Clare Balding found herself with National Treasure status after the 2012 Olympics and although her role in the broadcasting of the Games is covered in Walking Home, this book is really a love letter to the simple pleasures of walking. Using her Radio 4 show Ramblings as a starting point, she uses her passion for walking to discuss her life, family, general thoughts, and to celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Her anecdotes are always positive and there is no doubting the real admiration she has for those who have used walking to help overcome issues such as grief, isolation, or mental illness. I loved the book. It felt like the musings of a good friend – one who wanted everyone to be the best they could be but who wouldn’t shy away from making their displeasure known. I found myself wanting to cheer at the section of litter clearing with David Sedaris as they both waged war on abandoned rubbish that spoils our countryside. And the book made me cry, too. I defy anyone to read the chapter on the life and death of Percy the dog without ending up in tears. This is a great book that evangelises the cheapest form of exercise (the physical and emotional benefits of walking are evident in all the encounters discussed) and what we might learn about ourselves from it. It is the perfect present both for Clare Balding fans and also, perhaps, for those looking for a new challenge or interest.

A wonderful book with a mixture of stories from Clare’s Rambling radio series and walks taken with various members of her family. Brilliantly written, if you love the English countryside, walking, animals or just Clare you will thoroughly enjoy this book. The chapter on Percy her Tibetan Terrier is very, very heart-wrenching and I cried whilst reading it. I rate this book much higher than her previous book which was a little bit “poor me”. This book is much more positive and well written. Brilliant.

When I read My Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding I was amazed at how talented a writer Clare is. The words rolling across the pages are engaging, emotional and very funny. I have been so looking forward to the new book since reading My Animals and I received my pre-ordered copy and could not put it down until I had finished it. Walking Home did not disappoint, it is delightful and fabulously heart-warming. Just such a wonderful read, full of great characters, descriptions of the walks and the areas visited makes you just want to walk, walk and keep walking. Clare’s writing brings alive this beautiful country of ours and makes you want to protect it, devour it and just enjoy it. It is amazing how many people feel the joys of walking for no other reason than just walking. The book tells the tales of the inspiring walking groups that have been featured on Clare’s Ramblings Radio 4 programme. Some of the groups have set up by being inspired by the programme. Clare also talks about the benefits of walking and also gives the reader insights to her career, family and family pets. The book also tells of Clare’s family attempting to walk the Wayfarers Walk which stretches 70 miles from Emsworth to Inkpen Beacon. I simply cannot wait for this author’s next book.

I have to admit from the start that I am not a sports fan. All I remember from the 2012 Olympics is the fabulous opening ceremony and the wonderful press our disabled athletes received... and Clare Balding, of course! I also enjoy listening to Ramblings on Radio 4, so I was thrilled to receive a copy of ‘Walking Home’ to review. And what a treat it was. The countryside opened up in a colourful vision of words and shared experiences with both her family and rambling groups. As her knowledge of the British countryside expanded, so did her passion for walking. Clare met with many groups of walkers; both experienced ramblers and novices who walked for health, and as a release from pain and loneliness. The book gave a wonderful account of her family’s rambling in and around her home town of Newbury, and the surrounding countryside paths. As I am a Hampshire lass myself, it opened up a vista that is almost on my doorstep! Clare also shared her experience of the 2012 Olympics in a beautifully modest fashion, as if all the positive plaudits she received were almost by accident. No, Clare, it was your sheer hard work and determination that earned such well-deserved respect. This is a book you can ‘ramble’ your way through, as it breaks off to share incidental happenings along the way. It is informing, touching, comical and thoroughly enjoyable. I am now on my way to purchase Clare’s earlier book, ‘My Animals and Other Family’!

This is such an unusual topic for a book as we join Balding and her brother for a walk along 'The Wayfarer's Walk' and I wasn't quite sure that it would work, or have mass appeal, but, somehow it does. It is truly a delightful book, engaging and really rather sweet. Balding somehow manages to cover deep issues whilst retaining a very light and easy style. One feels that she is a dear friend or family member as she describes all the key members of her life with great affection and a sharp eye. Balding seamlessly transitions across time covering her walk with her brother in one chapter followed by other walks she has taken for Radio 4 and her Olympic coverage. I enjoyed the variety and gentle story telling. As a fellow walker I can appreciate the detailed descriptions of the walk. I enjoyed the recollections of the scenery and her pertinent observations about the effects, both positive and negative, on the body and mind. I get the sense that Balding projects as a strong, no nonsense, sort of woman but that she is also a very sensitive and perceptive person and of a very personable character. We get snippets from her childhood as she recollects being in Ireland with her Nanny and brother and running wild, free to do as they please including tormenting one another. Her walks were in many ways an opportunity to reconnect with her brother and get to know him as an adult, something some people never manage to do,to shake off the childhood rivalries and hurts. Well worth a read and just like a good walk it leaves you feeling uplifted.