Countryfile reveals details of Children in Need rambles

Countryfile has announced the return of the Countryfile Ramble for Children in Need.

Next month, presenters Matt Baker, Steve Brown, John Craven, Ellie Harrison, Tom Heap, Adam Henson and Anita Rani will be heading off to various locations across the UK to host rambles for BBC Children in Need. The presenters will be joined by viewers of the show and inspirational children and young people who have been supported by charities and projects funded by the charity. Since the Countryfile Ramble began in 2015, £6.2million has been raised

This year the presenters of the Beeb staple will ramble in some of the nation’s most beautiful locations, including Glenariff Forest Park in Northern Ireland, Scone Palace in Scotland, the Worcestershire riverside and the North Cornwall coastline.

The rambles will take place on 5th and 6th October and will be filmed for a special show, to air later in the month. Ahead of their taking place, the show is calling on the general public to set up their own sponsored rambles for the charity, which funds projects that alleviates some of the pressures facing disadvantaged youngsters across the UK.

“We are delighted to be teaming up with the Countryfile team once again to get the nation rambling this autumn. Taking part in a short sponsored walk or an ambitious hike makes a huge difference to the thousands of children and young people we support across the UK. It’s a terrific way to get together to support a fantastic cause.” – Tommy Nagra, Director of Content for BBC Children in Need

Anita Rani will be leading a circular ramble around North Cornwall’s beautiful heritage coastline and inland routes that will take in stunning sea views and grassy hill top paths. Shea will be joined by 11-year-old Cara who has been supported by the Donna Louise Trust following the loss of her older sister Elle, last year.

Ellie Harrison and Steve Brown will lead a mass ramble through the city of Worcester, where they will take in picturesque views of the River Severn and historic sights around the city. The pair will be joined on their ramble by more than 2,000 Countryfile viewers and 16-year-old Aaliyah who, following a diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDM) – a condition which affects the heart muscle – has been supported by Cardiomyopathy UK.

In Scotland, John Craven will be leading a regal ramble around Perthshire’s Scone Palace, known for its magnificent architecture, stunning gardens and acres of beautiful woodland. Joining John will be 13-year-old Lucy, who was born with Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus, a life-long condition that affects the spine and brain. Through BBC Children in Need funding, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland is able to provide Lucy with the vital one-to-one specialised personal care that she requires.

In Northern Ireland, Adam Henson will be leading an adventurous ramble through Glenariff Forest Park in one of the Antrim Glens which will take in stunning waterfalls and conservation areas. He will be joined by a group of children from Focus on Family, a BBC Children in Need funded project, based in County Londonderry.

Meanwhile, Matt Baker will be taking on a challenging distance route – which will be announced at a later date – with 14-year-old Ethan, who was born with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, a condition which affects his mobility. Surfability Wales is – thanks to Children in Need – able to provide Ethan with surfing lessons on specially adapted boards, giving him access to a fantastic sport for building confidence and having fun.

“I can’t wait to pull up my walking socks and get rambling once again for BBC Children in Need this year. I’ve been lucky enough to take part in every Countryfile Ramble over the last four years, and to have met some truly inspiring children and young people in the process. Thanks to your donations, BBC Children in Need really can make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. That’s why I’m really looking forward to seeing the public getting involved in their thousands again this year and leading their own rambles come wind, rain or shine; because together, we really can change lives.” – Anita Rani

The walks will take place in October and will be broadcast as an extended programme titled The Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, on BBC One, Sunday 27th October. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/Pudsey for more information.