Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Rachel and Stanley Johnson, JB Gill, Stuart Maconie and more embark on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One’s River Walks

Rachel Johnson and her father Stanley, singer-turned-farmer JB Gill, broadcaster Stuart Maconie and actress Shobna Gulati are among the famous faces lacing up their walking boots to explore England’s most scenic riverbanks.

Published: 19 November 2018
I hope we inspire viewers to get out and about in the great outdoors and follow in the footsteps of our presenters along these spectacular walking routes.
— Stuart Thomas

In a new one-off documentary, with a localised version for each region of England, well-known guides tour 11 riverside locations across the country, revealing how the waterways have shaped the local landscape, history and culture.

River Walks takes viewers to beautiful locations around England including the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, the Severn Way in the Midlands, River Exe on Exmoor and the Kentish Stour.

Stunning cinematography captures the English countryside at its finest as the celebrity presenters offer routes and tips for picturesque rambles and strolls, from a foodie-themed trip along the River Dart to an amble in the Forest of Bowland and a city hike along the Thames.

Stuart Thomas, head of programmes Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ England, says: “In River Walks we have 11 charming films that showcase the natural beauty to be found up and down England. I hope we inspire viewers to get out and about in the great outdoors and follow in the footsteps of our presenters along these spectacular walking routes.”

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.

TG/CM8

The regional episodes are:

North East presented by Kirsten O’Brien

The River Tees is the river that helped forge Britain’s industrial revolution, launched the ships that linked the Empire, created the chemicals industry and finally became a byword for pollution.

The tidal Tees and its daily cycle of incoming and outgoing ships has been a lifelong source of fascination for Middlesbrough-born presenter Kirsten O’Brien. And now she’s setting out to explore the headwaters of the river. Kirsten begins her journey on South Gare, the narrow sand spit that juts out from the southern side of the estuary, the end of 86 miles of river and the backdrop to many happy childhood family days out.

Stuart Maconie takes a picturesque walk along the River Hodder in the Forest of Bowland. This area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, opens up a wealth of interesting stories about geology, history, food, wildlife and agriculture.

Yorkshire presented by Amar Latif

Grab your boots and join adventurer Amar Latif on a journey along one of Yorkshire’s most surprising rivers.

As a blind man with a passion for outdoor adventure, Amar will discover how the stunning North Yorkshire landscape along the River Nidd has been shaped. Along the way Amar visits mysterious ruins, exploring a hidden canyon, discovering the remains of an abandoned village, canoeing over Bradford’s water supply and meeting the local llamas.

West Midlands presented by Shobna Gulati

Crossing two counties and connecting two of the Midlands’ most picturesque towns, the Severn Way is a glorious 17-mile trek that winds along both sides of the River Severn. Actress Shobna Gulati explores the remarkable stories featuring the communities and landscapes that are part of this river walk, giving us a glimpse of life, past and present, along this glorious stretch of the River Severn.

East Midlands by Sindhu Vee

Stand-up comedian Sindhu Vee discovers some of the best river walks in the East Midlands. Sindhu is a Leicester New Comedian of The Year finalist, mother of three and owner of a large Labrador. She loves rivers and will cast her wry eyes over the rambling scene.

Sindhu says: “On stage I introduce myself as Sindhu The Hindu but after this I could be Sindhu The Hindu Hiker!”

West presented by Rachel and Stanley Johnson

Author, journalist and novelist Rachel Johnson was born on Exmoor and went to primary school in the village of Winsford. Her father, Stanley, environmentalist, farmer, politician and author moved to a farm on the River Exe when he was 12 years old and has lived there ever since.

In River Walks, father and daughter walk the river valley Stanley describes as “the most beautiful valley in England, if not the whole world.”

East presented by Miranda Krestovnikoff

Join countryside historian and anthropologist Miranda Krestovnikoff on a walk that stretches for over six miles alongside the River Deben in Suffolk, travelling from Sutton Hoo to Ramsholt.

Miranda follows a little-visited riverside track and public footpaths while all the time cherishing truly wonderful riverscapes and discovering the inspiration and diversity that this Suffolk river has to offer.

London presented by Sean Fletcher

Enjoy a river walk in the city with Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Countryfile reporter Sean Fletcher. This fascinating eight mile route along the River Lea takes in the landmarks of an industrial past amidst a rapidly changing cityscape, culminating where the River Lea meets the Thames.

South presented by Olly Smith

Olly Smith and his new puppy Busby take an autumn walk along Hampshire’s beautiful chalk stream river, the Itchen. The pair enjoy some of the many diversions and adventures the river offers including wild swimming, fly fishing and otter spotting. They’re joined by the Roamability ramblers on their mobility scooters for an accessible stretch of the riverbank and visit the oldest working watermill in the country. They also learn about watercress farming and catch a steam train on the Watercress Line to a local brewery to try some of Hampshire’s unique watercress ale.

South West presented by Jemma Woodman

Presenter Jemma Woodman takes a ramble along the River Dart in Devon. Following a foodie theme, Jemma meet engaging and entertaining guests along the way as she indulges in delicious produce from the river and surrounding countryside. She also learns about the history of the Dart through the people who live and work alongside the river.

South East presented by JB Gill

JB Gill - best known as a singer in boyband JLS - is now a Kent farmer. JB takes viewers on a walk through the Kent countryside, following the course of the stunning Kentish Stour from its source near the village of Lenham to historic Pegwell Bay.

Described as England’s most historic river, the Stour is one of only 200 chalk rivers in the world, its waters are crystal clear, making it home to wonderfully diverse flora and aquatic wildlife.