Coast & Country: Railway Walks

Watch Coast & Country: Railway Walks

  • 2008
  • 1 Season

Coast & Country: Railway Walks is a delightful television series starring Julia Bradbury, which takes viewers on a journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes in England, Scotland, and Wales. The program is available on Acorn TV, and is the perfect choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors and has an interest in railway history.

Each episode of the show focuses on a different railway walk, revealing its unique history, geography, and wildlife. Julia Bradbury, herself an avid walker and nature lover, leads viewers through the countryside and invites them to discover the hidden gems of some of the most stunning areas in the UK. The program is perfect for armchair travelers, hikers, or anyone who wants to learn more about the different regions of the country.

One of the best things about this show is its focus on railway history. Bradbury explains how the railways were once an essential part of the UK's infrastructure, connecting towns and cities and facilitating the movement of people and goods. She takes viewers on a journey through history, showing how the railways were built and how they transformed landscapes and communities. She also reveals some of the fascinating cultural and social impacts of the railways, such as the rise of tourism and the spread of holiday destinations.

In each episode, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and viewers will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes featured in the show. From the coastal walks of Pembrokeshire in Wales, to the historic paths of the Scottish Borders, to the rolling hills of Devon and Cornwall in the South West, the series travels across some of the most iconic locations in the UK. Julia Bradbury is an excellent guide, and her enthusiasm is infectious as she takes the viewers along the footpaths and describes the flora and fauna of each area.

One of the standout episodes of Coast & Country: Railway Walks is the one that focuses on the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire. This former railway line has been transformed into a popular walking and cycling trail that winds through the beautiful Peak District. Bradbury explains the history of the railway, which was once an integral part of the local economy, and speaks to people who remember the trains running through the area. The show also explores the controversial decision to build a tunnel through the limestone hills, which proved costly and technically challenging.

Coast & Country: Railway Walks is more than a simple travelogue or history lesson, however. It also aims to inspire viewers to get out and explore the countryside for themselves. Bradbury encourages viewers to take up walking and to discover the landscapes and communities that she visits in the show. She also highlights how the pathways are maintained by dedicated volunteer groups who work hard to maintain the routes and keep them accessible for all.

In summary, Coast & Country: Railway Walks is an excellent program that showcases the beauty and diversity of the UK's countryside. Julia Bradbury is an engaging and knowledgeable guide, and the show is brimming with fascinating insights into the history and culture of the areas she visits. The program is perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring new places and learning about the past. Whether you're a seasoned walker or a couch potato, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this wonderful series.

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Seasons
Callander: Gateway to the Highlands
6. Callander: Gateway to the Highlands
November 6, 2008
Julia Bradbury's last railway walk is epic, in more ways than one. Not only is this the longest and arguably most dramatic walk yet, but it passes through the unruly territory of Scottish clans and Rob Roy. The Highlands were a place to be wary of...until the railway arrived, that is.
Weymouth: Harbouring History
5. Weymouth: Harbouring History
October 30, 2008
The backstreets of Weymouth seem an unlikely spot to explore railway history, but as Julia Bradbury discovers, there was once a short railway that ran south from Weymouth and across the unique coastal features of Chesil Beach and Portland. The walk is the ideal platform for learning about the history of Portland Harbour and the tied isle's most famous export: Portland Stone.
Speyside: The Whisky Train
4. Speyside: The Whisky Train
October 23, 2008
Julia Bradbury's first walking foray into Scotland has a very distinct flavour to it: whisky! The Speyside Way is one of Scotland's great walking routes, and between the villages of Craigellachie and Ballindaloch, it follows the route of the railway that once served a remote area and a world-famous drinks industry.
Cornwall: The Birth of Steam
3. Cornwall: The Birth of Steam
October 16, 2008
Tin and copper once made the area around Redruth the richest patch of land in the country. They also inspired great engineering feats and some pioneering tramways--the forebears of Britain's rail empire. Julia Bradbury has her work cut out as she crosses an entire country, winding past Cornwall's crumbling engine houses, following a railway that hasn't operated in 140 years.
Wales: Discovering Snowdonia
2. Wales: Discovering Snowdonia
October 9, 2008
The stunning Mawddach estuary is the setting for Julia Bradbury's second railway walk. The area between Dolgellau and the coastal resort of Barmouth is one of the least-visited parts of Snowdonia, but in the 1860s it received a great rush of holiday-makers, all using the new railway that connected this stunning valley to the cities of England.
Derbyshire: Peak Express
1. Derbyshire: Peak Express
October 2, 2008
Julia Bradbury begins her exploration of Britain's lost rail empire in the heart of the Peak District, with a walk along the popular Monsal Trail. Limestone cliffs and gorges abound, not to mention the tunnels and soaring viaducts of the Midland Railway--one of the most dramatic and unlikely main lines ever built.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    October 2, 2008