A bit about Daves Walks
Hi, I’m Dave Shaw, the man behind the camera on Dave’s Walks. I’m 36, based in Leek, Staffordshire, but my love for the outdoors started in the Peak District, where I grew up exploring the endless countryside. My journey here wasn’t exactly a straight path—I started out as an accountant but quickly realized the confines of an office weren’t for me. That led me to become an outdoor activity instructor, guiding climbs, kayaking, and other adventures. Later, I found my stride as an English teacher, eventually becoming a Director of Studies.
These days, I’m a full-time content creator, combining my passion for the outdoors with my love of storytelling through the lens. When I’m not filming, you’ll often find me unwinding in the hot tub, dreaming up my next adventure.
What inspired you to start filming your countryside walks?
I’ve always loved the outdoors—and let’s face it, living in the Peak District, you’re practically tripping over scenic spots every time you nip to the corner shop. Add to that my love of YouTube, and you’ve got a recipe for an idea brewing. Then, one fateful day, I stumbled across Rambalac—a YouTuber who films walks in Japan with no narration. No voiceovers, no banter, just raw, unfiltered strolling action. It was brilliant. I got to virtually explore alleyways and temples I didn’t even know existed, all without having to endure the awkward small talk of a tour guide. At that moment, it hit me—why wasn’t anyone doing this for the English countryside? Were they too distracted by the pub lunches? I decided I’d be the one to take up the mantle. So, I bought a camera, prayed I wouldn’t fall into a bog, and started filming. And here we are.
Rambalac
What's your favourite walk you've ever filmed?
Picking a favourite walk is like picking your favourite child—impossible! but here’s my shortlist. There’s the Snake Forest Walk near Glossop, where every twist and turn made me wonder if I was in Narnia. Then there’s climbing Cat Bells in the Lake District—stunning views and the bonus cardio of feeling my legs threaten mutiny. And, of course, the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk in Dorset on a beautiful summer’s day. The cliffs, the sea, and the mild chance of toppling into the ocean made it unforgettable
Snake Woodlands
Forest Walk
Lulworth Cove to
Durdle Door
Cat Bells
Mountain
What’s your favourite time of year to film walks, and why?
Summer! Who doesn’t love a hot, sunny day where you only need to pack one layer instead of your entire wardrobe? Blue skies, long days—it’s perfect. Autumn is a close second because the trees put on a show with their orange and brown hues, but the weather is moodier than a teenager. Spring’s nice too, and then there’s Winter... unless it’s snowing, it’s like someone put a grey filter over the world. If there’s snow, it’s magical—except you can’t go anywhere because, well, it’s snowing.
Sandsend Village
Summer Walk
Leek Town Winter
Snow Walk
Padley Gorge
Autumn Walk
If you could walk anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere that doesn’t involve British drizzle, really. Oh, the list is endless! Machu Picchu in South America? Yes, please. The mountains of Madeira? Sign me up. Switzerland—basically anywhere you can yodel without judgment. Norway, Denmark, and Svalbard during the long polar night? I’d pack a coat and go tomorrow. Give me mountains, fjords, and a healthy dose of “Wow, I can’t believe I’m not falling off this cliff!”
What’s one essential item you always take with you on a walk?
A sturdy umbrella. Forget the fancy gadgets; this is the real MVP. Oh, you thought I’d say something rugged and adventurous, didn’t you? Nope. If I don’t take a brolly, the rain gods laugh and let rip. Case in point: I filmed at Durdle Door on the UK’s hottest day in 2022 40 degrees up and down the country—blue skies, sunburn imminent—and by the end, it was raining sideways with thunder and lightning. Rain so torrential I was half-expecting to see Noah’s Ark float by. Now, I take a brolly everywhere because in the UK, the weather forecast is just a suggestion.
Do you have a favourite snack or drink to bring on long walks?
Cookies and Lucozade Sport. The cookies keep me happy; the Lucozade keeps me going. I used to bring coffee, but the caffeine made nature call louder than the birdsong, and let’s just say public loos aren’t abundant in the countryside. So now coffee waits until I’m back home, basking in the glory of a day well walked.
What’s your go-to footwear for hiking through the countryside?
If it’s wet, it’s wellies—stylish, no. Effective, yes. If it’s dry or I’m in a village, I’ve got some trusty light walking boots from Go Outdoors. I care more about comfort and price than looking like I’ve just walked out of a Patagonia catalog. Fancy brands? Pfft. If they keep me upright and blister-free, comfy and don’t cost as much as a small car, they’re good enough for me.
Have you ever been caught in extreme weather while filming?
Oh, absolutely, and I secretly love it! One memorable time was walking to Sandwood Bay on Scotland’s North Coast 500. It’s a 5-mile trek from the nearest road. The weather was “a bit breezy” (translation: gale-force winds), but I made it there and back. Picture this: open mountainous moorland, no shelter, just me and the gale-force winds and rain. Most people would be cursing their life choices—I was grinning like a maniac. Another time, I got caught in a thunderstorm on the Caldon Canal at night. Pitch black, pouring rain, and lightning. I sheltered under a bridge like some medieval troll, watching nature throw a tantrum, camera still rolling, thinking, “This is how legends are made—or horror movies.”
UK's Most remote beach Sandwood Bay
Stormy Caldon Canal Night Walk
Stormy Ocean Waves
What’s the furthest distance you’ve walked in a single day?
It was during my stay in Whitby. I filmed 3 videos in one day. First, filming around around the town,(that is, after exploring a route to film), I explored around the Ruined Abbey and then I took a taxi to Robin Hood’s Bay to walk and film the 6 miles back to Whitby. Just when I thought I was done, the waves crashing on the sea front lured me back out for more filming. By the time I collapsed in bed, I’d clocked over 20 miles and probably walked off a year’s worth of cookies.
1st Whitby Town Walk
2nd Robin Hoods Bay to Whitby
3rd Whitby Sea Front
What’s your favourite feature of the countryside—hills, rivers, forests, or something else?
Forests and rivers, hands down. Bonus points if they’re together, because who doesn’t love a woodland stream? After that, mountains, because they’re dramatic, and rolling hills, because they’re just so quintessentially English.
What’s the most peaceful moment you’ve experienced on a walk?
Walking through flower fields feels like stepping into a postcard. And empty beaches? They’re like nature’s “Do Not Disturb” sign. Both are the kind of peace that makes you forget your to-do list and just exist for a bit.
Poppy Field Walk
Penrhyn Bay Sunset
Bluebell Forest Walk
Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife during a walk?
Fortunately not, and honestly, I count my blessings. The UK is wonderfully tame when it comes to wildlife. No bears lurking in the woods, no venomous snakes plotting your downfall. The most “dangerous” encounter I’ve had was startling a pigeon, and we both left the scene deeply ashamed. That said, I’m always on the lookout for the odd deer or fox. Spotting one feels like winning a little countryside lottery—just without the money.
Do you have a favourite childhood memory of walking in nature?
Growing up in New Mills in the Peak District was like having the world’s most scenic playground. The Torrs, with its dramatic gorge and rushing rivers, was a favourite haunt of mine. It’s this magical mix of nature and history, with old mill ruins, waterfalls, and towering bridges. My friends and I spent hours fishing in the canal, debating life’s great mysteries—like whether a fish could outsmart us (spoiler: it usually did). Looking back, it was the perfect blend of adventure and simplicity, and those memories will always feel like home.
The Torrs, New Mills
New Mills Town
Peak Forest Canal
Have you ever had a walk that didn’t go as planned? What happened?
Dove Dale to Milldale, a stunning riverside path in Derbyshire, should have been a dream to film. Instead, it became my personal nemesis. The crowds! The noise! The discarded sandwich wrappers and rubbish! I abandoned filming three times, each attempt more frustrating than the last. On my fourth try, I arrived at 6 a.m., armed with coffee and a can-do attitude. It was bliss. Just me, the birds, and the quiet sound of water. Victory has never tasted so sweet—or smelled so much like wet grass.
Have you ever gotten lost while exploring a new route?
Never. I’ve got an internal map that’s borderline supernatural. Even when I’m wandering somewhere new, I know where I am—or at least how to get back. If I ever feel “lost,” I just rebrand it as “freestyling” and keep going. It’s all part of the adventure, right?
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day of walking?
Coffee first, feet up, fire on. Treat myself to a homemade pasta meal with cheesy garlic bread! Then it’s hot tub time, gazing at the stars with a cold cider in hand, mentally preparing for the task of video editing and pretending I’m living in a luxury retreat instead of just my back garden. It’s the perfect end to any day.
What’s your favourite view you’ve ever captured while walking?
This is again like asking a parent to pick their favourite child—it’s impossible! So much variety one could never pick a favourite. The snow-capped mountains from the Kylesku Bridge in Scotland were breath taking, the quaint alleyways of Runswick Bay were a dream, and the sunset at Bamburgh Castle? Incredible. After filming, the light faded, and the whole beach was bathed in moonlight, transforming it into something straight out of a fantasy novel. I half-expected a knight in shining armour to gallop past. It’s moments like those that make every early morning and muddy boot worth it.