I love being on or near the water, but living in land locked Nottinghamshire means it’s not that easy to visit the sea – in fact they say Nottingham is nearer to space than it is to the coast. So for me, I get my water fix by walking along the river.
I do more running than walking along the river as I try and pound along the footpath next to the Trent at least twice a week, taking in the views and watching the wildlife.
A series called “River Runs” is probably a bit too niche, so instead we’ve made a whole series of programmes across England about “River Walks”. There’s a programme in every region, with each revealing how the waterways have shaped the local landscape, history and culture.
Kirsten O’Brien explores the River Tees
For me there are a couple of our programmes that I’m particularly looking forward to as they have a personal connection.
I lived in Canterbury for several years, where the beautiful River Stour runs right through the centre of the city. When I lived there I was always fascinated by the Ducking Stool which you can see as you walk along the main shopping street.
Legend has it the Stool was used to test if someone was a witch. If, after several minutes under water the person drowned, then their name was cleared as they clearly weren’t a witch. If they survived then that was seen as proof that they must be a witch. At which point they were probably stoned to death. So you might come away with your reputation intact, but either way it was probably a death sentence.
Another of our rivers I have a particular interest in is the River Dart in Devon. When I was younger and we were heading to the South West on holiday we’d often stop off at Dartmeet – a beautiful spot where the East and West Dart come together. I also really looked forward to a visit to the South Devon Railway – the entire length of which follows the Dart from Buckfastleigh to Totnes.
However, River Walks isn’t just about the rivers I know and love. There are plenty I don’t know and am looking forward to finding out about, from the Itchen in Hampshire to the Hodder in the Forest of Bowland.
Shobna Gulati explores the Severn Way
I’m hoping these programmes encourage people to get out and explore the waterways near to them, or perhaps even try a walk that’s a bit further away.
River Walks airs on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One on Monday 10 December at 7.30pm. Each of the 11 English regions will see its own episode, with the entire series being available nationwide on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer.