We are back in the Midlands with their idyllic canals and interesting history. This is a repeat visit to some favourite places. We journey through Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

The Shropshire Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide a dramatic link between the Midlands and the Welsh mountains, with picturesque villages, busy market towns, Tudor half-timbered public buildings and houses, narrow back lanes and scenic views.

Ludlow reaches back to medieval times and was made rich by manufacturing and the trading of wool and cloth.Clun began as a Saxon hamlet and grew to a town of busy livestock markets. These towns were part of a defence along the Welsh Marches. The castles are now mostly ruined.

Bishop's Castle, almost on the border of Wales, retains a 12th-century layout and has a proud history of brewing. Music plays an important part of life there and we had the pleasure of watching a local band and dancers outside the market hall.

The cathedral city of Worcester, on the river Severn lies between the Malvern hills and the Cotswolds and is the final resting place of King John. It is the home of Royal Worcester fine bone china. Worcestershire has many battle fields associated with the Civil War.