Ever wanted to escape the crowds sometimes? To go off the beaten track? To stumble across somewhere new?

In our modern digital world, much is made of our new-found freedoms – to work remotely, be contactable anywhere and always be online. Yet we remain tethered to our technology and busier than ever.

Our children, deprived of beneficial wild experiences during their development, can suffer so-called nature deficit disorder. The Wild Guide’s remedy is a big dose of simple adventures of the most natural kind – exploring the wilder places that lie on the edge of everyday life and throwing yourself into new experiences.

In the West Country there are rivers for swimming and canoeing, moors and meadows to camp in, ancient pathways for night-time walks, woods and ruins to explore and subterranean worlds to discover.

“Straying out of your comfort zone is not without risk,” said co-author Daniel Start.

“But new adventures can bring an enormous sense of freedom and well-being.”

Here are a few suggestions of perfect ways to enjoy our county:

West Dorset

  • Seek out the enchanting remains of St Luke’s Chapel, deep in ancient bluebell woods and still used for open-air services.
  • Stock up with picnic supplies at Felicity’s farm shop, then head to the secret beach at St Gabriel’s to find ammonites.
  • Journey deep into the sunken world of Hell Lane, one of Dorset’s oldest holloways with green banks way over head height. 
  • Taste real Jersey cream at Modbury Farm, the last place in Dorset to make cream in the traditional way.
  • Watch the sun go down over Chesil Beach from St Catherine’s hilltop chapel or from nearby Abbotsbury Castle.
  • Wild camp at Brig’s Farm with pizza from the wood-fired oven washed down with plenty of local cider.

Dorchester and Portland

  • Greet the sunrise from Maiden Castle, Europe’s largest Iron Age hill fort.
  • Scramble down the smugglers’ path from White Nothe through the undercliff to the hidden, wild beach below.
  • Explore the modern sculptures and rock-art installations in a dramatic cliff-edge setting at abandoned Tout Quarry.
  • Gaze out over the beautiful rolling landscape from Bulbarrow Hill, then walk among the ancient yews at Woolland.
  • Cross the Fleet lagoon at dusk and be amazed by the phosphorescence as night falls.
  • Join the party and camp at Eweleaze. Enjoy cliff-top sunset views, campfire suppers and the site’s private beach.

Purbeck

  • Swim through Durdle Door or explore the amazing grotto, sea caves and tunnels at Stair Hole.
  • Stroll through wildflower meadows and see spring and summer orchids on the downland at Durlston or Corfe Common.
  • Collect picnic fare from Clavell’s Farm shop then relax on the secluded shores of Worbarrow Bay.
  • Snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear lagoons of Winspit and Seacombe, then explore the cliff-edge caverns.
  • Enjoy local ale with a side order of museum curiosities at the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers.
  • Paddle in the ford at Moreton, then take cream tea at the tea shop.
  • Follow the Kimmeridge trails and discover an abundance of marine life, or try sea kayaking at Studland Bay.
  • Camp at Downshay and enjoy sunset views over Corfe Castle or sleep in a luxury bell tent at Knaveswell Farm.

East Dorset

  • Greet the dawn from the henge and ruined church at Knowlton, then head to Long Crichel bakery for fresh baked organic bread from the barn.
  • Explore the ancient oaks at Kingston Lacy and marvel at the avenue of beech trees at Badbury Rings Hill Fort.
  • Climb Hod Hill ramparts for the fantastic views then enjoy a refreshing dip in the river Stour below.
  • Delight in magical bluebell displays in Garston or Duncliffe woods in May.
  • Swim at Pamphill on the Stour then treat yourself to home-made ice cream from Barford Farm.
  • Sample home-brewed ale and make merry at the Sixpenny Handley or Sunny Republic farm brewery.
  • Gaze at the sunset from the top of Fontmell Downs, see glow worms, then spend the night in a shepherd’s hut.

Wild Guide, Devon Cornwall and the South West is published by Wild Things Publishing, priced £14.99.