Helen Susannah Moat

1 month ago | countryfile.com | Lauren Franklin |Matt Baird |Helen Susannah Moat |James Witts

With spring in the air and summer around the corner, now is the time to try something different. From hiking in the hills to wild camping and seeing sharks, here are some exciting ways to expand your horizons in the year ahead. Having goals are a worthy pursuit but can often fail due to a lack of focus (‘get fitter’ being a prominent example). So how about combining your love of the countryside with a specific fitness-building goal, no matter the distance or elevation?

Jan 20, 2025 | countryfile.com | Lauren Franklin |Helen Susannah Moat

Although the winter solstice (and the shortest day of the year) has come and gone, midwinter can still feel a little bleak. It's no surprise that a lack of sunlight and cold temperatures – as well as the so-called Blue Monday – can lead to the winter blues. But while staying in and taking some time to hibernate can help, it's also been proven that vitamin D, aka the 'sunshine vitamin' can help with mood regulation. So head outside and enjoy the wild and wonderful landscape.

Jan 16, 2025 | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Helen Susannah Moat

As we prepare to welcome our new walks writer next month, we look back on six of Helen Moat’s most fabulous rambles Bakewell Bakewell, home of the Bakewell pudding, is truly atmospheric with its riverside location, honey-coloured stone buildings and elegant church on the hillside. Start your walk at the far end of Bakewell Recreation Ground, following the banks of the River Wye towards town, passing the now lockless Lovelock footbridge to reach Bakewell Bridge.

Dec 9, 2024 | countryfile.com | Lauren Franklin |Helen Susannah Moat

The festive season is a joyous time, a chance to celebrate with family and friends. But when the endless shopping, cooking, baking, entertaining and family politics takes its toll, it's time to get outdoors and into the winter landscape. Just being outside in the quiet woodlands, listening to the crunch of the frosty ground underfoot, being surrounded by tall beeches or gnarly oaks, reminds us – in the best way – that Christmas doesn't really matter.

Nov 28, 2024 | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Helen Susannah Moat

Sandwiched between the White Peak and the Cheshire Plain, this quiet corner of the Peak District National Park – the Southwest Peak – is one of undulating farmland, densely wooded valleys, dramatic gritstone tors and wild moorland. Where the River Dane divides Cheshire from Staffordshire, you’ll find the sleepy settlement of Danebridge in Wincle Parish, the starting point for this ramble. It’s also a place rich in history.