The River Tees is the river that helped forge Britain’s industrial revolution, launched the ships that linked the Empire, created the chemicals industry and finally became a byword for pollution.

The tidal Tees and its daily cycle of incoming and outgoing ships has been a lifelong source of fascination for Middlesbrough-born presenter Kirsten O’Brien. And now she’s setting out to explore the headwaters of the river. Kirsten begins her journey on South Gare, the narrow sand spit that juts out from the southern side of the estuary, the end of 86 miles of river and the backdrop to many happy childhood family days out.

Grab your boots and join adventurer Amar Latif on a journey along one of Yorkshire’s most surprising rivers.

As a blind man with a passion for outdoor adventure, Amar will discover how the stunning North Yorkshire landscape along the River Nidd has been shaped. Along the way Amar visits mysterious ruins, exploring a hidden canyon, discovering the remains of an abandoned village, canoeing over Bradford’s water supply and meeting the local llamas.

Crossing two counties and connecting two of the Midlands’ most picturesque towns, the Severn Way is a glorious 17-mile trek that winds along both sides of the River Severn. Actress Shobna Gulati explores the remarkable stories featuring the communities and landscapes that are part of this river walk, giving us a glimpse of life, past and present, along this glorious stretch of the River Severn.

Stand-up comedian Sindhu Vee discovers some of the best river walks in the East Midlands. Sindhu is a Leicester New Comedian of The Year finalist, mother of three and owner of a large Labrador. She loves rivers and will cast her wry eyes over the rambling scene.

Sindhu says: “On stage I introduce myself as Sindhu The Hindu but after this I could be Sindhu The Hindu Hiker!”

Author, journalist and novelist Rachel Johnson was born on Exmoor and went to primary school in the village of Winsford. Her father, Stanley, environmentalist, farmer, politician and author moved to a farm on the River Exe when he was 12 years old and has lived there ever since.

In River Walks, father and daughter walk the river valley Stanley describes as “the most beautiful valley in England, if not the whole world.”

Join countryside historian and anthropologist Miranda Krestovnikoff on a walk that stretches for over six miles alongside the River Deben in Suffolk, travelling from Sutton Hoo to Ramsholt.

Miranda follows a little-visited riverside track and public footpaths while all the time cherishing truly wonderful riverscapes and discovering the inspiration and diversity that this Suffolk river has to offer.

Enjoy a river walk in the city with BBC Countryfile reporter Sean Fletcher. This fascinating eight mile route along the River Lea takes in the landmarks of an industrial past amidst a rapidly changing cityscape, culminating where the River Lea meets the Thames.

Olly Smith and his new puppy Busby take an autumn walk along Hampshire’s beautiful chalk stream river, the Itchen. The pair enjoy some of the many diversions and adventures the river offers including wild swimming, fly fishing and otter spotting. They’re joined by the Roamability ramblers on their mobility scooters for an accessible stretch of the riverbank and visit the oldest working watermill in the country. They also learn about watercress farming and catch a steam train on the Watercress Line to a local brewery to try some of Hampshire’s unique watercress ale.

Presenter Jemma Woodman takes a ramble along the River Dart in Devon. Following a foodie theme, Jemma meet engaging and entertaining guests along the way as she indulges in delicious produce from the river and surrounding countryside. She also learns about the history of the Dart through the people who live and work alongside the river.

JB Gill - best known as a singer in boyband JLS - is now a Kent farmer. JB takes viewers on a walk through the Kent countryside, following the course of the stunning Kentish Stour from its source near the village of Lenham to historic Pegwell Bay.

Described as England’s most historic river, the Stour is one of only 200 chalk rivers in the world, its waters are crystal clear, making it home to wonderfully diverse flora and aquatic wildlife.