But even so, I’ve just done a quick count and found out I have personally completed my 50th walk for the mag (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!). Along the way I’ve discovered some absolutely belting walks, but if I had to pick my favourites here are the three that stand out above all others:

 

 

1. Being blown away by the Malvern Hills

 

They may only be 8 miles long, but these incredible hills certainly pack a punch, rising nearly 1,400ft above the rolling landscape of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Pure water flows from the hills from a series of wells and natural springs.

 

HIGHLIGHT: The panoramic views from summit of the Worcestershire Beacon stretch over the thirteen counties, north to the Welsh Hill and all the way south to the Bristol Channel. Absolutely breathtaking!

 

WHEN? Britain’s Best Kept Secrets, Issue 20

 

WALK THIS ROUTE: http://www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/route/malvern-hills

 

 

2. Exploring the quiet side of the Gower

 

While all the surfers and happy campers turn off towards Oxwich Bay and Rhossili keep heading north and you’ll discover a whole other side to the Gower. Whiteford Sands is only accessibly by foot over sand dunes and pine forests so it’s relatively deserted. Although beautifully peaceful today, this seemingly serene landscape hides a savage past – just off coast the dangerous estuarine currents of the Burry Estuary runs against the Atlantic Ocean and on January 22nd 1868 sixteen ships were wreaked here in one night and the beach was strewn with bodies!

 

HIGHLIGHT: Beachcombing on Whiteford Sands – on a 2-mile stretch of sands we found thousands of crabs and two dogfish as well as countless jellyfish and crispy egg cases.

 

WHEN? Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Issue 25

 

WALK THIS ROUTE: You’ll have to wait until 25 August to read this one I’m afraid…

 

 

3. Walking behind a waterfall in Wales!

 

The appropriately named Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons is phenomenal – particularly after heavy rain when the falls are at their fiercest, or on a hot summer day when the dappled sunlight and faint spray of cool water is magical. This walk passes one spectacular cascade after another and there’s ample opportunity to (carefully) explore the moss-covered riverside or even take a dip in one of the many plunge pools.

 

HIGHLIGHT: Walking behind Wales’ most popular waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira. The path was closed when I snuck behind it, but the good news is that it is now officially open to the public!

 

WHEN? National Parks Special, Issue 10

 

WALK THIS ROUTE: www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/routes/neath

 

Here’s to the next 400 walks!

 

You can find over 100 of these routes online at: www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/routes. We’re uploading new walks every week so keep an eye out for new walks near you coming soon!