for all ages and abilities, with no special equipment required. This article highlights three easy, scenic springtime walks in the West Country, each under three miles, ideal for beginners and showcasing spectacular views and historic sites

A Traditional West Country Kind Of Christmas

This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesmen's tradition of giving extras to favoured customers. The customs of a robin in Christmas lore and a unique Christmas drink, Lamb's Wool, are also highlighted. The article laments the loss of these traditions to modern, commercialised celebrations, aiming to evoke a sense of old-fashioned Christmas spirit.

Halloween in the West Country

Discover the eerie lore of West Penwith and the haunting celebrations of Punky Night, the Somerset term for Halloween, where the rural traditions of the West Country come alive. This intriguing article delves into the spectral figures that roam the moors, like the notorious Spriggans, the Black Dogs, and other phantoms that are part of the region's spooky folklore. Once marked by the simple carving of mangel-wurzels into lanterns, Halloween in Somerset has evolved from a low-key event overshadowed by non-conformist beliefs to a night of revelry for local children. Uncover the Celtic origins of the festival, Samhain, when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to thin, leading to ghostly troubles and valuable prophecies. Learn how the Romans and later Christianity shaped the celebration, morphing pagan rituals into All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Explore the quirky West Country customs involving apples, a symbol of the mystical and romantic, and reflect on how these traditions compare to the grand commercialisation of Halloween in the United States. This article is a nostalgic toast to the authentic Halloween, a testament to the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Wonders of Watchet

This is an article I wrote about Watchet in the year 2000. Watchet, a town boasting a history as rich as its sea-shanty heritage. Perched on Somerset's cliffs, it seems like a northern town displaced to the West Country coast. Known for its eccentricities, from its official swine-herd to the ancient Court Leet that convenes over rum punch, Watchet is a community of paradoxes. Home to Yankee Jack, a mariner who enriched maritime culture with iconic shanties, and a museum housing an extensive collection of flat-bottomed boats, the town's character is irrefutable. Historical influences, from Welsh miners to a significant paper mill, leave their indelible marks, contributing to Watchet's identity—a town that beckons visitors to explore its unique oddities and lingering mysteries.

Remembering Lundy Island

Discover the natural beauty of Lundy Island with our enticing seven-mile walking adventure. This basic circumnavigation offers an easy-going trek suitable for all levels of hikers. While a map isn't essential, the Ordnance Survey's Explorer 139 can be a helpful companion for those who like to stay on track.

Lundy Island provides an idyllic backdrop for your journey, boasting breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes. Along the way, you'll find a convenient island shop and the renowned Marisco Tavern, ensuring you're well-fueled and refreshed throughout your exploration.

Whether you're a seasoned walker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Lundy Island's charm will captivate you. From serene coastal views to lush greenery, this walk showcases the island's unique allure.

Exmoor Walks: The Secret Sands

One of the West Country’s best-kept secrets - a golden sandy beach tucked away from the usual tourist trails. This remarkable destination, somewhere between Weston-Super-Mare and Combe Martin, boasts magnificent scenery, yet remains untouched due to the challenging journey that demands a keen awareness of tidal situations and exceptional agility. Despite its allure, visitors are urged to tread carefully, as the beach's surrounding rugged cliffs and potent currents can pose significant risks. This guide combines safety advice, personal experiences, and a wealth of knowledge to give you a glimpse into this hidden beach's allure while emphasizing the importance of preserving its unspoiled beauty."

Exploring Hinkley Point Nature Trail: A Walk You Can't Do Any More

Here’s a walk you haven’t been able to do for years - the impressive Hinkley Point Nature Trail on the West Somerset coast - a walk with a difference inside one of the biggest nuclear sites in Europe. You used to be able to discover rare species of trees, flowers, and ferns, butterflies, and unusual birds, such as the shrike. Follow the well-laid footpaths that are suitable for wheelchairs, through woodlands rich in orchids and bluebells, to the Bronze Age barrow and wildlife pond. I wonder if they will ever resurrect this trail?