The Welsh Borders

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Episode 2 of 6

Duration: 30 minutes

Clare Balding sets out on a two-wheel odyssey to re-discover Britain from the saddle of a touring cycle.

In a six-part series, Clare follows the wheeltracks of compulsive cyclist and author Harold Briercliffe whose evocative guide books of the late 1940s lovingly describe by-passed Britain - a world of unspoiled villages, cycle touring clubs and sunny B roads.

Carrying a set of Harold's Cycling Touring Guides for company and riding his very own Dawes Super Galaxy bicycle, Clare goes in search of the world he described. Is it lost for ever? Or still there, waiting to be found?

Clare's journey into Wales is rich in literary connections to both Bruce Chatwin and AE Housman. She reveals how a cycle factory went to war and finds out about the Bride's Tree - a bizarre village ceremony with a dark secret.

  • The Call of the Wild

    The Call of the Wild

    This programme is part of The Call Of The Wild on BBC Four, a celebration of the great British love affair with the countryside – whatever the weather.

    Go to The Call of the Wild site

  • Claire in Wales

    Claire in Wales

Credits

Presenter
Clare Balding
Director
Alison Pinkney
Executive Producer
Steve Bailey

Broadcasts

See all broadcasts of The Welsh Borders (11)

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