Martin Hesp
All tagged Quantock Hills
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.
Discover the fascinating shoreline from Kilve to Lilstock along the Somerset coast,
Venture into the heart of the Quantock Hills for an enchanting 6-mile circular walk, the Aisholt Circular, and discover the beauty of this quintessential English countryside.
Explore the secret beauty of the Quantock Hills in Somerset, easily accessible from the M5 motorway junction 24. Experience breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique local history.
A walk to the top of one of Somerset most noticeable hills, Brent Knoll, right. beside the M5 motorway
The Quantock Novel… That is what a lot of people are calling The Last Broomsquire - and author Martin Hesp will be giving a talk all about it at the online Shute Festival on March 25
Wills Neck is the highest hill on The Quantocks. It’s a wonderful eminence that gives the walker great panoramas of Somerset and beyond - from it you can see the Brendon Hills, Exmoor, the Blackdown Hills, the Mendips and the Welsh Mountains
Walking at this time is a real pleasure - not too hot, not too cold - although it can get a little blustery. Pick your day though and it’s the best time of year to walk in the English hills
Cooling forest walks..,. That’s what you need on a hot day - here Martin Hesp begins a short series in which he names some of the best forest walks in South West UK