# Ex-Top Gear host Richard Hammond’s ‘brave’ new Welsh life wild swimming and running

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ex-top-gear-host-richard-hammonds-brave-new-welsh-life-wild-swimming-and-running/
- Published: 2026-10-29T18:29:49+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T19:35:28+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Entertainment (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c39wznnxyy27o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment

## Key points

- Richard Hammond says he is happier and braver in Wales.
- He has taken up running and open-water swimming.
- Rare bats have paused renovation work at his £2m home.

## Summary

Richard Hammond says he is building a new life in Wales, taking up running and open-water swimming while embracing local food festivals. The former Top Gear presenter describes feeling happier and braver since moving to a Georgian mansion near Abergavenny, with the Brecon Beacons close by.

Hammond, 56, bought the £2m property in November 2025 after separating from his wife, Mindy, following 23 years together. His renovation plans include garages, a padel court and guest accommodation, but work has paused while rare bats are protected. He has cut his 5km time to under 25 minutes and plans to enter a triathlon; meanwhile, he says his priorities have shifted from classic-car events towards life in his new community.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.