/ Travel & Outdoor
BBC Countryfile Magazine
December 2019Countryfile Magazine inspires you to explore forgotten corners of the great British countryside and provides knowledge of the people and wildlife that inhabit it. We want to tempt you into trying new things, seek out new places and make the most of Britain’s beautiful landscapes.
IN THIS ISSUE
joys of the season
“I have found the perfect local walk. It’s not wild, nor craggy, nor full of brilliant viewpoints. But it is welcoming to all: an easy path along a river; a gentle incline into parkland; a folly set among specimen trees; a handful of fields and a perfect pub. (Not dissimilar to the seasonal strolls we’ve suggested as our great days out for December, page 79, or Kevin Parr’s musings on winter rivers, page 40.) It’s the ideal place to walk with others. The openness, the big skies, the gentleness of the surroundings seem to make it easier to talk, find perspective and bury hatchets. The perfect Christmas walk to reassure us that, despite troubling headlines and climate emergencies, the positive things that unite us will always outweigh the forces of division.…
this month’s contributors
Belinda Richardson, p18 “Whichever part of Dorset you decide to visit, as December dawns, the promise of a magical wintry wildlife encounter provides tempting bait.” Kevin Parr, p40 “Freed from the shackles of long dry days, our lowland rivers are starting to stir – at a time when much of the world seems ready to sleep.” Genevieve Taylor, p66 “Christmas food is at its best on Boxing Day. The pressure of the ‘big day’ has subsided and you’re left with a kitchen full of delicious leftovers.”…
how to contact us
To subscribe or for subs enquiries: Domestic telephone: 03330 162112 Overseas telephone: 01604 973720 Email: bbccountryfile@buysubscriptions. com Post: BBC Countryfile Magazine, PO BOX 3320, 3 Queensbridge, The Lakes, Northampton NN4 7BF To talk to the editorial team: Telephone: 0117 300 8580 Email: editor@countryfile.com Post: BBC Countryfile Magazine, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Advertising enquiries: 0117 314 8384 App support: http://apps.immediate.co.uk/support Syndication and licensing enquiries (UK and international): richard.bentley@immediate.co.uk +44 (0)207 150 5168 Follow us on Twitter: @countryfilemag Follow us on Instagram: @Countryfilemagazine Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ countryfilemagazine Find us online for lots of bonus content: www.countryfile.com Download the official BBC Countryfile Magazine app from the Apple, Google Play or Amazon App Store.…
december in the country
must-see A DAY AT THE BEECHES As winter unclothes our deciduous trees, we’re given the opportunity to take a closer look at the sculptural beauty of their bare trunks. Beech is one of the most expressive, especially as it ages. While the bark is a smooth battleship-grey, the whorls and ‘catspaws’ – the scarring from lost limbs – give each tree a personality and a sense of movement. It’s as if nature had intended to make an elephant but changed its mind halfway. This avenue of monster beeches can be seen at Kingston Lacy National Trust estate, Wimborne, Dorset. nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy FOX’S GLACIER Unlike several of our mammals that either hibernate or slow down in winter, foxes remain active and must find food or starve. It can be a tough time. This London fox would…
x is for xmas
“ What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? ”John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley (1962) Present-wrapping, potato-peeling, dishwashing, in-law entertaining, turkey-basting, charade-playing, pudding-preparing, wine-mulling... Christmas can be hectic. For some, this festive frenzy adds to the charm, but there is often little time to pause and absorb the moments that make the day special. This year, why not make it a mindful Christmas? Allow yourself a short period of solitude and silence at the start of the day, practise mindful eating and escape the cabin fever with a winter walk. • Listen to ‘How to have a mindful Christmas’ podcast from 27 November, calmmoments.com/podcast Paper chains Make beautiful Christmas decorations by cutting your old BBC Countryfile Magazine into strips (apart from my letter – Ed), and…
top six... christmas markets
1 Bath 28 November–15 December Wander through bustling Georgian streets beneath the abbey and browse over 150 chalets of crafts and gifts. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk 2 Padstow 5–8 December The iconic harbourside offers an exceptional array of Cornish artists and produce, as well as a Santa Fun Run. padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk 3 Caerphilly 7–8 December After hiking up a frost-topped Caerphilly Mountain, visit the festive market in the castle and town. Once there, revel in choirs and live music while touring the 120 stalls. caerphilly.gov.uk 4 Belfast 16 November–22 December Try traditional seasonal treats and fairground rides by Belfast City Hall. visitbelfast.com/belfast-christmas-market-2019 5 Edinburgh 16 November–4 January Dine on delicious fare at the Scottish Market, ride the big wheel or get lost in the Christmas tree maze with the twinkling city as your backdrop. edinburghschristmas.com 6 York 14 November–22…
