MY COUNTRYSIDE
The actress, writer and comedian on childhood camping trips and her love of the ocean
Ruth Jones
Today, in our world, being at one with nature is a great leveller
My first memory of the countryside is going camping with my parents, brothers and sister.
When we woke up in the morning, there would be a beautiful peacefulness in the tent. My mum would fry up some bacon for breakfast on a little stove and we’d walk barefoot through the grass while it was still damp with dew. It was the 1970s, so the campsites weren’t particularly glamorous, but I fell in love with the smells and sensations of being outdoors.
I was brought up on the coast, in Porthcawl, south Wales.
We were spoilt, as there are seven beaches in the area. If I had to choose a favourite, it would be Sker, a quieter bay close to Kenfig National Nature Reserve. From the age of eight, I’d also go to the Gower Peninsula, where my cousin had a caravan in Llangennith. We’d race down the sand dunes to the water, which was crystal clear – it was amazing.
Wales is a wonderfully diverse country.
When I was at university in Warwick, I felt a bit claustrophobic being so far away from the countryside and the ocean. I’ve moved back to Cardiff now and we’re surrounded by coastline, so I do tend to gravitate towards the sea nowadays.
The Great Outdoors
My TV show focused on the trials and tribulations of the Mid-bucks Walking Club.
I think people tend to have an enduring love of all things rural. Today, in our world of electronics, computers and digital thingymajigs, there’s something cathartic about – at the risk of sounding twee – ‘being at one with nature’. It’s a great leveller. I love to go for a good hike, too. The Brecon Beacons aren’t far from us and there’s a lovely place there called Sennybridge, which is perfect for walking.
A few years ago, I went up to Portmeirion with my dad.
We drove back via the coastal road and it was stunning. But, if I’m honest, there’s a lot more of Wales I’d like to explore – I know the area where I was brought up, but there’s still plenty left to see.
Outside of Wales I’m a huge fan of the north-west Highlands – they’re absolutely spectacular.
It’s very different from the east coast of the country, which is wonderful in its own way. I’m a little bit obsessive when it comes to Scotland – the mountains are like these vast sleeping dinosaurs! Whenever I go there, I’m overwhelmed by the dramatic landscape and the sense of tranquillity. It’s such a magical place.
Hattie
When I was filming in Glasgow, we would drive there through Northumberland.
Although we were only seeing it through the car window, I remember thinking how beautiful the scenery was, so I’d love to go back and explore the area. I also want to take a trip on the Caledonian Canal – a majestic 60-mile stretch that starts in Inverness and ends in Fort William, cutting through Great Glen en route.
I’m a massive fan of
The Archers! It’s good as it also allows me to keep up to date on rural issues. If I can’t sleep, I listen to Farming Today on Radio 4. It may be on just before 6am, but it’s a great way to keep abreast of things.
Something I’m particularly passionate about is tackling fly tipping.
I don’t understand why people think it’s okay to just dump their rubbish wherever they feel like it. The sad thing is that it’s such a difficult thing to police.
Never Greener by Ruth Jones is published by Bantam Press at £12.99.