We love celebrating the glorious landscape of Yorkshire and want to inspire locals and tourists alike to visit the landmarks and hidden gems of God’s Own Country. So when we heard that BBC Four’s new programme Winter Walks featured Yorkshire locations in four out of its five episodes we couldn’t help shout about it.
The second series of BBC Four’s Winter Walks starts tonight with the Yorkshire Shepherdess exploring familiar territory in the Wensleydale and Raydale region of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll get to listen to the star of ‘Our Yorkshire Farm as she explores the dramatic landscape with only a 360-degree camera for company.
Amanda will reveal what life is like as a shepherdess in the rough terrain as well as discuss candid inner thoughts and emotions while walking the familiar route of her home county.
Amanda Owen says: “As a shepherdess and a hill farmer you do not set out on a walk for no reason – so this was an adventure for me. It was amazing to get out and explore some of the countryside on my doorstep.
“It felt so strange and surreal to be out on my own. My life can be quite chaotic with the pressures of the farm, family and sheep, and I did wonder whether I’d be able to switch off but the sheer beauty of the landscape made me put aside the daily grind.”
As well as Amanda Owen, the second series, which starts tonight will see familiar faces author and broadcaster Alastair Campbell talk about his struggles with mental health. Reverend Kate Bottley reflects on her faith. Then the quiet and stillness of Nihal Arthanayake’s walk-in Cumbria and then across the border into Lancashire gives him a fresh perspective on work and relationships in the final episode.
Along the way, they meet the characters who are familiar with the local terrain. The guest presenters also uncover secret histories, breathtaking views and unwind in the gentle sounds of nature.
When the episodes are due to air on BBC Four:
- Ep 1 (Amanda Owen) – Monday 29th November at 7.30pm on BBC Four
- Ep 2 (Alastair Campbell) – Tuesday 30th November at 7.30pm on BBC Four
- Ep 3 (Kate Bottley) – Wednesday 1st December at 7.30pm on BBC Four
- Ep 4 (Nihal Arthanayake) – Thursday 2nd December at 7.30pm on BBC Four
The first series aired on the 4th January last year and featured poet laureate Simon Armitage, West-Yorkshire born poet, walk along Yorkshire’s enchanting, historic frontier with the North Sea.
You can watch the whole series on BBC Iplayer here. If you’re inspired by any of these walks, why not check out our favourite winter walks in Yorkshire here.
