#154: Rory Stewart: 'Middleland' – Letters from Britain’s most rural constituency

#154: Rory Stewart: 'Middleland' – Letters from Britain’s most rural constituency

From Countrystride by Countrystride

October 31, 2025 · 1h 2m · Episode 154

About this episode

Rory Stewart discusses his new book 'Middleland' and explores themes of rural identity, farming, and the beauty of the Lake District.

...in which we are joined by broadcaster, author, long-distance walker and former MP for Penrith and the Border, Rory Stewart, to discuss his new book, Middleland – Dispatches from the Borders. In a wide-ranging discussion about the 'lost kingdom of Middleland', Dave chats with Rory about long walks through the Lake District and Borderlands, about the joys of post-walk pub stays (warm socks, a book by the fire), and the meditative pace of multi-day rambles. Moving to farming, Rory raises the alarm over a new era of small farm 'clearance', urges caution over rewilding a heritage landscape, and argues that binary thinking is impeding a subsidy regime that would champion nature-based farming. Grappling with a 'Middleland' identity, we consider why the reality of Cumbria – sparsely populated, mountainous, complex – questions so many assumptions at the heart of modern politics, and learn why we should not lose confidence in our National Parks. Facing our quickfire questions, Rory describes his earliest Cumbrian memory (rescue from a snow-blocked A6 aged four), his fondness for Penrith fudge and his love of Striding Edge. Closing on a note of positivity; Rory reflects on the fact that…

People in this episode

Host: Dave

Guest: Rory Stewart

Topics covered

  • rural identity
  • farming
  • rewilding
  • National Parks
  • long-distance walking

Keywords

  • Middleland
  • Cumbria
  • Lake District
  • Borderlands
  • nature-based farming

Mentioned in this episode

Products: A6, Penrith, Striding Edge, Middleland

Books & works: Middleland, Middleland – Dispatches from the Borders

Places: Britain, Penrith, Middleland, the Lake District, Borderlands, Cumbria

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