Last night’s Countryfile programme was from Shropshire – in fact, it was from just the other side of the Long Mynd, here in Church Stretton. I’d already climbed Ragleth Hill earlier in the morning, appreciating the sunshine we hadn’t seen for a few days. Walking […]
Tag: BBC Countryfile
Headland Heaven
The June issue of BBC Countryfile explores Britain’s coastline, and my 3-mile walk around Dinas Head kicks off this month’s Great Days Out section. (Don’t forget – always abide by current Covid-19 lockdown guidance.) WHOOPS! Gremlins at the magazine have inadvertently used the wrong route […]
Welsh Border Seven Castle Challenge
Check out the October issue of BBC Countryfile magazine for my Welsh Border Seven Castle Challenge. This month’s theme is castles, and sitting on the border with the country with more castles per square mile than any other country in the world, I had to […]
Where The Earth Moves – BBC Countryfile
BBC Countryfile magazine’s Great Days Out section, in the February 2019 issue, looks at Lost Worlds, and I’ve got a piece in there highlighting the varied lost worlds of Shropshire. Limited space meant that I wasn’t able to include any detailed walking routes, but if […]
Firth of Flowers
Check out the April issue of BBC Countryfile magazine for my Firth of Flowers piece in their Great Days Out section.
Busses
The world of writing is a bit like busses. Nothing for a ages and then three things come along all at once. Or sometimes four.
Top Six Literary Lodgings
Fancy sleeping where your favourite writer lived, worked or holidayed? Simon Whaley suggests six of the UK’s best literary stays.
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.
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…
It’s April – Time for the Black and White Trail!
As flowers blossom along the route, take a drive through black-and0white clad villages in a tour of architectural history, with Simon Whaley. The heart of an oak tree is almost as hard as iron, making it the ideal house-building material. Herefordshire’s 40-mile Black […]
The Stiperstones
Experience the drama of this wild and atmospheric Welsh Border landscape that attracts the Devil, Wild Edric’s ghost and lightning!
Explore Turner’s World
Step back in time to roam beautiful ruins immortalised two centuries ago by the great Romantic painter JMW Turner.
Launch into 2014 … on foot!
If 2014 is the year you plan to explore the great British countryside on foot, then you need … … this: BBC Countryfile magazine’s Great British Walks – Your 2014 Guide. Packed with 75 routes across the UK covering coasts, hills, rivers, villages, lakes […]
Conquer Caerleon
Explore the extensive remains of one of the most important Roman military sites in Europe …
The Miracle on the Mynd
BBC Countryfile magazine The astonishing survival, despite the fury of the elements, of one very determined Reverend …
Plans for 2013?
Got any plans for 2013 yet? If not, then check out my feature in the January 2013 issue of BBC Countryfile magazine, suggesting ten top country skills courses that you can have a go at!
BBC Countryfile magazine – August 2012
The August 2012 issue of BBC Countryfile magazine is out now, featuring my piece about the Roman remains and museums at Caerleon, near Newport, Cardiff. With one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatre’s seen anywhere in the UK, and the only remains of Roman Legionary […]