The September 2020 issue of Country Walking has my River Onny and Hopesay Hill route in it. This was the second route I walked after they eased lockdown restrictions (for exercising) and I hardly saw another soul all day. Which was such a shame, because […]
Category: Walking
Shropshire’s Lake District
The July 2020 issue has my Ellesmere route in it. It’s a classic route because it’s one of the best ways to see three of the largest meres in Shropshire. First, though, there’s the small matter of negotiating the 80-metre Ellesmere tunnel. (It is possible […]
Lower Whitcliffe and Wheelers Vallets
Out now in the February 2020 issue of Country Walking is my 7-mile wander around Lower Whitcliffe and Wheelers Vallets – just west of Ludlow. It’s a gentle wander, perfect for taking slowly to explore the surrounding landscape, and offers some wonderful views, as well […]
Radnor Ramble
The November 2019 issue of Country Walking contains a route I did around Radnor Forest and the quaint hamlet of Bleddfa, in Powys. If you’re looking for a route where you’d be hard push to meet another soul, this is it. (I met one man […]
Wandering Around Whitton
The June 2019 issuse of Country Walking magazine contains my 7 ¾ mile wander around the Welsh Border village of Whitton. Whitton is one of those places that feels as if it’s in the middle of nowhere, yet is only 3 miles from the English/Welsh border.
Steamy Severn-side Saunter
Step inside the Spring 2019 issue of Country Walking magazine and you’ll find my steamy Severn-side saunter route description. Don’t let the steamy label make you think it’s a walk that will get you out of puff – instead, watch the puffing steam trains go […]
Wentnor & Linley Beeches
For a glorious walk through some of Shropshire’s most iconic tree-scapes, check out my Wentnor and Linley Beeches route in the June 2017 issue of Country Walking.
Newcastle on Clun
Check out the Spring 2017 issue of Country Walking magazine for my route of ‘middles’ around Newcastle on Clun (it feels like the ‘middle’ of nowhere, yet is also the ‘middle’ point of Offa’s Dyke).
Harley’s Mountain
Climb the mountain that isn’t a mountain, in the November 2016 issue of Country Walking magazine (out now). Harley’s Mountain is near Lingen, in Herefordshire, is the focus of this route. Those with TrailZilla access should search for code: TZID31191
Clun & Black Hill
Fancy stepping into Bruce Chatwin’s shoes? Explore Shropshire’s idyllic countryside around Clun, reputedly the inspiration behind Chatwin’s novel ‘On The Black Hill’, in the October 2016 issue of Country Walking magazine. TrailZilla ID: TZID31011
Chirk & the Llangollen Canal
The August issue of Country Walking magazine has a route around Chirk and the Llangollen canal. This one is for the international wanderer who likes crisscrossing the border between two countries. Trailzilla users can access the route via code TZID30598
Strictly Come Lekking
STRICTLY COME LEKKING Witness early morning dance contestants compete for the avian equivalent of the Glitter Ball Trophy in the black grouse lek, says Simon Whaley.
High Tove (and Blea Tarn … no, the other one)
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to High Tove we go … Well, not if you read Wainwright’s books. He didn’t like the place. But I think he just picked the wrong day! To see if you agree, watch the video below of the 360 […]
Hopton Castle
Hop to it, and if you’re quick you can buy a copy of the Spring 2016 issue of Country Walking magazine, which contains my borderland wander that passes Hopton Castle. For those with access to Trailzilla the route code is TZID29204
Pembridge Perambulation
Fancy a 7.5 mile wander around the beautiful Herefordshire countryside? Check out the March 2016 issue of Country Walking with my Pembridge route. Anyone with access to TrailZilla can use the code TZID29008 for full details.
Christmas in Kirkby Lonsdale
Revel in Ruskin’s favourite view, traditional pubs, cosy atmosphere and a corner of Cornwall in Cumbria, says Simon Whaley …
The Spectre of Kington
Follow in the footsteps of the mysterious Black Vaughan, a shape-shifting spectre who may have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, says Simon Whaley…
Let the Train Take The Strain … On The Heart of Wales Line
Look out for my piece in the September issue of BBC Countryfile magazine about the Heart of Wales Railway line.
Brown Clee Hill
The June issue of Country Walking has my route exploring Brown Clee Hill in Shropshire. It’s a 6.5 mile route, with some fantastic views. View the video for a hint of what’s available from this route: For those of you with Trailzilla access, the route […]
Pointing Country Walking Magazine In The Right Direction
Check out the May 2015 issue of Country Walking magazine for an interesting piece of the delights to be found on the area covered by the Ordnance Survey’s Sheet 201 Explorer Map (Knighton & Presteigne), which includes a little quote from me and one of […]
Morville
The October 2014 issue of Country Walking carries a 5.5-mile route around Morville, in Shropshire (not far from Bridgnorth), offering walkers an opportunity to visit three churches, and Upton Cressett Hall, described by Sir John Betjeman as a “remote and beautiful place.”
Bishop’s Wood
The July 2014 issue of Country Walking magazine carries my 8.5-mile route around the Shropshire/South Staffordshire border, offering walkers the opportunity to visit White Ladies Priory, Boscobel house and the famous oak tree!
Clee St Margaret
The June 2014 issue of Country Walking carries my 7.25-mile route around Clee St Margaret, giving you the opportunity to visit the church at Clee St Margaret, St Milburgha’s Well, and Heath Chapel – it’s a right religious wander, you could say!
Plodding Around Pontesbury
Take a wander around Earl’s Hill, Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve and explore the hill known as the Sleeping Dragon!
Alcock Tarn
Simon Whaley investigates Wainwright’s ‘dreary’ tarn.
Teetering on Titterstone
The January 2014 issue of Country Walking magazine (out now) includes my 5.5-mile walk around Titterstone Clee Hill. Make sure you pick a clear day to see one of the best views in England: Snowdonia, the Peak District, the Malverns, the Cotswolds and the Shropshire […]
Swirling Around Coniston
Simon Whaley savours the views from this Coniston classic.
Loweswater Loop
A sedate circuit, perfect for contemplation, says Simon Whaley.
Country Walking’ Britain’s Best Walks App
Country Walking magazine has just launched an app for smartphone users to search for walks in their local area and download them (in-app purchase), and these include six of my walks …