Matt Baird
Managing editor
Matt is the managing editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine and is the previous editor of Cycling Plus and the author of Triathlon! from Aurum Press
Recent articles by Matt Baird
From the best adventure buddy to cuddle champion, rescue dog and working wonder, here are the Dog of the Year 2025 winners
The winners of BBC Countryfile Magazine's Dog of the Year 2025, in association with Subaru, can now be revealed
From vast white sands to sheltered coves, here are 7 spectacular Channel Island beaches
The beaches of the Channel Islands offer white sands, solitude and unique wartime history. Here are Matt Baird’s magnificent seven
Not the lightest, but one of the toughest: Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail shoes reviewed
How do the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail running shoes hold up under review? Our expert put them through their paces.
Decathlon Nabaiji OWS 100 open water swimming wetsuit review
Our expert reviewer Matt Baird took out the Decathlon Nabaiji OWS 100 open water wetsuit to see how it held up under pressure.
“The stag night out was interesting, as we also did that in period kit!” I spent a day with re-enactors and this is what I learned
Music, muskets and gunfire! Matt Baird joins the Worcester Re-enactors for a day of historical role play at the city’s Living History event
Inside “Hitler’s island madness” – one of the most fortified places on the planet (that was also British)
As the Channel Islands celebrates 80 years since being liberated, we walk Guernsey’s rugged western coast and encounter a land of unique beauty and Nazi-era relics
These are the toughest open-water swimming races in the UK – would you take on the challenge?
If you're keen to get out of the pool and into wilder waters, the UK has plenty of open-water swimming events. These are some of the toughest...
Shocking extent of fly-tipping revealed in latest Countryfile episode
Sunday’s episode of Countryfile shines a light on the issues facing farmers and the authorities in tackling the rising and environmentally damaging crime of fly-tipping.
This long-distance walking trail features some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches – and it’s near-impossible to get lost on it
The South West Coast Path is one of the toughest long-distance walking trails in the UK. Find out everything you need to know to take it on.
“I got an ebike and discovered a lost world of castles, rivers and Roman ruins in England – and I’m a convert”
Could this new cycling route in the Shropshire Hills become a star of Britain’s bikepacking scene? Matt Baird mounts an electric bike to navigate the hills, thrills and basilicas of the Marcher Castles Way.
Missed out on BBC Race Across The World? Why orienteering is the next best activity to test your navigation skills
Everything you need to know about orienteering, including how to get started, what equipment you'll need and top tips.
11 toughest long-distance walking trails in the UK: Challenge yourself with one of these bucket-list routes
Planning a major hike this year? We reveal the UK’s toughest long-distance paths to explore.
Kathmandu Trailhead 2L Insulated Rain Jacket review
What is an Ironman? Why it's the ultimate endurance challenge and the world’s toughest and greatest triathlons
The toughest marathon running events in the world – from Exmoor to Kilimanjaro
It's a truly iconic race distance, but which marathon courses are the toughest in the UK and around the globe? Here's our magnificent seven
How long is an ultramarathon? Jamie Laing’s Comic Relief challenge explained – plus the world’s toughest running events
From the spine of Wales to Pennine peaks, here are the UK's toughest ultra-running challenges for 2025 and how they compare to global races
Is Parkrun the feel-good sporting hit of the century?
Still free, still fun and still delivering a wealth of physical and mental benefits to its participants. Parkrun should be celebrated this weekend, says Matt Baird