This autumn, Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Sean Fletcher, and John Craven are hitting the trails again to meet inspiring young people whose lives have been transformed by BBC Children in Need.
The beloved Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need returns, with presenters Matt Baker, Anita Rani, Sean Fletcher, Joe Crowley, and John Craven once again donning their walking boots.
During the ramble, they meet inspiring young people whose lives have been positively shaped by BBC Children in Need. Exploring the scenic borderlands of Shropshire and Staffordshire, the youngsters share their stories while taking on the ramble challenges, cheered on by some of their celebrity supporters.
Now in its 11th year, Countryfile Ramble has raised £16.5 million. Viewers are encouraged to join in by organising their own sponsored walks, helping to raise vital funds and make a real difference in the lives of young people supported by BBC Children in Need.
John Craven
What does the Countryfile Ramble mean to you personally?
The Ramble is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from young people whose lives have been supported by BBC Children in Need. Listening to them share their experiences in their own words really highlights the incredible impact the charity has on young lives.
Why do you think the Ramble resonates so strongly with viewers and participants?
It’s the simplicity of it. You don’t need special equipment or to be an expert walker — just enthusiasm and a good pair of boots. People feel part of something bigger, knowing that every step they take is helping make a real difference. The funds raised support projects in communities across the UK, ensuring that every child has someone they can turn to.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Ramble that has stayed with you?
One moment that stands out is when I was at the Ramble Hub, speaking to participants via video. They came from all walks of life, and one rambler said, “It’s so much easier to open up about your problems and hopes when you are walking side-by-side through the countryside.” That really stayed with me.
How are you asking people to get involved?
We’re inviting people to take part wherever they are. Whether it’s a sponsored walk or a local stroll in the countryside, everyone can help bring hope to thousands of young people. We’d love participants to share footage of their walks with us at Countryfile.
Are there any standout locations or stories we should look out for?
This year, we’re exploring the beautiful countryside on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire. The Great British Countryside is one of the most stunning places on earth, and we have some exciting routes planned. What really makes the Ramble special are the young people joining us and the stories they share.
How have you seen the Ramble make a difference for children supported by BBC Children in Need?
Over the years, I’ve met children whose lives have been transformed through counselling, creative projects, or simply having a safe place to be themselves. The Ramble raises vital funds to support that work. Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference for young people when they need it most, funding projects across the UK.
Why is it important for people to get involved, even in small ways?
Every step counts. Whether you walk one mile or ten, donate, or simply spread the word, it all adds up. Most importantly, it shows children that people care.
What message would you like to share with those taking part in their own Rambles across the UK?
Enjoy the walk, soak in the beautiful surroundings, and remember that you’re part of something truly meaningful. Thank you for rambling with us — it makes an incredible difference.
Matt Baker
What does the Countryfile Ramble mean to you personally?
The Countryfile Ramble is very close to my heart. It started from my Rickshaw Challenge for The One Show, and seeing so many people cheering me on made me wonder how they could collectively make a difference. Eleven years on, thousands have taken part in their own rambles across the country, raising millions.
Every year, our ramble reflects the idea of young people giving back to BBC Children in Need — expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received and raising funds so others can benefit in the same way. It’s a positive and wonderful initiative, and I’m incredibly proud of all the money that has been raised.
Why do you think the Ramble resonates so strongly with viewers and participants?
The public’s generosity is remarkable. People respect what these young people have been through and the lengths they go to help others. From a parent’s perspective, the thought of your child needing help you can’t provide is sobering. The Ramble works beautifully because people can take part in their own sponsored walks, creating a direct connection to the cause.
What’s new or different about this year’s Ramble?
This year, the Ramble is taking a slightly different approach. We’re meeting on a farm, allowing the young people more time together as a group. Each participant also has an extra challenge — to walk back to the farm successfully, where a very special guest will be waiting — tying in with BBC Children in Need’s 2025 theme of Challenge Yourself.
How have you seen the Ramble make a difference for children supported by BBC Children in Need?
Having been a trustee for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how the funds raised and the audience’s generosity profoundly impact young people’s lives. Watching these young people grow into brilliant adults is a testament to the charity’s support. BBC Children in Need doesn’t just help the individual child — it helps the entire family, extending the benefits far beyond what people might imagine.
Why is it important for people to get involved, even in small ways?
Everyone deserves the best possible start in life, which is what BBC Children in Need aims to achieve. There’s a strong sense of community at this time of year, with people coming together to contribute. It’s not about large donations alone — many small contributions collectively make a huge difference, supporting those in need across the country.
What message would you like to share with those taking part in their own Rambles across the UK?
To everyone taking part in their own rambles, I am truly grateful. Thank you for helping raise as much as possible. The support and funds you provide mean so much to those receiving it — I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Enjoy your walk, enjoy the day, and take pride in the difference you’re making.
Anita Rani
What does the Countryfile Ramble mean to you personally?
Taking part in the Ramble is a real highlight because it combines being out in the countryside with spending time with children supported by charities funded by BBC Children in Need. Every year, it’s one of the most inspiring and humbling days. You see these incredible young people facing challenges life has thrown at them, yet they greet it all with the biggest smiles.
Why do you think the Ramble resonates so strongly with viewers and participants?
When a child shares their story, it’s impossible not to be moved. It also makes you reflect on your own life and admire the resilience of the young people taking on the challenges. The Countryfile Ramble celebrates real heroes — these young people are the ones we should be championing, showing them that yes, they are amazing.
Are there any standout locations you’ve been to?
There are so many! The Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland are stunning, the Jurassic Coast is beautiful, and Northumberland is breathtaking. Truly, every part of Britain has its hidden gems. On my Ramble with Elle, we explored a farm and a canal, which even made me want to try a barge holiday!
Why is it important for people to get involved, even in small ways?
Even small donations make a huge difference. You see exactly where the money goes, whether it’s giving a young person some respite, therapy, or support that makes their life a little easier. It’s about empathy, humanity, and altruism — and it feels wonderful to know you’ve contributed to something that genuinely helps.
And you’re asking people to take part in their own Rambles across the UK?
Absolutely! We’re encouraging people to organize their own rambles and raise money. You don’t even need walking boots — you can ramble anywhere, alone or with friends, on any scale. There’s something special about being in nature; if you can’t get to the countryside, head to your local park. Spend time outside, enjoy quality conversation, and try leaving your phone behind. Even as someone addicted to my mobile, I can say it’s worth it. Bring a dog if you have one, but focus on community, conversation, and connection — something we need more than ever.
Joe Crowley
What does the Countryfile Ramble mean to you personally?
The Ramble is a special chance to step away from the usual programme and do something really meaningful. We meet incredible young people, spend time with them, learn their stories, and hopefully make a difference by raising funds that can help other children in similar situations.
Why do you think the Ramble resonates so strongly with viewers?
It’s all about the children. These young people face challenges that many of us could hardly imagine. Spending time with them is inspiring — they remind us how to approach life, what to be grateful for, and help us put things into perspective. Talking to them and learning from them is refreshing and uplifting.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Ramble that has stayed with you?
I love being out in the countryside, surrounded by stunning landscapes. A couple of years ago, I went on a ramble up Ben Nevis and discovered a hidden waterfall with some truly inspirational young people. Experiences like that, in such beautiful settings, are unforgettable.
Tell us about your ramble with Daniel?
Daniel’s ramble has been a little different. Because of his sickle cell condition, he can’t overexert himself, so we’ve focused on walking around the farm and giving him mental challenges instead. He loves puzzles, chess, and other brain-teasers, and we set him a few during the day — he loved every moment.
Why is it important for people to get involved, even in small ways?
There’s a huge generosity in this country, and taking part in a ramble is a wonderful way to show it. It benefits participants’ mental and physical health too. For young people facing challenges, seeing people from all walks of life coming together, supporting them, raising money, and being active is a powerful message. It brings communities together and is a truly positive experience.
Sean Fletcher
What does the Countryfile Ramble mean to you personally?
I’ve been campaigning for young people’s mental health for almost as long as I’ve been on Countryfile, and as an ambassador for YoungMinds, supporting children and young people facing challenges is very important to me. This is my tenth year on Countryfile and my second year on the Ramble, which is a wonderful chance to hear the inspirational stories of young people helped by BBC Children in Need-funded projects.
Why do you think the Ramble resonates so strongly with viewers and participants?
The Ramble resonates because we hear genuine stories of triumph over adversity. These young people face huge challenges, yet they are heroes who give everyone hope.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Ramble that has stayed with you?
This year, I did the Ramble with Grace, a remarkable young person who cares for her twin sister and her mum. We were standing in a rainy field doing our interview, but listening to her story and her dream of becoming a football coach — perhaps even coaching Scotland one day — was incredibly uplifting. The weather didn’t matter at all.
How are you asking people to get involved?
Watch the Ramble and donate — every contribution helps make a real difference to young people’s lives.
How have you seen the Ramble make a difference for children supported by BBC Children in Need?
Last year, I rambled with 15-year-old Jack, who has autism and a rare genetic hearing disorder. His family told us that since the Ramble, his confidence has grown far more than they ever imagined.
Why is it important for people to get involved, even in small ways?
Every action counts. No matter what you do for BBC Children in Need, you are helping to make a difference in young people’s lives.
What message would you like to share with those taking part in their own Rambles across the UK?
Thank you, and enjoy every moment of your walk!