Devon and Cornwall share England’s far south-west, but cross the River Tamar and the differences quickly become more than a line on the map.

Travel journalist Richard Collett joins Daniel Edward to explore two counties connected by coast, food and family holidays, yet separated by distinct histories and identities. Richard lives in Exmouth and opens his new book, Along the Borders: In Search of What Divides and Unites Us, in Cornwall.

Together, Daniel and Richard follow the South West Coast Path, compare Cornwall’s powerful international identity with Devon’s quieter character, and ask how visitors can enjoy the region without simply joining the summer crush in its best-known hotspots.

There is also a proper hearing for cream first versus jam first, alongside pasties, harbour seafood, St Ives, Dartmoor and the question at the heart of Richard’s book: why do identities often become strongest at the edges?

Why listen?

Richard makes the case for visiting in spring, autumn or even on a crisp winter day, when the coast has room to breathe. He explains why walking even one section of the 630-mile South West Coast Path can reveal places most visitors miss from the road, and considers tourism’s uneasy relationship with seasonal work, housing pressure and crowded beauty spots.

The Devon–Cornwall divide also becomes the starting point for a much larger journey through the borderlands of the British Isles. The result is a conversation about practical travel, local loyalties and the many countries contained within one country.

Continue the journey

Meet Richard Collett, explore the Devon and Cornwall destination guide, or discover Along the Borders at Penguin.

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