Browse all episodes of Weatherman Walking

Derek Brockway  takes two autumn rambles: a wild and windy walk through Wales's only world geopark; the second, deep in the woods in the footsteps of a Welsh warrior and wizard.

Autumn

Derek Brockway explores a winter wonderland in Snowdonia and braves a blizzard over the Blorenge mountain for a ramble through the Blaenavon World Heritage Park.

Winter

Derek Brockway goes in search of bluebells and beaches for the spring edition of his seasonal walking show. While exploring the best trails in Wales, he visits the romantic ruins along the Wye and a piece of paradise courtesy of the Pembrokeshire coastal path.

Spring

In his final show of seasonal Welsh walks, Derek Brockway rambles by Britain's best beach, an army tank firing range and a legendary Welsh chapel. His second summer walk takes him on a tour of the Elan Valley, past drowned villages, special nature reserves and the site of the famous Dam Buster team's secret training ground.

Summer

Derek Brockway dons his walking boots for a series of great Welsh walks, starting with a ramble over Rhossili Bay in Gower and a wander through some wet waterfall country in Pontneddfechan.

Worm's Head and Waterfalls

Derek Brockway takes on two more great Welsh walks, the first a spectacular coastal hike through Anglesey, visiting the most romantic place in Wales, and the second a history trail taking in a ruined castle, a wonder of the industrial revolution, a gorgeous abbey and a high-rise view above Llangollen.

Sand and Castles

Derek Brockway takes on more great Welsh walks, with a dizzying ascent of Snowden's Watking Path, passing through the lost village of Dylife on the way, and a taste of the Glyndwr Way.

Mist and Mountains

Derek Brockway heads to the Brecon Beacons for a walk through time, starting at the shore of Llangorse Lake before heading towards the Merthyr Mawr.

Crannogs and Cottages

Derek Brockway walks two of the most popular and spectacular routes in Wales. The first cherry-picks some of the best views in and around Barmouth while the second takes us over the famous ridge of Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in southern Britain and a training ground for the SAS.

Peaks and Ports

Derek Brockway walks to Tregaron in the footsteps of Welsh highwayman Twm Sion Cati, then heads to the hill forts of Mold to climb the mother of all mountains.

Heroes and Hill Forts

Derek Brockway goes dolphin spotting along the Ceredigion coastal path on a walk from Newquay to Llangrannog. He then heads to Trefil to explore the Chartist cave, an ancient burial cairn and a favourite stopping off point for Doctor Who.

Quarries and Coves

Derek Brockway takes a pilgrims' path around the Llyn Peninsula. He then battles against the rain to walk another spiritual trail from Llanthony Abbey to Capel y Ffin in the heart of the Black Mountains.

Pilgrims and Poets

Weatherman Derek Brockway shows that west is not always best where walking is concerned, with two wonderful walks a stone's throw from the English border. In the first walk Derek takes to the hills overlooking Abergavenny where he scales the Skirrid, an accessible hill that feels like a proper mountain. He then heads to Holywell where he takes a dip in St Winifride's Well, and on down the Greenfield Valley to the coastal path along the Dee Estuary, finishing at Flint Castle.

Holy Mountain and the Holy Well

Weatherman Derek Brockway heads off on two contrasting walks at opposite ends of the country.  He sets off from Llanberis in the footsteps of quarry workers, along paths and tracks through an ancient oak woodland and on through the impressive old Dinorwig quarry with spectacular views of Snowdonia's highest peaks and the valley below.  Derek then heads to Llanelli for an 11-mile walk beside the Loughor estuary along a coastal path that's an ideal training route for speedy wheelchair athlete Richie Powell.

Slate Trail and a Southern Shore

Derek heads off on two contrasting walks - one in rural Radnorshire and the other along the clifftop footpaths and beautiful bays of Anglesey's far north coast.

In the middle of Wales, the first walk takes Derek on a nine-mile loop, starting and ending in the market town of Rhayader and taking in the Gilfach Nature Reserve along the way. He then heads along Anglesey's costal path from Wylfa, through the harbour town of Cemaes Bay to Porthwen.

Rivers, Ridges and the Far North Coast

The second in the new series, weatherman Derek Brockway heads off on two walks with a difference. First he goes around Cardiff Bay the Scandinavian way as he tries out a spot of nordic walking, with instruction provided by fellow TV presenter Frances Donovan. Derek then joins a very active group of mums with babies and toddlers, the Corris Buggywalkers, for a walk around a now peaceful and secluded valley still dotted here and there with evidence of its slate mining past.

Bay Walk and Buggies

Derek Brockway is back with a new series of Weatherman Walking. Derek leaves his weather map behind, dons his walking boots and heads for the hills above Aberdyfi to explore the surrounding countryside above the Dyfi estuary followed by a walk on the beach. In the same programme, Derek also discovers Merthyr Tydfil's extraordinary industrial heritage with a walk with two castles, some impressive iron furnaces and beautiful valley views.Derek Brockway takes a hop across the water from Tenby to Caldey Island, which is well-known for its monastery, monks and lavender perfume.

Aberdyfi and Merthyr Tydfil

Weatherman Derek Brockway heads west for another two wonderful walks - one down by the sea and the other up in the hills with an iconic castle as its centrepiece.

Derek first takes a hop across the water from Tenby to Caldey Island. Well-known for its monastery, monks and lavender perfume, it's also a super place for a sunny stroll. Then Derek takes a circular walk around Carreg Cennen Castle, one of the most dramatic, photogenic and romantic castles in Wales.

Caldey and Carreg Cennen

Derek Brockway heads to Llandudno but he's not there to hit the beach, he's off to explore the rugged beauty of Great Orme, a giant headland overlooking the Irish Sea. Along the way he visits St Tudno's church and copper mines that date back four thousand years. His next walk takes him to the remote Berwyn mountains, where he walks from Llangynog to the spectacular Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, one of the seven wonders of Wales.

Great Orme and Llangynog

Derek Brockway returns with more rambles around Wales. He heads to mid-Wales and the spectacular scenery of Devil's Bridge and the Rheidol valley. He's joined by Lisa Jenkins, who trained here for a walk to Everest base camp, and she puts Derek through some punishing hill climbs. For the second walk Derek goes south to Margam Castle near Port Talbot. Showing him round is James Cowan, who has a special interest in the supernatural tales connected to the castle.

Devil's Bridge and Margam Park

This week Derek Brockway takes a walk with a difference, his partners are a pair of llamas! Together they explore the beautiful Berwyn Mountains in north east Wales. Derek also visits Tenby, leaving the tourist hotspots behind to discover more about the town's hidden past.

Llandrillo and Tenby

Wales's favourite weatherman Derek Brockway is out walking at opposite ends of the country. First, he's high in the wilds of Snowdonia with disabled rambler Terry Taylor as they explore an old Roman road leading across the Carneddau Mountains. Later, Derek goes south to Skomer Island off Pembrokeshire. Guided by the warden Bee Buche, Derek gets a close-up view of the puffin population, before staying up late to see the reclusive Manx shearwater.

Carneddau and Skomer

This week, Derek Brockway's walks are full of history and amazing building feats. First he's on the banks of the Menai Strait walking between two brilliant bridges, the Britannia Bridge and the Menai Suspension Bridge. His guides are local WI members, and it was on Anglesey that Britain's first ever WI meeting was held over 100 years ago. Later, Derek treks between two captivating castles, at Caerphilly and Castell Coch, and even gets a chance to dress up as a medieval knight.

Menai Strait and Castell Coch

Weatherman Derek Brockway walks the entire Dee Valley Way from Corwen to Llangollen.

Corwen to Llangollen

Weatherman Derek Brockway visits Snowdonia and follows the Slate Trail from Capel Curig to Betws-y-Coed.

Capel Curig to Betws-y-Coed

Weatherman Derek Brockway is in the South Wales valleys on a walk which takes him from Brynmawr to Abergavenny.

Brynmawr to Abergavenny

Weatherman Derek Brockway explores the Rhondda Valley with a walk starting in Porth and finishing in Taff’s Well.

Porth to Taff's Well

Weatherman Derek Brockway is in Snowdonia walking a picturesque circular route that starts and ends in Beddgelert.

Beddgelert, Fisherman's Walk

Weatherman Derek Brockway is in Monmouthshire, walking from the historic village of Trellech to the market town of Abergavenny.

Trellech to Monmouth

Weatherman Derek Brockway visits Carmarthenshire on a walk which takes him from Cross Hands to Felinfoel, Llanelli.

Cross Hands to Felinfoel

Weatherman Derek Brockway visits Ceredigion for a stunning walk which takes him from Nant yr Arian to Devil’s Bridge

Bwlch Nant yr Arian to Devil’s Bridge

On this stunning walk along the Anglesey coast, Derek discovers that the only way to get to church is at low tide. He finds out all about the mythical stories surrounding the Mabinogi. He surprises the community with this week’s Weatherman Walking Local Hero Award, and on Porth Tyn Tywyn, he relaxes by taking a sauna.

Anglesey Coastal Walk

Derek walks the last few miles of the Taff Trail into Cardiff and takes in the stunning beauty of Castell Coch, where things get a little spooky. He joins in with a practice session kicking a rugby ball, Australian-style. He finishes things off in Bute Park joining an enthusiastic bunch of runners on a 5km run.

Taff Trail: Castell Coch to Bute Park

On this walk Derek gets lost in a maze, quenches his thirst at a picturesque tea room in Llanrwst and cools things down by trying his hand at wild water swimming. He even meets an Arch Druid who gives us the low down on stone circles and the Eisteddfod Festival.

Llanrwst

Derek takes to the picturesque canal path starting at Talybont all the way to Brecon and enjoys a boat trip where he tries, at first hand to navigate a canal pleasure boat before he encounters Harry a wood turner who turns ‘dead’ wood into something useful and attractive. This week he heads to the scouts to surprise a volunteer with the ‘Weatherman Walking Local Hero Award’.

Brecon

This circular walk takes Derek on a journey around the town of Llandrindod Wells where he gets to taste spring water with medicinal qualities and tries his hand at lawn bowls. He ventures out of town to clear a bog to help the local wildlife and returns to present ‘The Weatherman Walking Local Hero Award’ to a well-deserved First Responder.

Llandrindod Wells

Derek takes a creative twist on this walk by joining in with a re-enactment of the Rebecca Riots and takes part in a walk celebrating the work of the famous poet Waldo Williams. He surprises a local resident with the ‘Weatherman Walking Local Hero Award’ and then heads to the top of the Preseli Hills to visit a crash site of a WW2 aircraft before celebrating the opening of a local community pub.

Crymych

Battling the elements Derek heads to the stunning Black Mountains crossing the River Twrch via the picturesque old Twrch aqueduct and and drops in on a local knitting group in Ystradgynlais. He takes a trip down memory lane and visits some relics of the past before ending the walk at the top of the Black Mountains.

Ystradgynlais

Derek marvel’s at one of the UK’s first tourist walks, as he follows William Gilpin’s’ Wye Tour, which encouraged 19th century tourists to visit the area. He takes to the water in a canoe and heads down stream to the old Victorian Station at Tintern where he visits the famous Tintern Abbey and is told of a recent and remarkable discovery. He finishes his walk in Chepstow where he presents The Weatherman Walking Local Hero Award.

Wye Valley: Tintern to Chepstow

Weatherman Derek Brockway launches the series by firing the starting cannon at the Beaumaris Regatta on Anglesey. His 14-mile walk then takes him into the town’s heavily fortified castle and on to the Welsh Coast Path, towards Red Wharf Bay. He crosses the beach with its fascinating selection of rocks and mooring stakes, to join the Beaumaris Rowing Club.  Walking on, Derek visits the hamlet of Penmon with its ancient well, priory and dovecot, and heads on to the photogenic Trwyn Du, or Black Nose lighthouse, with views over Puffin Island. The walk then turns inland for a couple of miles before arriving at a new stretch of coastal path opened in 2018.  Derek chats to a group known as the Silver Slashers, who help to keep the pathways clear.  In Traeth Coch, or Red Wharf Bay, he meets an amateur photographer who specialises in night-time landscapes and natural phenomena like bioluminescence.

Beaumaris to Red Wharf Bay

Weatherman Derek Brockway starts his walk in the pretty seaside town of Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire and ends up on Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, famous for land-speed records. On his way, he discovers the area's mining and military history, meets Amroth’s oldest resident and is serenaded by the Tenby Male Voice Choir.

Saundersfoot to Pendine Sands

Weatherman Derek Brockway explores the Llyn Peninsula, walking from the pretty resort town of Abersoch to bustling Pwllheli. On the way, he discovers hoofprints made in a prehistoric forest millions of years ago, but only recently revealed in shifting sands, and stops off at a special retirement village where a little bit of Poland has been recreated in north Wales.

Abersoch to Pwllheli

Weatherman Derek Brockway is on Gower, ignoring the most popular walks to discover some hidden gems. His route takes him from Fall Bay to Oxwich. On the way he tries abseiling, ‘weasleing’, tolling a church bell, foraging for seaweed and hears stories of smugglers.

Fall Bay to Oxwich

Derek Brockway’s walk in Cardigan Bay has something for everyone. For the first half, he explores one of Britain’s oldest and largest raised bogs. His route then takes him to a unique railway museum filled with nostalgia, and he also discovers the legend of Cantre’s Gwaelod at Sarn Cynfelyna, which stretches an incredible 11 kms out to sea. He finishes at the university town of Aberystwyth with its Victorian cliff-top pleasure park. Derek also has a go at paddling-boarding - which has its challenges.

Ynyslas to Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay

Derek Brockway’s in Flintshire, at the most northerly point of mainland Wales. He starts off at the site of the Point of Ayr Colliery, where he meets John Wiltshire, passionate about keeping the memory of the mine alive. Derek also lends a hand, helping endangered species in the sand dunes, and little terns who nest on the beach just over the Denbighshire border. In ‘Sunny Rhyl’ he learns to kitesurf and do the surfers’ shaka.

Talacre to Rhyl

Derek Brockway is in Pembrokeshire with its majestic cliffs, feeling what it is like to be exposed to the elements.  He is thrilled to peek at seal pups along the way, learns how to train a sheepdog, builds a stone wall and helps to create a unique sand circle.

Abereiddy to Whitesands

The final episode in the series and Derek Brockway is in the Vale of Glamorgan on a walk of contrasts. On his journey he takes part in a lifeboat challenge, walks a guide dog puppy, sledges down a spectacular sand dune, rides a horse on Ogmore beach and fishes off the rocks. He’s also joined by a group of women walkers who end the series toasting marshmallows on the beach in the shadow of one of Wales’ most stunning rock formations.

Porthcawl to Southerndown

Weatherman Derek Brockway strips down to basics as he crosses a nudist beach in Gwynedd. Luckily he’s got a beach ball to spare his blushes!  On this walk along one of Wales’s most popular coastlines from Harlech to Barmouth, Derek also rolls a cheese down the world’s steepest hill.  He learns about the ‘Devil in the Shawl’ when he visits an old village chapel; nearly gets caught out on a tidal causeway; and meets a team of women who give up their free time to keep the beaches clean and safe for wildlife.

Harlech to Barmouth

Derek turns Pied Piper as he launches a walk of 800 children marking the anniversary of ‘People Power’ that saved a stretch of the Loughor Estuary for families to enjoy. On this Carmarthenshire coastal walk from Pwll to Kidwelly, the weatherman also discovers a former munitions factory that employed 6,000 people, has a spin in a racing car and learns the story of Wales’s feisty warrior princess Gwenllian.

Pwll to Kidwelly

Weatherman Derek Brockway joins the surf dudes when he visits St Bride’s Bay, Pembrokeshire… but he still needs a bit more practice. On his walk from Little Haven to Solva, he also learns about a UFO sighting that stunned the world, brushes up on his life-saving skills, helps a local artist create a giant mural and is blown away by the stunning scenery.

Little Haven to Solva

Derek Brockway visits north Wales and goes into hiding, only to be tracked down by a pair of search and rescue dogs. This walk also has him heading to the hills on a coastal route hundreds of feet up a mountain, trying his hand at golf and learning how a top secret operation near Conwy played a major part in winning the Second World War. His walk takes him from the village of Abergwyngregyn to the quay at Conwy.

Abergwyngregyn to Conwy

It’s a walk down memory lane for weatherman Derek Brockway as he climbs the Nash Point lighthouse he used to visit as a child. Derek’s coastal walk takes him along Glamorgan's Jurassic coastline. On the way, he goes fossil hunting, searches for an elusive chough and learns the story of a pregnancy-testing frog. He begins his walk at St Donat’s Castle, once owned by newspaper magnate Sir Randolph Hearst, which became a party palace for the rich and famous.

St Donats to Dunraven Bay

Derek, the Weatherman, is in fine voice when he kicks off his walk in Cardigan, home of the first Eisteddfod.  After visiting the castle, lovingly restored by locals, he learns about the dying ‘art’ of Seine net fishing before climbing the famous mount at Mwnt. He also gets to feed an alpaca and take tea with the WI at his final destination, Aberporth – where he meets a fellow meteorologist, 98-year-old Jean.

Cardigan to Aberporth

This walk is one for nature lovers. Derek Brockway’s on Anglesey with its majestic cliffs constantly pounded by roaring waves. Along his walk from Porth Swtan to Cemly Bay, he visits a long house restored by locals and tries his hand at whittling. He also discovers tales of the treacherous waters and helps monitor a colony of terns on a reserve set up by an aviation hero.

Porth Swtan to Cemly Bay

Derek Brockway, the Weatherman, walks along a stunning and often overlooked stretch of coastline dominated by the Second Severn Crossing or Prince of Wales Bridge.  On his journey, he rings an ancient church bell and finds a water scorpion which breathes through its bottom. He also learns about the Rogiet Hoard and discovers how the village of Sudbrook evolved. After wading into the River Severn in the footsteps of ancient fishermen, he finishes in Chepstow at the start – or end – of the Wales Coast Path.

Redwick to Chepstow

Derek Brockway explores some of the less familiar stretches of the Welsh coastline. This episode sees him in the dramatic landscape of the north Gower saltmarshes, where he learns of the magical and mystical fairy folk, helps a sheep farmer round up his flock, and even has a go at weaving. Meanwhile, marine biologist Lizzie Daly is tracking trout and Matt Bassett rides the waves on a new ‘adaptive’ surfboard at Caswell Bay.

Cwm Ivy to Llanrhidian, Gower

Derek gets wet – from rain, an overturned kayak in the sea… and a hot tub with a view! Walking the Pembrokeshire coast from Newport to Fishguard, the weatherman also learns how the last invasion of Britain was foiled by a feisty woman. Archaeologist Dr Erin Lloyd Jones explores the link between Stonehenge and the Preseli mountains, and party planner Onkar Singh Purewal visits a ’Hansel and Gretel’ house, covered in shells.

Newport to Fishguard

Is that James Bond or weatherman Derek Brockway on the jet ski? On this stunning walk from Porth Neigwl to Abersoch on the LLyn peninsula, Derek samples the jet set life and local honey, which he describes as ‘blasus Iawn’ – delicious! He’s not the only one brushing up his Welsh, comedian Kiri Pritchard McLean goes back to school at Nant Gwyrtheyrn while Mo Jannah explores the mystery of an African longboat in a Welsh museum.

Porth Neigwl to Abersoch

Weatherman Derek Brockway visits south Wales and discovers a walk of contrasts that includes a beach, a canal and a bustling marina. On the way he learns about ‘Wales’s Tarantula’ and narrowly avoids crashing a luxury boat. Wildlife expert Lizzie Daly goes on a bat hunt while party planner Onkar Singh Purewal organises a tea-party in a ghost village.

Port Talbot to Swansea Marina

Derek the Weather has rain, wind and even a little bit of sun when he takes the circular route around the Great Orme. He braves the elements – and his nerves – to abseil down a section of the massive rock. Mo Jannah tries his hand at mussel fishing the traditional way, and Dr Erin Lloyd-Jones explores the history of Llandudno Pier, meeting the designer’s great, great grandson.

Deganwy to Llandudno

Barry-boy ‘Derek the Weather’ is on familiar ground when he starts his walk at Porthkerry, next to his home town. On his way to Llantwit Major he drops in for tea at “Font-y-Carlo” caravan park, visits one of Wales’ oldest pubs and tries his hand at stone-stacking on a pebble beach. Comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean takes a nostalgic trip to Barry Lido and Mo Jannah explores the stories of the African sailors who made south Wales their home.

Porthkerry Viaduct to Llantwit Major

Today Weatherman Derek Brockway is in South Pembrokeshire visiting the Dale Peninsula, where he learns about an invasion that changed the course of history; helps carve a seahorse and takes part in a cliff rescue...as the casualty. Wildlife expert Lizzie Daly gets a close look at the birds who visit the area and Onkar Singh Purewal explores how you can walk yourself well.

Dale to West Dale Bay

The final episode in the series, and Derek Brockway, the Weatherman, veers off the Wales Coast Path to walk along a section of the stunning Mawddach Trail near Barmouth. He takes an early morning canoe trip and hears a story of incredible bravery. On this walk he also visits the village of Fairbourne, and takes a ride on its special small-scale train. Archaeologist Dr Erin Lloyd-Jones goes in search of local gold and Matt Bassett goes star-gazing… but is defeated by the Welsh weather.

Fairbourne to Penmaenpool

Derek Brockway kicks off the series in Gwynedd with a stunning ten-mile walk that starts and ends in Penryndeudreath near Porthmadog. His route follows part of the Ffestiniog railway line with a stopping point at Tan-y-Bwlch station. He learns about the industrialist who changed the landscape and takes shelter from the rain in a farmhouse kitchen, before exploring a Celtic rainforest.  Meanwhile, Dr Jeni Millard visits a slate quarry now used to mature cheese, and Onkar Singh Purewal discovers the story of gardener John Ystumllyn, the first recorded black person in north Wales.

Dwyryd River Valley

Wales’s favourite weatherman, Derek Brockway, visits Usk, winner of the Wales in Bloom gold award an amazing 30 times. His walk is a  stunning ten-mile circuit which starts and ends at Usk castle.  Derek sees the landscape from above as he hitches a ride in a glider, learns about an ancient orchard, visits some community allotments and helps local youngsters plant sunflowers. Archaeologist Dr Erin Lloyd Jones finds out what the Romans did for Wales, and Matthew Bassett explores decorative oriental-inspired tinware once made in the town.

Derek and the team travel to the point where the counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion all meet to follow the course of the River Teifi between Cenarth and Cilgerran. On the way, Derek learns to steer a coracle, the area’s ancient form of fishing boat, and takes part in the annual coracle races.  Meanwhile, Matt Bassett visits possibly the prettiest producers’ market on the Teifi estuary, and Dr Jeni Millard discovers the story of Wales’s smallest museum.

Cilgerran

Weatherman Derek Brockway is in Dinas Powys, just outside Cardiff, to walk the five-mile Salmon Leaps circular trail. The route takes him through ancient woodland and across the historical Cwrt yr Ala estate before he returns to Dinas Powys where the village show is in full swing.  Wildlife expert Lizzie Daly goes in search of night creatures, and Onkar Singh Purewal joins some dawn dippers in the sea at Penarth.

Dinas Powys

'Derek the Weatherman’ hopes it will be warm when he takes part in the World Bog Snorkelling championships in mid Wales. It’s at the end of his walk that follows part of the trail along the Heart of Wales Railway, starting in Llandovery.  On his way, he takes part in a tug-of-war with young farmers and has afternoon tea under an impressive railway viaduct. Matthew Bassett joins cyclists in Llandovery, and wildlife expert Lizzie Daly goes in search of pied flycatchers in rare Atlantic oak woodland.

Llandovery

Weatherman Derek Brockway visits Rhondda Cynon Taf  for a seven mile circular trail that starts and ends in Hirwaun. On his route, he learns about the area’s industrial past, visits a whisky distillery and takes a ride on the world’s fastest seated zipline. Wildlife expert Lizzie Daly investigates how otters are under threat and Onkar Singh Purewal goes on a trek with alpacas across the Brecon Beacons.

Hirwaun

Weatherman Derek Brockway walks the stunning Clywedog Valley Trail near Wrexham in north Wales. He learns the story of John Wilkinson, known as Iron Mad Jack, who revolutionised the iron industry. Wildlife expert Lizzie Daly discovers red squirrels are on a comeback in the area, and Onkar Singh Purewal is blown away by the rare varieties of apples being grown on the National Trust’s Erdigg estate.

Clywedog Valley Trail

Derek and the team travel to the Elan Valley in Powys for a stunning seven-mile circular walk, punctuated by dams. He learns how the valley was flooded to supply water to Birmingham. On his way round, he has a go at mountain biking and discovers the part the area played in the daring Dambusters attack in World War Two.  Archaeologist Dr Erin Lloyd Jones visit the ruins of the ancient abbey at Strata Florida, and performer Jonny Cotsen meets military veterans who are being inspired and helped through art.

Elan Valley

On a mission to dig out some of his greatest adventures from the past, Derek revisits three memorable walks from mid-Wales.  On his first wander, he is joined by opera singer Beverley Humphreys as they walk in the footsteps of one of history’s most impressive sopranos at the Craig-y-Nos estate.  He learns of the epic barefoot 26-mile journey of a devoted teenage girl in Abergynolwyn.  Finally, Derek takes the plunge at the World Bog Snorkelling Championship in Llanwrtyd Wells.

The Best Of 1. Mid-Wales Marvels

Derek takes a trip down memory lane as he remembers three of his best Welsh coastal walks.  He kicks off with a walk along one of Wales’s most popular coastlines from Harlech to Barmouth, where he dons his birthday suit on a nudist beach, gets drenched on a DIY raft, learns about the ‘Devil in the shawl’ in Salem, and visits an island campsite cut off by the tide in a jaw-dropping location.  For his second hike, Derek is in the Vale of Glamorgan, where he takes part in a lifeboat challenge, sledges down one of the highest sand dunes in Europe, and gets in the saddle for a horse ride across the beach in Ogmore.  For Derek’s final flashback, he ends up on Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, famous for land-speed records. There, he is serenaded by the Tenby Male Voice Choir.

The Best Of 2. Coastal Delights

Derek Brockway scours the archives for another three walks from around Wales.  In Powys, he is cycling around the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy with fellow weather presenter Sian Lloyd. They learn about the village that was flooded to make way for the reservoir which still supplies Liverpool with water, and marvel at the famous dam, a Victorian engineering feat.  For his second walk, Derek is in Eryri National Park to walk a section of the Slate Trail, created to promote the former slate-mining communities in the area. The route takes him from Capel Curig, where he has a go at rock climbing, via the stunning Swallow Falls, to picturesque Betws-y-Coed, where he is given a lesson in charcoal drawing.  For his final walk, Derek takes a hike with a difference - his partners are a pair of llamas! Together they explore the beautiful Berwyn Mountains in north east Wales.

The Best Of 3. North Walian Wanders

Derek the weatherman reflects on some of his favourite walks from south Wales. In the Vale of Glamorgan, Derek is joined by Olympian Colin Jackson, and together they explore a five-mile coastal route that has it all - dinosaur footprints, World War II gun battery remains, the site of a major communication breakthrough and an iconic Victorian pier.  In his second hand-picked wander, Derek walks from Port Talbot to Swansea and discovers a walk full of contrasts. Amongst the heavy industrial landscape lie some surprising pockets of nature and a bustling marina. Derek also tries his hand at the helm of a luxury boat and narrowly avoids crashing into the harbour wall.  Finally, Derek revisits Usk, where he comes across something unexpected - an airfield. Home of the South Wales Gliding Club, which has been in operation for 60 years, Derek joins them for a weather briefing before taking to the skies himself, where he witnesses amazing views of Usk and the Bristol Channel.

The Best Of 4. Surprises of the South

Derek is on a mission to find his best west Walian walks - he has 17 years' worth to choose from!  For his first flashback, Derek is in Cardigan Bay, where he discovers the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod at Sarn Cynfelyna. Derek also has a go at stand-up paddling-boarding, before finishing at the university town of Aberystwyth.  On his second walk, Derek travels to Ceredigion, walking from Bwlch yr Arian, where he feeds red kites, to Devil’s Bridge, famed for its three stacked bridges. On the way, he discovers the silver and lead mining history of the area.  Finally, Derek follows the course of the River Teifi between Cenarth and Cilgerran, where he learns to steer a coracle, the area’s ancient form of fishing boat, and takes part in the annual coracle races.

The Best Of 5. The Mid-West

Derek gets some Northern nostalgia as he remembers three of his best walks in North Wales.  Cadair Idris is a mountain steeped in legend and mythology - it's also one of Wales's most spectacular summits - Derek climbs to three peaks in this range and even braves an icy cold dip in its glacial lake where the temperature, quite literally, takes his breath away!  The second walk Derek recalls is from the Italianate village of Portmeirion where he also discovers 'Y Gwyllt' - ‘the wild’ headland beyond.  Finally, Derek walks the Dee Valley Way, a stunning 13-mile route which takes him from the pretty town of Corwen to its larger and more bustling neighbour, Llangollen. On the walk he learns of a warrior Prince and leads a horse-drawn barge along the Llangollen Canal.

The Best Of 6. Northern Nostalgia

Derek is island hopping in this roundup of his favourite Welsh island walks.  He goes wild in West Wales as he sails to Skomer Island – a National Nature Reserve of International Importance due to its seabirds - he gets a close-up view of the puffins, razorbills and guillemots before staying up late to see the Manx shearwater.  Next, Derek goes to Flat Holm Island where he braves a huge colony of seagulls and discovers more about the island's past, including some Victorian gun placements.  Lastly, Derek heads up North to Wales's largest island, Anglesey, where he visits another tiny island with a secluded chapel, an unexpected motor racing track, a neolithic burial chamber and takes a sauna on a beach.

The Best Of 7. Welsh Islands

Derek is hunting down his most terrific treks from the South – his first quest is an adventure between two captivating castles - Caerphilly and Castell Coch, where he gets the chance to don a full suit of armour.  Next, Derek is in Gower walking from Fall Bay to Oxwich, where he discovers a mysterious clifftop hideaway and learns how this area used to be a haven for smugglers. On the way he tries abseiling, cold water swimming and foraging for seaweed.  The last walk Derek remembers is in the wonderful Wye Valley, where he marvels at one of the UK’s first tourist walks, takes to the water in a canoe and visits the awe-inspiring Tintern Abbey, where he witnesses the relics of a remarkable archaeological excavation.

The Best Of 8. Spectacular Southern Structures

Derek searches for his finest hikes after seventeen years of walking around Wales.  The first walk he re-discovers is slap bang in the middle of Wales, in the foothills of the Cambrian mountains where he walks around the Hafod estate - a two-hundred-year-old tourist playground of spectacular woods, waterfalls and riverside trails.  Next Derek recalls a stroll on the Welsh border in Presteigne, with a young man who walked the entire 1,100-mile perimeter of Wales to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's.  Finally, Derek travels to the Elan Valley in Powys for a stunning seven-mile circular walk, punctuated by incredible feats of engineering - dams. He learns how the valley was flooded to supply water to Birmingham, he tries out downhill mountain biking and learns how the famous Dam-busters’ bouncing bombs - key to second world war effort, were tested here.

The Best Of 9. Highlights from Mid-Wales

Weatherman Derek Brockway brings us his three favourite walks from South West Wales.  On his first wander from Little Haven to Solva, Derek tries surfing, learns about a UFO sighting that stunned the world and helps a local artist create a mural.  On his second creative close encounter, Derek discovers the place that captivated and inspired poet Dylan Thomas, as he takes a walk through the town of Laugharne on the beautiful Carmarthenshire coast.  For his final flashback, Derek is back in Pembrokeshire, with its majestic cliffs, feeling what it is like to be exposed to the elements. He is thrilled to peek at seal pups, learns how to train a sheepdog and gets his creative juices flowing once more, as he helps to create a unique giant sand circle.

The Best Of 10. Arts of the South-West

In the first of two special walks celebrating the centenary of Dylan Thomas's birth, Derek Brockway walks in Dylan's footsteps around his home town of Swansea. With his guide, actor Adrian Metcalfe, Derek sets off from Dylan's childhood home on Cwmdonkin Drive. He then walks through the city's beautiful parks and down to the seafront before visiting some of Dylan's haunts in later life. Derek even gets to end his walk with a pint! He then heads west to the Llansteffan Peninsula where his guide, artist Osi Rhys Osmond, leads him through the beautiful countryside which was home to many of Dylan's relatives. They visit his aunt's farm, which would provide the inspiration for Dylan's poem Fernhill, before dropping down to the stunning Three Rivers estuary where the Taf, Tywi and Gwendraeth meet.

Swansea and Llansteffan

In the second of his two special Dylan's Walks programmes, which celebrate the centenary of Dylan Thomas's birth, Derek Brockway travels to the seaside town of New Quay on Cardigan Bay, where Dylan and his wife Caitlin lived during the war. Derek's hitting the Dylan Thomas trail with his guide Jeff Towns to find out why their time here was so dramatic and how it inspired Dylan to write some of his greatest work.  Derek's final walk takes him to Laugharne to visit some iconic Dylan Thomas sites with Hannah Ellis, Dylan and Caitlin's granddaughter. She tells Derek how important Laugharne was to her grandparents and how much it still means to them as a family. Derek ends his walk in great Dylan fashion with a sing-song and a pint at Brown's Hotel.

New Quay and Laugharne

Weatherman Derek Brockway laces up his boots and heads outdoors for a seasonal tour of Wales's best walks

All Episodes of Weatherman Walking

All Episodes of Weatherman Walking

Season 1

Autumn

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/9/2007

Winter

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/16/2007

Spring

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/23/2007

Summer

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 1/30/2007