Tales from the Riverbank with Clare Balding

Clare Balding presents a tour of Britain’s most iconic rivers, opening the journey on the Severn – the country’s longest river. In this opening segment she recounts the stories that have made these waterways legendary, beginning with the extensive stretch of the Severn itself. The programme remains centred on these celebrated watercourses, with the Severn acting as the launch point for the series. Balding’s narration guides viewers along the length of the river, setting the tone for the exploration of further iconic rivers that follow in later episodes. Throughout the episode, she highlights the river’s scale and its place within the national landscape, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for the series.

Clare sets off to discover the River Dart, a watercourse that runs for almost fifty miles. Starting at the south coast of Devon, the river winds its way inland until it reaches the wild, craggy expanse of Dartmoor, an area that remains largely untouched. Throughout her journey she follows the river’s path, tracing its length from the coastal mouth up through the countryside, observing how the landscape changes as the water moves from sea level into the rugged moorland. The episode showcases the river’s full stretch, highlighting both the coastal origins and the remote, unspoiled character of Dartmoor. It gives viewers a clear sense of the river’s scale and the contrasting scenery it links.

Clare Balding presents a tour of Britain’s most iconic rivers, opening the journey on the Severn – the country’s longest river. In this opening segment she recounts the stories that have made these waterways legendary, beginning with the extensive stretch of the Severn itself. The programme remains centred on these celebrated watercourses, with the Severn acting as the launch point for the series. Balding’s narration guides viewers along the length of the river, setting the tone for the exploration of further iconic rivers that follow in later episodes. Throughout the episode, she highlights the river’s scale and its place within the national landscape, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for the series.

Clare sets off to discover the River Dart, a watercourse that runs for almost fifty miles. Starting at the south coast of Devon, the river winds its way inland until it reaches the wild, craggy expanse of Dartmoor, an area that remains largely untouched. Throughout her journey she follows the river’s path, tracing its length from the coastal mouth up through the countryside, observing how the landscape changes as the water moves from sea level into the rugged moorland. The episode showcases the river’s full stretch, highlighting both the coastal origins and the remote, unspoiled character of Dartmoor. It gives viewers a clear sense of the river’s scale and the contrasting scenery it links.

In this episode, Clare sets off to discover the River Thames' extensive network of waterways. She journeys along a watercourse that runs for more than 200 miles, beginning in Gloucestershire and winding its way down to Essex. Throughout the trip, she follows the river's path, taking in the varied landscapes and historic towns that line its banks. The programme highlights how the Thames connects the countryside with the capital, showcasing its length and the regions it traverses. Clare’s exploration offers a close‑up look at the river’s role as a vital artery across southern England. The length of the Thames, over two hundred miles, is highlighted as she moves from the rural heartland of Gloucestershire towards the coastal reaches of Essex.

Clare makes her way to the River Wharfe, a waterway she’s especially fond of, and sets off along one of her favourite stretches. The river winds its way through the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offering the scenery that draws her back time after time. She follows the familiar banks, appreciating the calm flow that characterises this particular section of the river, and enjoys the sense of place that the Dales provide. In this brief journey, the focus remains on her connection to the Wharfe and the surrounding landscape that lies at the centre of this iconic Yorkshire region.

In this episode, Clare sets off to discover the River Thames' extensive network of waterways. She journeys along a watercourse that runs for more than 200 miles, beginning in Gloucestershire and winding its way down to Essex. Throughout the trip, she follows the river's path, taking in the varied landscapes and historic towns that line its banks. The programme highlights how the Thames connects the countryside with the capital, showcasing its length and the regions it traverses. Clare’s exploration offers a close‑up look at the river’s role as a vital artery across southern England. The length of the Thames, over two hundred miles, is highlighted as she moves from the rural heartland of Gloucestershire towards the coastal reaches of Essex.

Clare makes her way to the River Wharfe, a waterway she’s especially fond of, and sets off along one of her favourite stretches. The river winds its way through the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offering the scenery that draws her back time after time. She follows the familiar banks, appreciating the calm flow that characterises this particular section of the river, and enjoys the sense of place that the Dales provide. In this brief journey, the focus remains on her connection to the Wharfe and the surrounding landscape that lies at the centre of this iconic Yorkshire region.