#154: Rory Stewart: 'Middleland' – Letters from Britain’s most rural constituency
- dave7057
- Oct 31, 2025
- 2 min read
...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 – despite its challenges – Cumbria remains a place in which tens of thousands of people contribute to a place that brings "a type of joy, meaning and happiness that is elusive elsewhere".
Rory's new book, Middleland, is out today.
This discussion about Cumbria and Rory Stewart’s perspective on rural life is fascinating, especially how landscapes shape identity and politics. It makes me wonder if authors or podcasters ever use freelance blog writers for hire, perhaps through platforms like PayssomeoneTo, to help capture these nuanced stories in written form.
Really enjoyed the way this conversation links walking, landscape, and political thinking without forcing simple conclusions. Stewart’s reflections feel almost like field notes turned narrative. It made me think about how ideas travel from experience to text similar to how authors debate when to use journal article editing services, something I’ve seen discussed thoughtfully around Academic Editors.
This reflection on Rory Stewart’s Middleland captures the rhythm of rural life and how deep listening can reveal voices often overlooked in big political stories. It reminded me of a college road trip through quiet towns, where every small community had its own surprising insight. That same value of thoughtful support comes up in academics, and even hire expert for Canvas assignments can feel like partnering with someone who helps make complex work clearer and more manageable.