Mini-challenge winners revealed!

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We had so much to pack into the June edition of Country Walking we didn’t have room to give the winners of #minichallenges 16-20 the space they deserved – so here they are in all their glory!

Seen your winning entry here? Email Sara with a pic of your June issue of Country Walking to claim your Golden Badge! New challenges every issue!

#minichallenge16: Photograph four woodland flowers

Louise Prime presented four woodland flowers found in Holly Hayes Wood in Whitwick. Pink, white and purple bluebells, dog violets, lesser celandine and wood anemone.

Louise Prime presented four woodland flowers found in Holly Hayes Wood in Whitwick. Pink, white and purple bluebells, dog violets, lesser celandine and wood anemone.

Janine Saunders helpfully labelled her finds.

Janine Saunders helpfully labelled her finds.

Mary Johnson enjoyed a sea of Bluebells, Cowslips, Primulas and the start of the wild Green-Winged Orchids

Cynthia Parton found white bells, wild garlic, Spanish bluebells, pentaglottis.

Cynthia Parton found white bells, wild garlic, Spanish bluebells, pentaglottis.


#minichallenge17: Wear shorts in the rain

Karl Brown: "Wear shorts in the rain", you say? ‘I did not expect the April showers to turn wintery’

Karl Brown: "Wear shorts in the rain", you say? ‘I did not expect the April showers to turn wintery’

Glenna Waterhouse says ‘My hubby wears shorts despite the weather… notice all the people in the background with brollies up!’

Glenna Waterhouse says ‘My hubby wears shorts despite the weather… notice all the people in the background with brollies up!’

Izabela Sześciło: ‘What does a person desperate to win a golden badge do as soon as it starts raining? Obviously, she goes out for a walk... in shorts... and she sings about it…’

Izabela Sześciło: ‘What does a person desperate to win a golden badge do as soon as it starts raining? Obviously, she goes out for a walk... in shorts... and she sings about it…’

Gillian Snelgar had the perfect opportunity to pull up the capris above the knees and feel the rain! 

Gillian Snelgar had the perfect opportunity to pull up the capris above the knees and feel the rain! 


#minichallenge18: Make bramble leaf tea

Melanie Burton-Moss thought this would be revolting, but found it was lovely, delicate and mild - no honey needed.

Melanie Burton-Moss thought this would be revolting, but found it was lovely, delicate and mild - no honey needed.

Hazel Kerrison: ‘I am a forager, it's one of my major hobbies. So I couldn't exactly not do #minichallenge18 could I?’

Hazel Kerrison: ‘I am a forager, it's one of my major hobbies. So I couldn't exactly not do #minichallenge18 could I?’

Clare Pickford set off with a flask of boiling water and collected a leaf bounty mid walk.

Clare Pickford set off with a flask of boiling water and collected a leaf bounty mid walk.

Brew’s up for Simon Morgan!

Brew’s up for Simon Morgan!


#minichallenge19: Share your perfect grid-square on the map

Jane Hodgson’s favourite local haven of peace and tranquillity is just off The Thames Path heading out from Pangbourne to Goring on Thames. ‘Once you climb the rather steep hill you will not be disappointed. After getting your breath back from the c…

Jane Hodgson’s favourite local haven of peace and tranquillity is just off The Thames Path heading out from Pangbourne to Goring on Thames. ‘Once you climb the rather steep hill you will not be disappointed. After getting your breath back from the climb it is certainly worth stopping a few minutes to breathe, refuel and embrace the fine view of The Thames Path, and beyond to the North Wessex Downs’

Alan Newbold said ‘My favourite square kilometre is in the Lake District and incorporates Loughrigg Tarn. With awesome views of the Langdale Valley dominated majestically by the distinctive profile of the Langdale Pikes and its peaceful tranquility,…

Alan Newbold said ‘My favourite square kilometre is in the Lake District and incorporates Loughrigg Tarn. With awesome views of the Langdale Valley dominated majestically by the distinctive profile of the Langdale Pikes and its peaceful tranquility, disturbed only by the occasional bleating sheep or RAF jet fighter, provides the perfect setting to be at one with nature.’

Lyn Gale: ‘The island of Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly, has the Atlantic Ocean beating its western shores and the calmer waters of Tresco Channel to the east. There are no major hills, and a walk cannot be long (the whole island is 2km long by 1km wide), but the rugged landscape, stunning views, a population of approximately 90, and seas that can have massive huge waves crashing against the shore one day or as calm as the Mediterranean in mid summer the next make it a unique and special place to walk. It’s not the easiest place to get to but it is so worth the trip.’

Lyn Gale: ‘The island of Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly, has the Atlantic Ocean beating its western shores and the calmer waters of Tresco Channel to the east. There are no major hills, and a walk cannot be long (the whole island is 2km long by 1km wide), but the rugged landscape, stunning views, a population of approximately 90, and seas that can have massive huge waves crashing against the shore one day or as calm as the Mediterranean in mid summer the next make it a unique and special place to walk. It’s not the easiest place to get to but it is so worth the trip.’

Dave Huss shares a square of Dartmoor. ‘With outstanding scenery, historic interest, rocks at Haytor and the granite tramway leading out onto more remote areas. Many memories of letterboxing with family and friends and our dogs.’

Dave Huss shares a square of Dartmoor. ‘With outstanding scenery, historic interest, rocks at Haytor and the granite tramway leading out onto more remote areas. Many memories of letterboxing with family and friends and our dogs.’


#minichallenge20: Spot a shape in the clouds

Caroline Bedford: ‘Watching the 'face' appear through the clouds was amazing! Never seen anything like it.’

Caroline Bedford: ‘Watching the 'face' appear through the clouds was amazing! Never seen anything like it.’

Hilary Holmes’ beautiful bird.

Hilary Holmes’ beautiful bird.

Elaine Cosgrove spied a man climbing a mountain.

Elaine Cosgrove spied a man climbing a mountain.

And finally, Gwen Denison’s turtle!

And finally, Gwen Denison’s turtle!