SIR — I read with dismay the report “Search for secrets of county and moor” in last week’s Free Press, referring to a new campaign, ‘Secret Somerset and Exmoor’, aiming to encourage visitors and locals to discover the best kept secrets of the area.

Exmoor Tourism is quoted as saying: “We want to know about the secrets you can only discover by having a real love and knowledge of the county.

“It might be a favourite view from a hilltop, a hidden waterfall . . . the perfect spot for a sunset, the chance to see rare wildlife . . .”

Surely “Secret Somerset and Exmoor” can see that by revealing these things a) they won’t by definition be secret any more, and b) they are in danger of destroying the very beauty and special qualities that at present still exist there.

Why can’t people go out and discover these places for themselves; otherwise it’s not “discovery”

It’s identical to those features in travel features promising to tell you about the world’s perfect hidden beach which you can guarantee is then about to lose its all its charm.

I understand the need to promote tourism but I do urge people to keep their well-earned and lovingly-kept secrets of this beautiful area to themselves, trusted friends and family.

This is not selfish; in fact I would say there is a selfishness in trying to extract such detailed information from a special place we are only custodians of.

There is already a wealth of guidebooks and online material on offer, so start from there.

Go out yourself and find the wonderful secrets that make Exmoor unique to you!

To use a cooking analogy, do you want your food made from scratch with real ingredients or pre-cooked out of a microwave packet?

What we crave is experiences, not information.

I am now thinking of founding a society called “Keep Secret Somerset and Exmoor”, precisely because I want people to have the thrill I, my family and friends have felt over many years in lighting on a particular view or magical spot and experiencing a lifetime’s connection which arose spontaneously, serendipitously and unselfishly.

If you agree, please contact Secret Somerset and ask them to be more thoughtful about any information they publicise.

Otherwise the campaign is counter-intuitive and infantilising.

Graeme Ryan,