Countryfile viewers slammed the latest episode for the segment, prompting them to ask “Is this Top Gear?”

Countryfile viewers slammed the BBC show’s latest installment when it featured a driving segment that some viewers thought was too similar to Top Gear.

In Sunday’s episode, presenters Anita Rani and Matt Baker took a ride along the Lake District’s Hardknott and Wrynose passes, with Anita gushing about how much she enjoys driving in the countryside.

But viewers said the last thing a program about the countryside needs is more cars – especially in the midst of climate change.

The routes offer some of the most challenging roads in the country – albeit with fantastic views – as they narrowly wind their way up and down steep single tracks.

This includes England’s deepest lake, Wast Water, where Rani joined a group of local wild swimmers.

The routes offer some of the most challenging roads in the country as they narrowly wind their way up and down steep single tracks

One viewer said on X: “Just what the Lake District doesn’t need #countryfile is a load more cars”

While she was behind the wheel, the hosts discussed the car’s features and how well it performed

But in contrast to the calm of the scene, viewers were left fuming and took to X to vent, saying: ‘Promoting non-essential driving over the Lake District passes! WTAF?…

‘What the Lake District doesn’t need #countryfile is a load more cars. Why not encourage people to use the buses (and trains) that locals depend on and keep them running…

‘Why is she driving up so fast in a shoe box #countryfile Stop honking at the camera it’s what causes accidents Not concentrating on the job…

‘#Countryfile, regularly banging on about climate change, has devoted most of an episode to encouraging people to take road trips in the Lake District along some of the narrowest and most crowded roads…

‘Is this #topgear or #countryfile?…

‘What is this, #countryfile #topgear?…

“As much as I love @BBCCountryfile and this “driving specialty” in the Lake District, I really don’t think you should be “encouraging” (not the right phrase) people to drive on these passes. Better to encourage using local buses and de Tour Minibuses.’

And it’s not the first time viewers have been hit by recent editions of Countryfile, with an episode dedicated to dental care last month attracting fans.

This comes a month after viewers ditched a separate episode to focus on Devon and Cornwall locals’ struggle to find an NHS dentist

The show highlighted how people in the Devon and Cornwall countryside struggle to access NHS dentists.

Many pointed out that it is a nationwide issue, being confused as to why it was the focus of a full episode of the show, rather than agriculture or wildlife.

However, the BBC went on to point out that they cover a ‘wide range of rural issues affecting rural areas and communities’.

They continued: ‘In this programme, Countryfile investigated the lack of NHS dental provision in Devon and Cornwall. Our film recognized that this is a national problem, but focused on the stories of those living in rural areas.

“In the past the program has produced various films, including gaps in special education needs and the difficulties in recruiting midwifery staff in rural areas.”