Countrywise - Season 4

9 episodes

Episodes

1. Isle of Man

New season. Paul Heiney investigates the myths, legends and folklore of the Isle of Man, takes a railway trip to the summit of Snaefell, the island's only mountain, and tries to find out why the Manx breed of cat has no tail. Meanwhile, historian Bettany Hughes explores the area's proud Viking legacy

2. Scotland

Paul Heiney heads to central Scotland, going on safari at the point where the Highlands meet the Lowlands and taking a raft down the rapids of the River Tay. Meanwhile, Rachel de Thame discovers a Perthshire garden that is home to plants from the Himalayas

3. Northern Ireland

The team tours the coast of Northern Ireland, where Paul Heiney goes on a voyage in a Viking fishing boat, and Charlotte Uhlenbroek visits Co Antrim to explore spectacular geological feature the Giant's Causeway

4. Derbyshire

A tour of Derbyshire, taking in the Peak District, the Dales and some of the lesser-known corners of the county. Historian Bettany Hughes explores the area's industrial past, while Paul Heiney visits a farm that is farther from the sea than anywhere else in Britain

5. West Wales

The team visits St David's Head, the westernmost point in Wales. Paul Heiney walks the famous Pembrokeshire coastal path, calling in at a farm that gives children a taste of the country, and Charlotte Uhlenbroek takes a boat to Ramsey Island, home to seals and rare birds

6. London 2012

The team celebrates London 2012, looking at how the British landscape has helped shape this summer's event. Paul Heiney discovers a touch of the countryside in the heart of the city's Olympic Park, while Bettany Hughes visits the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock, which played a key role in the birth of the Games

7. Mid Wales

The team explores the tranquil valleys and towering dams of mid Wales. Paul Heiney heads 300ft down into Devil's Bridge gorge and hears how the waterfall was bought at auction, while Rachel de Thame discovers a Dutch garden 30 years in the making.

8. Kent Coast

On a visit to the Kent coast, Paul Heiney explores the desert-like shingle beach at Dungeness and Bettany Hughes investigates the mystery of a church full of skulls in the market town of Hythe. The programme also takes a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway, one of the smallest in the world.

9. South-West England

The team explores the attractions of the most south-westerly corner of Britain. Paul Heiney heads into the treacherous waters around Bishop Rock lighthouse off the Isles of Scilly, while Rachel de Thame observes the natural beauty and plant life close to Land's End in Cornwall.