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Artwork for Ramblings

Ramblings

BBC Radio 4
Nature
Camino De Santiago
Santiago De Compostela
Mental Health
Accessibility
Isle Of Wight
Camino Inglés
Walking
Northumberland National Park
Devon
Peak District
Every Body Outdoors
Grief
Pilgrimage
All-Terrain Wheelchair
Ciao Ciao Girls
Walk For Wendy
Geology
Mining
Tennyson Down

Clare Balding and guests share inspiring conversations while walking in the great outdoors.

Fresh air and nature, wonderful views and uplifting chat, each week Clare hikes in a different part of our glorious countryside. Walking side by side is the perfect way to cover a huge range of subjects: literature, art, wildlife, nature, taking on personal or physical challenges, dealing with grief, confro... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes311Founded19 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelNatureScienceSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Ramblings

Latest Episodes

Clare meets Jamie Stott, an Emergency Medical Technician, for a circular walk to Castle Crag in the Lake District. Joining them are members of his North West Ambulance Service walking group which he founded in 2025. Jamie wanted to give colleagues, f... more

Clare explores a circular route in the woodland of Limpsfield Common near Oxted in Surrey. With her is David Sullivan who recalls a recent adventure when he hiked 19,000 feet up Mount Everest to deliver a defibrillator to a Nepali village. David taug... more

Clare Balding joins Zoe Mallett and Rose Eskafi for a walk in Richmond, London, exploring how urban green spaces can offer connection and community. Zoe and Rose are both psychologists and founded the walking group, City Daze, with the purpose of com... more

Clare joins Alistair MacNichol for part of his long‑distance walk from Holborn in London to Tong in Shropshire as he recreates the journey made by Little Nell and her grandfather from Charles Dickens’s novel The Old Curiosity Shop. The 166‑mile route... more

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Recent Guests

Jamie Stott
Emergency Medical Technician and founder of an ambulance service walking group
North West Ambulance Service
Episode: Seatoller to Castle Crag
David Sullivan
Traditional roofer and CPR trainer who takes defibrillators to remote communities
Episode: From Limpsfield Common to Everest with David Sullivan
Zoe Mallett
Co-founder of City Daze, psychologist by background
City Daze
Episode: Ham and Petersham, Richmond upon Thames
Rose Eskafi
Co-founder of City Daze, psychologist by background
City Daze
Episode: Ham and Petersham, Richmond upon Thames
Alistair MacNichol
Walker and researcher recreating Nell and grandfather's journey from The Old Curiosity Shop
Independent adventurer
Episode: In the Footsteps of Little Nell
Marian Spain
Chief Executive of Natural England (incoming retiree)
Natural England
Episode: Bosham to West Itchenor in West Sussex
Paula Brunt
Accessibility advocate/tester
Disability Ramblers and accessibility initiatives
Episode: Bosham to West Itchenor in West Sussex
Marlon Patrice
Founder of We Go Outside Too, advocate for inclusive outdoor access
We Go Outside Too
Episode: The Wrekin with Marlon Patrice
Dan Goodwins
Eryranger for the National Trust, specialising in upland repair and maintenance
National Trust (Eryri region)
Episode: Mending Footpaths in Eryri

Hosts

Clare Balding
Host of Ramblings; prominent broadcaster and writer with a focus on walking and storytelling.
Hana Sutch
Founder of Go Jauntly, specializes in urban access to nature and inclusive walks.
Marian Spain
Incoming Chief Executive of Natural England; discusses coast path accessibility and policy.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 950 ratings
  • Annoying BBC advertising

    It’s jarring in a relaxing show especially bbc to have advert in middle especially

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Missnisssy
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • The Ads are awful. Spoil the listening experience.

    The Ads are awful and Spoil the listening experience. What a shame. This used to be one of my favourite podcasts but the Ads are intrusive and have wrecked the whole listening experience.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Minty WO
    Australiaa year ago
  • Very moving

    I listened to the first in the new series and was so moved! You made me cry when you interviewed Manni last time talking about Reuben and now you made me cry again!! I could tell how hard it was to share his story but he was so courageous! I am inspired to do the pilgrimage before I die, many thanks! X

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LittleKazzzzz
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Like The Strettons Podcast

    Discovered this when people said what I was doing in a smaller way on The Strettons Podcast was like Ramblings. Had never heard it so I tuned in. We are similar but Claire is a much more seasoned and experienced girl. Nice to be compared to her.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Walking chatting
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Great stories, walks and people

    I have enjoyed listening to Ramblings for years. Hearing the stories from such a diverse range of people is such a lovely concept, It is optimistic, informative and humorous on occasion whilst showcasing our wonderful countryside and its wildlife.

    JoBH

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rhusey
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

- The show is described as relaxing, informative, and great for walking or falling asleep to.
- Longtime fans value the consistency and the sense of place in each episode.
- Some listeners dislike intrusive ads; prefer a smoother listening experience.
- Guests and host are praised for warmth, depth, and inspiring journeys.
- Audiences appreciate the soothing, immersive outdoor storytelling and diverse guest voices.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Seatoller to Castle Crag
Q: If you were giving advice to walkers about what they should take as basic essentials in a first aid kit, what would you recommend?
Emma recommends suitable footwear and waterproofs to prevent injuries, plasters for minor wounds, and possibly a sling. For a serious injury that prevents someone continuing, a foil blanket or small shelter can help keep them warm while awaiting rescue.
Seatoller to Castle Crag
Q: What got you into what you're doing now?
Jamie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at nine and initially wanted to become a nurse because of the care he received. A cardiac arrest he encountered while working in home care inspired him to become a first responder and later an EMT.
From Limpsfield Common to Everest with David Sullivan
Q: So what's the next challenge?
Sullivan hopes to take a defibrillator to the North Pole by walking from Oxted and through northern Europe, with a team of five people who have never attempted such a journey.
From Limpsfield Common to Everest with David Sullivan
Q: What is so important about this story?
Sullivan explains that he followed his CPR training by leaving the defibrillator pads on the patient until emergency responders arrived. The man's family later told him that the man was sitting up in bed.
In the Footsteps of Little Nell
Q: How do you research the route and ensure authenticity?
By rereading the novel, consulting Cassini maps, overlaying old routes onto modern OS maps, and following Dickensian clues about places like churches and landmarks, then adjusting for modern roads to stay safe while keeping fidelity to the story.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Ramblings

What is Ramblings about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners are drawn to calm, nature-infused conversations that pair scenic walking with storytelling, culture, and personal journeys. Episodes blend literature, history, conservation, accessibility, and resilience, often featuring diverse voices who bring practical insights about outdoor access, community building, and overcoming challenges. The format is soothing and informative, with strong emphasis on place-based storytelling, companionship, and the idea that walking can illuminate big ideas and mental well-being. A notable edge is the breadth of guest backgrounds—from authors and policy experts to volunteers and adventurers—creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for curious, outdoorsy audiences.

The show often shines when exploring... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Ramblings?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Ramblings:

1. Open Country
2. The Plodcast
3. Wild Tales | Nature Podcast
4. A Life More Wild
5. Gardeners' Question Time

How many episodes of Ramblings are there?

Ramblings launched 19 years ago and published 311 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Ramblings?

Recent guests on Ramblings include:

1. Jamie Stott
2. David Sullivan
3. Zoe Mallett
4. Rose Eskafi
5. Alistair MacNichol
6. Marian Spain
7. Paula Brunt
8. Marlon Patrice

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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