This week's green blog comes from the charming Old Walls Vineyard in Teignbridge, the perfect place to sample the fantastic taste of the West Country. Read on for an account of Blue Chip Vacations' Environmental Coordinator Jon Presslings' visit.

Deciding where to take anyone to showcase the best of the west is difficult. Deciding where to take an Australian friend only visiting South Devon for the weekend is a real challenge. Therefore it may seem a somewhat risky strategy planning a trip into unfamiliar territory but that's what exploring the unknown is all about and often provides the best memories.

 North Cornwall surf instructor Nick Tiscoe reports here on the ideal surfing conditions that can be enjoyed during your holiday in the South West. 

Once again we have seen a record number of participants taking to the waves over the New Year desperate to start the year with a bang (or end the previous one in style, depends which way you look at it!).

As always we have surpassed people’s expectations of the temperature, many people come along assuming it will be freezing and all go away saying, and I quote, ‘I can’t believe how warm I was!’. To think all these years that dedicated surfers have been enjoying this fantastic sport year round and most of it crowd free, always under the suspicion from onlookers as total nutters. If people are still not sure then the newest accessory is the heated wetsuit!

 This week intrepid Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling has visited the popular Dartmoor National Park, finding some hidden gems and enjoying the beautiful panorama in the process.

Dartmoor, the granite heart of Devon. A landscape of mystery, intrigue and beauty all in perfect natural harmony. From rivers winding their way through wooded valleys to the highest windswept peaks, Dartmoor has a special awe which continually attracts both visitors and locals alike.

 A great way to get a feel of the true beauty of this wonderful region is by watching the fascinating Great British Railway Journeys. Presented by Michael Portillo, this great series follows a route around the country through the striking scenery that many railway lines traverse.

 

 Blue Chip Vacations' Marketing Executive Michelle Roberts took advantage of the glorious weather in sunny Brixham yesterday, enjoying a scenic bike ride around the quaint seaside town. Initially taking in the charming scenery of Berry Head Country Park, and then arcing around to the stunning panorama of the marina, Michelle has provided us with these beautiful shots of her journey.

The first green adventure of the year comes from East Devon, as intrepid Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling reports here on the beautiful scenery that awaits visitors to Hemyock, a tranquil village near Collumpton. 

The village of Hemyock near Wellington is a tranquil place tucked away on the edge of the Blackdown Hills. Here you will find a traditional pub, church, post office and mile upon mile of open countryside rolling across the hills. The sort of place where everyone knows your name but where visitors will often just pass by without even realising in matter of seconds. The village itself was where the Cadbury family, of chocolate fame, originated from.

Intrepid Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling recently strolled the charming route from Brixham to Kingswear. Luckily he wasn't too (Kings)weary to report on the journey!

Feeling a little guilty about the excess turkey, mince pies and mulled wine consumed over Christmas? Well here's a winter warmer that you soon get the fresh air back into your lungs whilst experiencing some of the most dramatic coastline the south west has to offer.

Blue Chip Vacations Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling reports here on the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, a charming attraction for all the family to enjoy during a holiday in Devon.

It's always rewarding to visit somewhere off the beaten track and that's the best way to describe the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm. With no car access, visitors to this popular small attraction have the environmentally friendly option of arriving by boat, train, bike or foot. Located next to Littlehempston Steam Railway Station, for those arriving by train there is the added highlight of owls hooting as the steam train passes by.

Newquay is set to play host to its inaugural ‘12 Days' winter festival from 13 December when a series of events take place to toast the start of the Christmas season. Atmospheric medieval carol services, family fun days, a series of live music evenings, a Jazz and Ale Festival, and a fabulous Food and Arts Fair make up this fantastic festive celebration. We've a great range of cosy self-catering properties available in Newquay from as little as £66 per person.

Commencing with a Carol Service at Newquay Zoo and family fun day on 13 December, the festival jumps into a series of live music events from 15 December. The centrepiece of the ‘12 Days' celebrations, the three day Jazz and Ale Festival, starts on Friday 18 December. Dozens of local ales will be available to be sampled ranging from the Queen of Cornish Ale, Betty Stoggs, through to the unusually named and rather provocative Ginger Tosser.

Blue Chip Vacations' Environmental Coordinator Jon Pressling reports here on the charming cycle trail from Galmpton along the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway line.

Having lived in this picturesque corner of the south west all my life I thought that I had seen it all and there were no new views or routes to discover. The reality though is that there are probably more places I have yet to discover than having already experienced.