Country Walking

Country Walking Magazine shows you the best of British walks: the biggest views, the hidden gems, the sea cliffs and the mountain summits. All our features come complete with superb writing, inspiring photography and step-by-step instructions so you can follow every footpath yourself. In every issue, you’ll find: - In-depth stories of amazing walks - A booklet of 25 pull-out walks every issue - with OS maps! - Information about hotels, pubs, cafes, tearooms. - Clear, jargon-free tests of walking kit And... every issue our readers tell their walking stories, help us devise new walks and shape the places we go to. If you love walking, this is the magazine for you.

Welcome

IN THIS ISSUE…

Find a great walk near you! • Highlights from the 27 fantastic walks in this issue…

The View • SIGHTS | SOUNDS | WONDERS | IDEAS | COOL STUFF

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

CAUGHT OUR EYE • Steeple Chasing Around Britain by church

ON THE MAP

TIME TRAVELLER • Fat-tailed sheep, 1684

Potted history of STRANGE FOODS

‘When I see someone connect with the outdoors, it makes my heart full. I want to cry with joy.' • Amira Patel tells the story behind the Wanderlust Women – and explains why this inspirational walking group was so vitally needed in the first place.

AMIRA AND THE WEATHERPROOF VEIL

LUDLOW • Renowned as much for its fine food as for its historic architecture and surrounding hills, Ludlow is an absolute feast for walkers with excellent taste.

'Walking got me through' • Walking 1000 miles can bring us some of life's highest moments but it can also help us endure, and emerge from, our hardest.

One small step at a time

What's your most embarrassing moment on a walk? • Walking 1000 miles is a double-edged sword: every mile increases your health and happiness - but also the chances of an awesome cringe.

‘Waking up hangover-free and going walking is amazing’ • Vickie Norris has tried to beat an alcohol addiction four times. But this time, walking, the challenge and the friendships that come with it are giving her the extra strength to kick the habit once and for all. Nine months sober!

What we did on our treasure trails • Each issue we invite you to spice up your miles by doing something seasonal, silly or highly specific. The prize? For 20 lucky entrants a moneycan't-buy Golden Badge. New challenges on the right. Join in!

Do more and win treasure!

Your View

Views in brief

Where's Kes? • Every month our favourite spaniel Kes goes walkies somewhere in the issue, and we want him back! Can you help find Kes?

Stuart Maconic • ‘And here comes Grealish, surging into the box, but… oh, he's just stopped to check his step-count…’

THE NATION ON A PLATE • This issue, Country Walking celebrates the greatest food and drink Britain has to offer – and the walks that'll take you straight to it. But we start with the very soil under the feet of every walker…

The Great British FIELD TRIP • So omnipresent as to almost escape notice, yet so fundamental to how the country looks and the way we eat, a path through farmers’ fields leads to the heart of who we are.

Where to see hay meadows

Before Britain was farmed

Dropping like fleas

Farming on the edge

Pride of the Peak • As perfect to restore lost calories as a day in the Peak District is at consuming them, the Bakewell pudding is as sweet and nourishing as the landscape it hails from.

Smokin’ hot • Born of disaster, the Arbroath smokie has brought worldwide fame and envy to a corner of rugged Scottish coastline…

Everything starts with TEA • Discover how a struggling miner acquired legendary status bringing the gift of...