Contributions from local experts, and colourful and witty writing combined with the authors’ enthusiasm, make this guide as much a pleasure to read as an invaluable companion for exploring.

Amongst the new features in this edition are more information on local vineyards, a dedicated section on the Blackdown Hills revealing little-known villages in this Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty, a new ‘car-free circuit’ map, and route directions and map for a ‘Daffodil Walk’. Also covered are the best bluebell woods and the new Mary Anning wing of the Lyme Regis Museum.

Exeter and the Exe Estuary have a chapter of their own, while East Devon’s most alluring chunks of countryside and the seaside resorts of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Beer are all covered. The chapter on West Dorset describes Lyme Regis and Charmouth along with brief details of other coastal towns and an explanation of the geology of the entire World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast that links the whole region.

With an emphasis on car-free travel – walking, cycling and local buses – the detailed descriptions, historical glimpses, folklore, anecdotes and personal accounts whet visitors’ appetite for exploration. Hand-picked places to eat and drink, including all the eateries along the main artery of the A3052, bear witness to the authors’ long-standing knowledge of the area.

1 EXETER & THE EXE ESTUARY
Getting there & around, Starting with the Romans, Exeter, Countess Wear, The Exe Estuary

2 EAST TO HONITON
Getting there & around, The Killerton Estate, From the M5 to Honiton, Honiton

3 THE CULM VALLEY & THE BLACKDOWN HILLS
Getting there & around, The Culm Valley, The Blackdown Hills

4 THE RIVER OTTER & THE HEART OF DEVON’S AONB
Getting there & around, Clyst St Mary to Newton Poppleford, Ottery St Mary & area, The southern Otter, Around the River Sid, From Sid to Seaton, Food & drink along the A3052

5 THE SEASIDE TOWNS
Getting there & around, Watersports & activities, Budleigh Salterton & area, Sidmouth & area, Branscombe & Beer, Seaton & area, Axmouth

6 DEVON’S FAR EAST
Getting there & around, West of the Axe, The Colys & area, East of the Axe

7 DORSET’S JURASSIC COAST
Getting there & around, Lyme Regis & Charmouth, Golden Cap to West Bay, West Bay to Abbotsbury, Weymouth to Old Harry Rocks, The Isle of Purbeck & the end of the Jurassic Coast