
What are the best counties in England for dog walking trails?
A survey of English counties pinpoints the best regions to explore with your four-legged friend

The wettest year in history? 2026 might be rainy, but it has nothing on these historic drenchings
Leave the house and you’ll suffer a drenching. Yep, rain is incessant around the UK. But it’s nothing compared to the Carnian Pluvial Event. Or the Severn surge of 1607. Or…

What’s a good VO₂ max for my age? Everything you need to know about this important fitness indicator
VO₂ max is one of the best indicators of your cardiovascular fitness and longevity. What counts as a 'good' VO₂ max changes with age, so comparing yourself to the right benchmark is key for optimum health and fitness.

Macmillan Mighty Hikes in numbers: From beginner-friendly rambles to heart-pumping hill climbs, check out the key stats and choose the hike for you
Planning on completing a marathon or half-marathon hike for charity next year? Here’s our guide to help you decide which route is right for you

Where is Countryfile visiting this week and what time is it on BBC1?
Hamza Yassin is in Scotland to learn about a rare marine giant that can live to 50 years and grow to be as big as a king-size bed. Discover more about the ancient species on the edge of extinction.

With bulbous eyes and two big teeth, this predator has been nicknamed "the vampire fish" – for good reason
Introduced in the 19th century, this predator has spread through UK rivers – and there are now efforts to eradicate it

Farmhouses, ex-council houses and country cottages: Step inside the childhood homes of music legends
While some are open to visitors, others are frozen in time – look inside the childhood homes of some of Britain's greatest ever rockstars

Can sheep and goats cross-breed?'
Can sheep and goats crossbreed? There’s considerable debate, with evidence and claims on both sides.

Do I need a licence to paddleboard in the UK? How licensing works for SUP in British rivers, lakes, and the sea
Everything you need to know about securing the right license and insurance for paddleboarding in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Plus, how the rules differ when exploring on lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, and the sea.

Whisk your loved one away on an enchanting getaway to one of these 10 romantic UK ruins
Uncover enchanting tales and timeless beauty in these captivating destinations for a truly romantic escape.

Seasonal inspiration

Divine spring walks: 23 of the best UK trails to enjoy right now
The countryside is awash with the sights and sounds of spring – it's time to get outside. From magnificent meadows and wildflower woodlands to gorgeous springtime hills, here is our guide to the UK's best spring walks.

Guide to tit species in the UK: how to identify and where to see these charismatic birds
Learn more about the different types of tit species in Britain and how to tell them apart with our ID guide, which includes blue tits, great tits, crested tits, willow tits, long-tailed tits, marsh tits and coal tits

Best bluebell woodland walks in the UK
Explore a selection of the best bluebell woodlands in the UK with our pick of stunning walks.

Spring wildlife guide: what to look for and where to see it
From the fragrant aroma of wild garlic to the delightful song of the chiffchaff, the British countryside comes to life in the spring months. Our expert spring wildlife guide explains how to identify the season's best wildlife spectacles and best places to see.
News and opinion
The latest environment and wildlife news, comment and interviews

Who is Claudia Winkleman? Everything you need to know about The Traitors presenter and new Crufts host
Learn all about television presenter, radio host, and writer Claudia Winkleman. Including how her broadcasting career led her to be awarded an MBE, and what's next.

From Adonis blues to white-tailed eagles: how South Downs' bold new plan is bringing nature roaring back
From rare Adonis blues to breeding white-tailed eagles, the South Downs National Park has unveiled a five-year strategy to restore thousands of hectares of wildlife-rich habitat

Extinct since medieval times, Britain’s biggest bird could be making a comeback
The largest bird to ever live in the UK could be reintroduced to our wetlands
Countryfile Calendar 2024
Find out how to enter this year's competition, plus photography tips

Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images
Discover who won the Countryfile Calendar competition 2024.

Who is Hamza Yassin? Everything you need to know about the BBC presenter and wildlife cameraman
From humble beginnings living in a car in Scotland to dazzling the nation on Strictly Come Dancing and being a judge in the Countryfile Calendar competition, 'Ranger Hamza' is fast becoming a national hero. Here's all you need to know about the wildlife presenter and photographer.

Wildlife photography tips: how to take great photos of animals
Our expert-written photography guide explains how capture the perfect wildlife shot.
Popular walks
See our most searched for walks and find new routes

Best autumn walks in the UK: discover stunning trails through golden forests and scenic countryside
The arrival of autumn sees the British countryside transform into a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows and golds – experience this seasonal splendour with our pick of the best autumn walks in the UK.

Best walking holidays for families
Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment

Explore the rolling hills and quaint honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds with these 14 charming walks
The Cotswolds’ softly contoured countryside, elevated pastures, and golden limestone villages make it an inviting place to roam throughout the year. Our guide leads you through some of the AONB’s most beautiful walking routes.

2km long, 731m tall and topped with a fort-like summit – this giant of Scotland was named by the Vikings
Steep, wild and remote, this Scottish giant is one of Britain's most striking peaks – reaching its summit is difficult, but with spectacular views stretching out across the Highlands, it's well worth the climb.

England's record-breaking new National Trail is opening soon: Walk the King Charles III England Coast Path
Stretching 2,700 miles around England’s coastline, the King Charles III England Coast Path will soon become the world’s longest managed coastal walking route

“Nicknames for the island included the Madeira of Scotland, the Costa del Clyde and the Naples of the North.” This unsung isle is Scotland’s best-kept secret
Less than two hours from Glasgow, the Isle of Bute is a peaceful haven of sweeping bays and dramatic views. A smitten Ben Lerwill enjoys quiet solitude along the West Island Way
British wildlife
Learn how to identify, where to see and species facts with our expert guides

British wild mushroom and fungi guide: how to identify and where to find
The UK's woods, riverbanks and meadows are home to roughly 15,000 species of wild mushrooms. Find out how to identify the most common species found in Britain, plus essential safety tips on which mushrooms are edible or poisonous with our British fungi guide.

British hedgehog guide: where to see and how to help hedgehogs
Sadly, the UK's hedgehog population is in decline, but there are plenty of ways you can help these charismatic mammals. Here is our expert European hedgehog guide, including where to see them, what they eat and how to help hedgehogs in your garden.

Guide to Britain's geese species: how to identify and where to see
Geese are a familiar sight in the UK's estuaries, marshes and wetlands, particularly in autumn and winter. Learn all about these majestic birds, including identification tips, migration patterns and the best places to see them in the UK.
Recipes
Find inspiration for this season's stars – both shop-bought and foraged

Apple and blackberry crumble squares
These easy-to-make crumble squares are perfect for a summer picnic.

Homemade apple swirls recipe
This homemade apple swirls recipe is easy to make and is a perfect treat on chilly autumn days.

How to make cider: a simple recipe to try at home
The end of summer and the beginning of autumn are prime apple-picking season – make the most of it with this simple and revolutionary cider recipe.

The perfect crab apple jelly recipe
Learn how to make crab apple jelly with this simple recipe by forager and chef Rachel Lambert.
BBC Countryfile Magazine Podcast
Join us on a countryside escape in each episode of the award-winning Countryfile 'plodcast'

Listen: delight in the last birdsong of the summer woodland
In this Sound Escape, we take you on a mindful stroll through a lush woodland after rain.

Explore a fairy glen on the St Patrick's Way in Co Down
Explore a fairy glen of birdsong and pure waters in fabled Tollymore Forest on the edge of the Mourne Mountains in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast

Walking St Patrick's Way: The wildlife of the Newry Canal
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the abandoned Newry Canal in Armagh, Northern Ireland, with fascinating history and brilliant wildlife encounters – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast

A quest for one of Britain's rarest birds in the Cairngorm mountains
Join naturalist and author James MacDonald Lockhart walking and camping deep in the Cairngorm Mountains in search of the dotterel, a bird that breeds on remote peaks – in episode 14, season 16 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Outdoor kit reviews
Our pick of the best walking and camping gear for outdoor adventures

Coros Pace 3: The affordable running watch that actually delivers
A great all rounder smart watch for those starting out or more established runners, with a great battery life and reasonable price tag.

Their siblings are probably my favourite trail-running shoes of all time, but these are too firm to be contenders

These are the ideal entry point for trail runners who are new to Hoka

I went into the Amazon jungle and this is the one piece of kit I wouldn’t have been without

Regatta Montegra 2-Person Backpacking Tent review: a neat and nifty model for multi-day trips
Backpacking in a pair and in need of a spacious, yet packable tent? The Regatta Montegra two-person model could do just the trick.

Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak review: a lightweight all-rounder for all levels
Find out how the Hydro-Force Ventura Inflatable Kayak fares on the water in Fi Darby's review
