What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking Home: My Family and Other Rambles
I am at home with my brother Andrew banging on about the joys of walking. Suddenly he says, 'You should do the Wayfarer's Walk. We always talked about it, do you remember?'
So I start thinking about it seriously. It is 71 miles in total. It will be a great family adventure.
Won't it?
In Clare Balding's family, walking just took too long - she galloped through the countryside and she galloped through life. There was certainly no time to get to know Britain beyond its racecourses.
Then, in 1999, Clare took a call out of the blue from a BBC producer looking for a presenter for a new radio series. 'Do you walk?' she asked. 'Well, I walk the dog . . .'
That series, Ramblings, is still going strong - and Clare's caught the walking bug. Since then she's covered fifteen hundred miles of footpaths, from the Pennine Way to the South West Coastal Path. She's tackled apocalyptic thunderstorms, struggled with blisters and a twisted ankle, and seduced fans of 'erotic radio' by getting changed in a bus stop. She's walked with historians, geologists, twitchers, botanists and poets, who've told her things they never thought they would reveal.
Now she wants her family to share some of that pleasure. Her and her brother Andrew are determined to conquer the Wayfarer's Walk, a route which runs past their family stables Kingsclere. What could possibly go wrong?
This is a story of paths and people, of discovering the glories of Britain and Ireland, and of (mis)adventures with the family. Along the way there are charming diversions and life-changing rambles, including her take on the 2012 Olympics. And, finally, this is Clare's story of Walking Home . . .
Clare Balding's first book, My Animals and Other Family, was a runaway number one bestseller and won Autobiography of the Year at the 2012 Specsavers National Book Awards. Clare broadcasts on TV and radio for the BBC, Channel 4 and BT Sport. In 2013 she received an OBE for services to broadcasting and journalism. She lives in West London with her partner Alice, their wayward Tibetan Terrier Archie and a cat who couldn't give a damn called Itty.
Praise for My Animals and Other Family:
'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want a horse' Caitlin Moran
'Moving, funny, and larger than life' Michael Morpurgo
'Simply fabulous' Jilly Cooper
'Stonking anecdotes ... sharply charming' Guardian
'Magical, enchanting, riotously eccentric' Daily Mail
So I start thinking about it seriously. It is 71 miles in total. It will be a great family adventure.
Won't it?
In Clare Balding's family, walking just took too long - she galloped through the countryside and she galloped through life. There was certainly no time to get to know Britain beyond its racecourses.
Then, in 1999, Clare took a call out of the blue from a BBC producer looking for a presenter for a new radio series. 'Do you walk?' she asked. 'Well, I walk the dog . . .'
That series, Ramblings, is still going strong - and Clare's caught the walking bug. Since then she's covered fifteen hundred miles of footpaths, from the Pennine Way to the South West Coastal Path. She's tackled apocalyptic thunderstorms, struggled with blisters and a twisted ankle, and seduced fans of 'erotic radio' by getting changed in a bus stop. She's walked with historians, geologists, twitchers, botanists and poets, who've told her things they never thought they would reveal.
Now she wants her family to share some of that pleasure. Her and her brother Andrew are determined to conquer the Wayfarer's Walk, a route which runs past their family stables Kingsclere. What could possibly go wrong?
This is a story of paths and people, of discovering the glories of Britain and Ireland, and of (mis)adventures with the family. Along the way there are charming diversions and life-changing rambles, including her take on the 2012 Olympics. And, finally, this is Clare's story of Walking Home . . .
Clare Balding's first book, My Animals and Other Family, was a runaway number one bestseller and won Autobiography of the Year at the 2012 Specsavers National Book Awards. Clare broadcasts on TV and radio for the BBC, Channel 4 and BT Sport. In 2013 she received an OBE for services to broadcasting and journalism. She lives in West London with her partner Alice, their wayward Tibetan Terrier Archie and a cat who couldn't give a damn called Itty.
Praise for My Animals and Other Family:
'You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want a horse' Caitlin Moran
'Moving, funny, and larger than life' Michael Morpurgo
'Simply fabulous' Jilly Cooper
'Stonking anecdotes ... sharply charming' Guardian
'Magical, enchanting, riotously eccentric' Daily Mail
Audiobook
First published January 1, 2014
41 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 28, 2024
This book is a gentle, humorous description of Clare Balding's enjoyment of people, walking and the countryside.
For fifteen years she led the BBC Radio 4 series called Ramblings, walking with people all over Britain. In this book she concentrates on a walk she does near the family home, along the Wayfarer's Walk in Hampshire, with her brother, mother and various dogs for company.
During the walk we learn that in spite of her frequent television appearances (she's a well-known sports commentator too), her favourite medium is radio.
She also discusses some of the wonderful people and groups she has met whilst doing Ramblings. From David Sedaris, humorist, author and ardent litter collector - whose ambition whilst litter picking is to discover a dead body. To a bunch of middle-aged people she met in China walking backwards up a hill.
She also met some less eccentric groups - like the "Walk and Talk" group for people with mental health problems, or the "Forget Me Not" group for people suffering with dementia. Both these groups had a great sense of community and were doing much to help the people who took part.
Most of all I enjoyed her quiet sense of humour, shown here where she discusses Lucy, her co-producer and sound recordist on Ramblings.
All in all I thought this book was an excellent read - for me it was perfect for bedtime - as it puts you into a lovely mood. I read Balding's autobiography some time ago, My Animals and Other Family, and I sincerely hope she is going to write more books for adults in the future.
For fifteen years she led the BBC Radio 4 series called Ramblings, walking with people all over Britain. In this book she concentrates on a walk she does near the family home, along the Wayfarer's Walk in Hampshire, with her brother, mother and various dogs for company.
During the walk we learn that in spite of her frequent television appearances (she's a well-known sports commentator too), her favourite medium is radio.
"One of the joys of radio is that you don't have to dress up, you don't have to put on a costume or pretend to be someone louder, brighter and more colourful. Radio listeners don't want an act or what you think is an improved version of yourself. They like genuine people, warts 'n' all. They want you to share the real you, and on radio you can do that, in a way that television doesn't allow.
She also discusses some of the wonderful people and groups she has met whilst doing Ramblings. From David Sedaris, humorist, author and ardent litter collector - whose ambition whilst litter picking is to discover a dead body. To a bunch of middle-aged people she met in China walking backwards up a hill.
"It was like a scene from a zombie movie.
The theory is that walking backwards exercises muscles that do not ordinarily get used and increases the heart rather, making it a more energetic workout. They say a hundred steps backwards is the equivalent of a thousand forwards, which is a good job, as you're going to get wherever you're going about ten times more slowly."
She also met some less eccentric groups - like the "Walk and Talk" group for people with mental health problems, or the "Forget Me Not" group for people suffering with dementia. Both these groups had a great sense of community and were doing much to help the people who took part.
Most of all I enjoyed her quiet sense of humour, shown here where she discusses Lucy, her co-producer and sound recordist on Ramblings.
"Nice boots," says Lucy. "Are they new?"
I puff out my chest like a budgerigar. "Oh yes. Aren't they smart? And do you know what? They only cost thirty quid!"
Lucy stifles a laugh. I have no idea why. "You surprise me," she says, in a voice that doesn't sound surprised at all.
Lucy's driving is so awful that it's easier if I do it. Watching her try to select a gear is like watching the little white ball decide which section it's going to fall into on the roulette wheel. Will it be fourth, fifth, possibly third? A lurch from the abused engine suggests it's second gear. Again. Always fun at 60mph.
All in all I thought this book was an excellent read - for me it was perfect for bedtime - as it puts you into a lovely mood. I read Balding's autobiography some time ago, My Animals and Other Family, and I sincerely hope she is going to write more books for adults in the future.
June 2, 2018
Having been brought up with horses and ended up working with them Clare Balding spent a lot of her time on the back of one or heading to the next racecourse to watch more. But in 1999 she took a call from a radio producer asking if she ever walked anywhere. 'Well, I walk the dog…' was her reply. From that call, the Radio 4 series Ramblings came about.
It is still going strong all these years later and has clocked up a huge 36 series so far. She has managed to walk 1500 miles along footpaths that are well-known paths like the Pennine Way to ones that are local and special to the people that accompany her on the perambulations. There have been blisters, soakings, minor injuries and one moment when walking with a ranger who walked at twice her pace though she was going to die!
Whilst her walks have taken her all over the country, in all weathers, the thing that makes this series work so well is the people that she meets on the walks. There have been choirs, novelists, poets, couples, small groups who are using the medical elements of walking to cope with all sorts of issues from bereavement to those recovering from mental health issues. She has collected litter with David Sedaris and walked backwards and barefoot, but never naked. Clare is accompanied by Lucy and her furry microphone
Woven into the tales of other places, are stories of family life and her partnership with Alice and her time spent presenting the Olympics and other sporting events. Clare and her brother's intention to finally tackle the Wayfarer's Walk that is close to the place she grew up. This is not a taxing read, rather an entertaining and in parts a very very funny stroll through some beautiful countryside and a passing glimpse into people's lives and how and why they walk.
It is still going strong all these years later and has clocked up a huge 36 series so far. She has managed to walk 1500 miles along footpaths that are well-known paths like the Pennine Way to ones that are local and special to the people that accompany her on the perambulations. There have been blisters, soakings, minor injuries and one moment when walking with a ranger who walked at twice her pace though she was going to die!
Whilst her walks have taken her all over the country, in all weathers, the thing that makes this series work so well is the people that she meets on the walks. There have been choirs, novelists, poets, couples, small groups who are using the medical elements of walking to cope with all sorts of issues from bereavement to those recovering from mental health issues. She has collected litter with David Sedaris and walked backwards and barefoot, but never naked. Clare is accompanied by Lucy and her furry microphone
Woven into the tales of other places, are stories of family life and her partnership with Alice and her time spent presenting the Olympics and other sporting events. Clare and her brother's intention to finally tackle the Wayfarer's Walk that is close to the place she grew up. This is not a taxing read, rather an entertaining and in parts a very very funny stroll through some beautiful countryside and a passing glimpse into people's lives and how and why they walk.
December 4, 2020
I always enjoy listening to Ramblings with Clare Balding (or Baldings with Clare Rambling, as we often refer to it) on Radio 4, and when I saw she'd written a book about walking I thought it seemed worth getting. Walking Home is in many ways like a written version of Ramblings; it's a gentle, comforting meander through her time on the programme and memories of particularly interesting walks, interspersed with an account of several walks she took with members of her family on the Wayfarer's Way in Hampshire, starting at various different points and walking back to their home in Kingsclere. I did feel that it petered out a bit at the end; the last two chapters were devoted to her experience presenting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics which didn't really seem to have anything to do with the rest of the book, and which I wasn't particularly interested in, but overall it was a pleasant and undemanding read which was perfect for a busy time at work during a difficult year.
November 24, 2014
This was an interesting and easy read. I enjoyed learning more about potential walks I could undertake and was interested in some of the people she had met on her radio programme ramblings. However this was not as interesting as her first book and had a hurried, disjointed feeling about it which was a shame.
August 11, 2025
This is Clare Balding's second memoir. It is very loosely structured around accounts of walks that Clare has done for her long-running radio series 'Ramblings', alternating with an account of walking the Wayfarer's Walk from Hampshire to Berkshire, where it passes close to her parents' home, where she grew up. As implied by the title, however, it rambles from one topic to another, but does so in a fairly engaging, pleasant interesting way - a bit like going for a walk with Clare, I imagine - and in doing so covers a lot of ground.
Much of this is interesting, particularly as it gives insights to Clare's very varied broadcasting career, and her family and personal life. It is not so tightly written as her first book, but nevertheless, if you admire Clare and like her broadcasting persona (which seems to be pretty much exactly as she is in everyday life), then you will probably enjoy this book.
Much of this is interesting, particularly as it gives insights to Clare's very varied broadcasting career, and her family and personal life. It is not so tightly written as her first book, but nevertheless, if you admire Clare and like her broadcasting persona (which seems to be pretty much exactly as she is in everyday life), then you will probably enjoy this book.
September 3, 2017
Another wonderful book from Clare Balding, she brings her books to life with great humour and sadness, real stories of real people (and animals) highly
Recommended
Recommended
January 26, 2018
Yet again clare balding has written an easy , enjoyable read !
September 27, 2021
Clare walks a section of the Wayfarers walk whilst talking about people she met on her podcast; Rambling, some anecdotes about her upbringing, her partner Alice and about commentating on the Olympics. This was varied and interesting. I listened to this on audio, which Clare narrated.
May 9, 2015
This is the second of Clare Balding's memoirs I've read and I would say that I enjoyed this one more than the first. There was less emphasis on her beloved horse racing and more on walking and her family and her own life and other sports, which I found far more interesting. That's not to say that I didn't like the first one, though - that was enjoyable too, but I'm just not that into horses and horse racing.
Clare, as always, comes across as a thoroughly decent, likeable person who seems always pleasant, friendly, easy-going, and very funny. Her natural enthusiasm for everything shines through in every sentence of this delightful book.
It was an absolute pleasure to listen to her reading her own book, but if I had to have one criticism of the audiobook (which I wouldn't have had with the book, and it is really only a very small criticism) was her attempt at recreating the accents of some of the people she had interviewed. She has absolutely no talent for accents (sorry Clare!) - they were utterly dreadful.
But really I loved this book. Hurry up and write another one, Clare!
Clare, as always, comes across as a thoroughly decent, likeable person who seems always pleasant, friendly, easy-going, and very funny. Her natural enthusiasm for everything shines through in every sentence of this delightful book.
It was an absolute pleasure to listen to her reading her own book, but if I had to have one criticism of the audiobook (which I wouldn't have had with the book, and it is really only a very small criticism) was her attempt at recreating the accents of some of the people she had interviewed. She has absolutely no talent for accents (sorry Clare!) - they were utterly dreadful.
But really I loved this book. Hurry up and write another one, Clare!
June 22, 2015
I am afraid Clare Balding is a person my hubby loves to hate. I though enjoyed this second offering from the TV presenter. I enjoy walking too and she describes the locations of her walks so well - so well in fact that I would love to visit some of the same places.
September 6, 2019
This is the second of Clare’s memoirs I have listened to and I have enjoyed both a lot. I love listening to Clare talk about her life.
This one centres on the walking side of her life, in particular her job as a presenter for a walking program on BBC radio, but also walking a particular long distance walk with her family near their home. She intersperses that with stories of her life, as a sports presenter for the BBC, as a dog lover, and of course of her life in horse racing.
If you go into this expecting a book that would be solely about walking you may be disappointed, but I love how this book seems to be a stream of consciousness. She will start a story about a walk and then one thought will go off on a tangent and she ends up talking her dog, or the London Olympics. I kind of love that about this book. It is like listening to a good friend and I found it very comforting to listen to. Her accents when she talks about other people are quite amusing, and even if they don’t sound quite right, I think that only gives it more charm. I
If you are not familiar with Clare, I doubt this would be of much interest to you, but I have always loved her and her books are very much exactly as she comes across when you see her on the television, warm, knowledgeable and kind. If you are familiar with her and like her, I would wholeheartedly recommend these books on audio.
This one centres on the walking side of her life, in particular her job as a presenter for a walking program on BBC radio, but also walking a particular long distance walk with her family near their home. She intersperses that with stories of her life, as a sports presenter for the BBC, as a dog lover, and of course of her life in horse racing.
If you go into this expecting a book that would be solely about walking you may be disappointed, but I love how this book seems to be a stream of consciousness. She will start a story about a walk and then one thought will go off on a tangent and she ends up talking her dog, or the London Olympics. I kind of love that about this book. It is like listening to a good friend and I found it very comforting to listen to. Her accents when she talks about other people are quite amusing, and even if they don’t sound quite right, I think that only gives it more charm. I
If you are not familiar with Clare, I doubt this would be of much interest to you, but I have always loved her and her books are very much exactly as she comes across when you see her on the television, warm, knowledgeable and kind. If you are familiar with her and like her, I would wholeheartedly recommend these books on audio.
September 26, 2025
Clare Balding’s Walking Home is a spirited, footsore love letter to Britain and Ireland’s landscapes—and the people who inhabit them. Having conquered over 1,500 miles of footpaths, from the rugged Pennine Way to the windswept South-west Coast Path, Clare brings us along for the journey. Her encounters with eccentric botanists, barefoot ramblers, and whisky-loving widowers are as entertaining as they are heartwarming.
The audio-book version, narrated by Clare herself, adds an extra layer of charm. Her voice is engaging, her storytelling effortless, and her wit razor-sharp. What makes this memoir truly special is its interwoven narrative: tales from her Rambling radio programme, family adventures (often hilariously chaotic), and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her broadcasting career—from presenting at the 2012 Olympics to co-hosting horse racing with Willie Carson.
Listening while walking felt like the perfect pairing, and it’s inspired me to plan some of the long-distance hikes she so vividly describes. This isn’t just a travelogue—it’s a celebration of connection, curiosity, and the joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
The audio-book version, narrated by Clare herself, adds an extra layer of charm. Her voice is engaging, her storytelling effortless, and her wit razor-sharp. What makes this memoir truly special is its interwoven narrative: tales from her Rambling radio programme, family adventures (often hilariously chaotic), and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her broadcasting career—from presenting at the 2012 Olympics to co-hosting horse racing with Willie Carson.
Listening while walking felt like the perfect pairing, and it’s inspired me to plan some of the long-distance hikes she so vividly describes. This isn’t just a travelogue—it’s a celebration of connection, curiosity, and the joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
May 1, 2019
What a wonderful, honest and downright amusing read. I loved it!
This book is a real mix of walking stories, family and business. The walking element certainly inspired my own ideas for my walking club (such as walking backwards and doing a foraging Walk). I was also inspired to check out the Wayfarers Way and a few other National Trails that I’ve not yet walked.
If you like sport of any kind then you will enjoy listening to Clare’s stories about the Olympics and even if you don’t enjoy sport that much then you are guaranteed a giggle or two with her wicked sense of humour.
A great read! (Apart from the dog bit.. that lumsden me cry!)
This book is a real mix of walking stories, family and business. The walking element certainly inspired my own ideas for my walking club (such as walking backwards and doing a foraging Walk). I was also inspired to check out the Wayfarers Way and a few other National Trails that I’ve not yet walked.
If you like sport of any kind then you will enjoy listening to Clare’s stories about the Olympics and even if you don’t enjoy sport that much then you are guaranteed a giggle or two with her wicked sense of humour.
A great read! (Apart from the dog bit.. that lumsden me cry!)
April 13, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, and having Clare Balding narrating herself was great. It's a warm, engaging and charming memoir which intersperses anecdotes from her broadcasting career and personal life with the story of the slightly chaotic attempt at a family walk along the Wayfarer's Walk near the family home.
The stories about the Ramblings radio programme are lovely, as are the anecdotes from her coverage of the Olympics, with lots of behind-the-scenes commentary. It made me grin to hear about Chad's Dad! I remember watching that during the 2012 Olympics, and it was fun to be reminded of that, and hear Clare's perspective.
Unusually for me, I think I might actually listen to this again. I was in a bit of a hurry to finish it before my library loan expired, so I didn't skip back to re-listen to any bits that I was distracted from. I enjoyed this enough that I'd be happy hear it all again without getting bored.
The stories about the Ramblings radio programme are lovely, as are the anecdotes from her coverage of the Olympics, with lots of behind-the-scenes commentary. It made me grin to hear about Chad's Dad! I remember watching that during the 2012 Olympics, and it was fun to be reminded of that, and hear Clare's perspective.
Unusually for me, I think I might actually listen to this again. I was in a bit of a hurry to finish it before my library loan expired, so I didn't skip back to re-listen to any bits that I was distracted from. I enjoyed this enough that I'd be happy hear it all again without getting bored.
August 29, 2023
I love walking and I love Clare Balding so the combination of the two made for a great read. The book has really inspired me to push out of my comfort zone. Clare brings so much enthusiasm and motivation to each page and I will try and take this into my daily life. The stories are celebrations of companionship and the joy and grief that it brings whether the relationship be with people, animals or the landscape.
August 27, 2024
Clare Balding must surely almost be at the level of a National Treasure! A brilliant broadcaster on tv and radio, I enjoy watching her present anything from Crufts to covering the Olympic Games. I've been a long time listener to her programme "Ramblings". This was a great read and Clare would definitely be on my list for a dream celebrity dinner party. However I'm rating the book as a 4, it did ramble just a little too much.
August 12, 2019
Enjoyed Claire’s first book immensely! This one however I found very dull and only got a few chapters in before I gave up. I always finish a book even if I’m
not particularly enjoying it, but couldn’t bear to waste my time on this one unfortunately. It wouldn’t put me off reading Claire’s other books but this one just wasn’t for me.
not particularly enjoying it, but couldn’t bear to waste my time on this one unfortunately. It wouldn’t put me off reading Claire’s other books but this one just wasn’t for me.
January 14, 2020
I’m giving this 5 stars because I found this a really easy book to listen to and I think helps a lot with mindfulness. She speaks about some of her walks from her radio show “ramblings” and the people she met but I particularly enjoyed the chapters about her coverage of the Olympic Games in London. I really enjoyed this and it makes me want to walk more!
March 28, 2021
This was a beautiful escape to a rich world. The joy of walking comes through, as well as the benefots Claire Balding has gained.
Despite this, I found the writing and structuring quite rambling and had to backtrack a few times thinking 'how did we get to talking about this'. However, this might a plus for some.
Despite this, I found the writing and structuring quite rambling and had to backtrack a few times thinking 'how did we get to talking about this'. However, this might a plus for some.
May 12, 2021
“Walking Home” is a warm, cosy read narrated by Clare Balding as she walks around the British Isles. I really enjoyed it and felt that I was walking with a friend. I’d definitely recommend you give it a go if any of this sounds appealing to you! 5 stars.
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
February 3, 2023
A very easy read. We all know Clare is funny, engaging and enthusiatic, and this book reflects that. Some great stories of the people she has met along the way. Always happy to make fun of herself and others but not in a nasty way, this book is funny and endearing. I would definitely recommend it.
March 1, 2023
In July last year, I started on PARKINSON DISEASE TREATMENT PROTOCOL from Health Natural Centre (ww w. healthnaturalcentre. org). One month into the treatment, I made a significant recovery. After I completed the recommended treatment, almost all my symptoms were gone, great improvement with my movement and balance. Its been a year, life has been amazing
February 7, 2017
Read her first book which was brilliant. This is not as good, walks, walks and more walks so found it lacked the charm of her first book. Read half and gave up . Disappointing for me, as it was so bland and lacked depth.
November 10, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable book, feels like going for gentle strolls with a familiar companion!
There is enough local and historical interest to give a sense of place but its no dry travelogue and we meet plenty of interesting and warm characters along the way.
There is enough local and historical interest to give a sense of place but its no dry travelogue and we meet plenty of interesting and warm characters along the way.
April 23, 2019
I got this from a charity shop and I didn'r realise it was the second of Clare Balding's book.
Enjoyable tales of rambling and walking around the British Isles. I was very amused with her descriptions of her closes relatives and their little quirks.
Enjoyable tales of rambling and walking around the British Isles. I was very amused with her descriptions of her closes relatives and their little quirks.
January 14, 2020
A brilliantly written, funny and charming book which made me want to go out walking and exploring. Clare's humour and humility is great to read and her attitude to life is inspiring. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 15, 2022
I enjoyed the parts of this book that were about walking, which was less than I would've liked. I've never heard of Clare Balding but I strongly suspect that this would never have been published if it had been written by anyone without media connections.
April 25, 2025
Always been a fan of Claire Balding on TV and now her writing too. This was a warm and gentle read with lots of interesting facts about places and events as well as reasons why people walk and its positive impact. She says some great things about Cornwall too.
September 6, 2017
Excellent, funny and enjoyable. A great well written mix of her life, family, work and walking in the British countryside.
September 27, 2017
I read this after enjoying My Animals and Other Family so much. It was okay but nowhere near as interesting as Claire's first book. Still readable though and I do like Claire's style of writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews