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…

For the love of mud

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS MONTH

‘When you're with a bright, living river, it fixes you, heals you, sends you off with a spring in your step and a tingle on your skin.’ • Why one of the most celebrated nature writers of our time believes the health of our rivers has hit a turning point, and that walkers are the very people who can help save them…

HEXHAM • Two cheery walks around Britain's happiest town: a weekend that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Mud, snow and cheers • Each issue we invite you to spice up your miles by doing something seasonal, silly or curiously specific. The prize for your endeavours could be a money-can't-buy Golden Badge…

Win some golden treasure • Tackle one – or all! – of these minichallenges, post your photos and stories in the Walk 1000 Miles Facebook Group and we'll send a money-can't-buy golden badger to our favourites! You have until 12 March for this lot.

Adventures from the doorstep

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?

Wildlife for Walkers • Three remarkable species to spot in February.

Stuart Maconie • All winter, an owl has been talking to me. And I think I might finally have worked out what he's trying to say…

BIG LITTLE MOUNTAINS • Our celebration of mighty mini-peaks kicks off on the North Wales coast, where this scenic summit offers all the gain – without the strain.

SHORT ON ALTITUDE, BIG ON ATTITUDE • Meet five more miniature mountains that feel like very big adventures.

Fowey's Gold • From its birth on Bodmin Moor to its communion with the sea, Cornwall's ever-shining River Fowey has been the source of gold in one form or another for thousands of years. Today it's walking gold that's there for the taking.

Here be DRAGONS • This Yorkshire valley is home to one of the most bonkers legends in the whole storied tapestry of British landscape. And the best part? It's quite probably true. (Sort of.)

A Walk to REMEMBER • How do you celebrate the life of someone you've lost? A plaque? A special event? Or perhaps you could create an entire walk in their memory…

The Unreal World • Tucked away in the far northwest of Scotland is one of Britain's most unspoilt beaches. In summer its waters look tropical, but it's in spring and autumn when the true spirit of the place is revealed.

Country Walking

Why can't they make gear for every body?

PLUS-SIZE KIT THAT REALLY WORKS • Five acclaimed products that have been designed with plus-size walkers in mind. All are available at vampireoutdoorgear.com (usually for less than the retail prices stated here) and on the brands’ own websites.

‘I nearly gave up walking’ • We asked readers for their experiences of trying to buy plus-size kit. They didn't hold back…

Tea break

Magical March • Climb a haunted gorge in Yorkshire | Visit a pub scorched by the Devil in Devon | Enjoy the finest view in Lakeland's NW fells… and more great...