Sporting & Country Pursuits

Walking the Quantock Hills: 'The last sprigs of heather speak of Coleridge's never bloomless furze'

Colour never dies in the Quantock Hills, a landscape that inspired great poetry — and which catches Fiona Reynolds just the same.

Les Bordes: The family-friendly millionaire's playground carved out of an elite French golf club

Les Bordes Golf Club earned a big reputation in the 1980s for its outstanding (and outstandingly tough)  golf course. Today, it's being transformed into something different: a family-friendly home-from-home in the Loire Valley, with family fun at every turn, and a new course that's even better — and much more forgiving — than the original. Toby Keel paid a visit.

Wimbledon's 'critical' expansion plans spark controversy in SW19: 'The locals feel that Wimbledon used to hold a special place in their hearts. Now, it’s just a big, money-driven machine'

The All England Lawn Tennis Club's ambitious plans to expand into Wimbledon Park have caused consternation among local residents. Annunciata Elwes reports.

Best wellington boots: The finest wellies you can buy

There's nothing quite so vital to life in the countryside as a decent pair of wellies. Country Life's luxury editor Hetty Chidwick makes her pick of the best you can buy.

Ted Dexter: The Italian-born icon who brought dash and glamour to English cricket

Ted Dexter, the former England cricket captain and chairman of selectors, is still bursting with wit, wisdom and insight about the game he loves. He spoke to Jack Watkins.

The Glorious 12th: 12 facts about the first day of the grouse shooting season

The start of the shooting season - the Glorious 12th August - is nearly here. Charlotte Peters of Shooting UK explains everything you need to know.

Best walks in London, from Kew Gardens and Eltham Palace to Lesnes Abbey and the 'Cathedral of Sewage’

Our capital city is more inviting for walkers than you might expect, with meadows, towpaths, unexpected sculpture and great houses to draw the eye. Octavia Pollock sets off to explore London on foot.

Chalkstream fishing on the River Test and River Dever: 'You have to be as surreptitious and precise as a sniper'

Our fishing correspondent David Profumo ventures to England for a series of forays on venerable chalkstreams, where he bags a few brown trout and a lot of nostalgia.

Riding in the Magnolia Cup: 6am starts, a total ban on chocolate, and the chance to go on board 'the ultimate equine athlete'

Country Life's Octavia Pollock rode in the Magnolia Cup at Glorious Goodwood, the charity race for female amateur jockeys which is one of the highlights of the meeting. She tells the tale of what it's been like to take on this gruelling but hugely-rewarding physical and mental challenge.

Dressage: How 'horse dancing' evolved from ancient, deadly beginnings to modern Olympic glory

There can be no short cuts to success in dressage. The Ancient Greeks’ sympathetic methods of training horses, which were all about survival in battle, should still hold good in today’s widespread embrace of the Olympic sport, as Pippa Cuckson explains.

Curious questions: Did the modern Olympics really start in Much Wenlock?

Martin Fone traces the history of the Olympics and examines the contribution of Shropshire doctor William Penny Brookes.

The best walking shoes, hiking shoes and trail running shoes for men

Common caterpillars: A simple guide

Are you able to tell your woolly bears from your elephant trunks?

Joe Gibbs: 'Six oxen were roasted and liquor was on hand in abundance'

With the end of lockdown causing most occasional walkers to disappear, Joe Gibbs achieves the ambition of walking the highest part of the old military road through the Corrieyairack Pass between Melgarve and Fort Augustus.

Curious Questions: What was the first ever televised sporting event?

Over 20 million people have been tuning in to watch England's stirring exploits at Euro 2020, and the huge numbers look only set to get bigger as the summer goes on. It's a far cry from the first ever televised sporting event, almost a century earlier, as Martin Fone explains.

Inspired by Wimbledon? Expert tennis tips to help brush up a rusty game

With Wimbledon in full swing, it's the time of year when often-deserted tennis courts are suddenly teeming with players.

Crofting in the 21st century: The passionate, hardy farmers still working the ancient lands of the Highlands

Remote working has a whole other meaning for those passionate individuals still farming crofts in the Highlands. Joe Gibbs takes a look and discovers crofting to be alive and well — though still as tough a life as it ever was.

Golden retrievers: The gorgeous dogs that bring friendship, loyalty and love

Some call the golden retriever the ‘dumb blonde’ of the dog world, but those who know them know differently. Here's what you need to know about this wonderful breed.

Best walking boots for women, from walks in the woods to hiking the Himalayas

Whether you are planning a long country walk or a gentle stroll on a well-beaten path, make the most of the good season with our round-up of the best footwear.