A new county to explore. We had a week in Shropshire, and this walk from Shropshire: 40 Heritage & History Walks was the perfect way to start.

The route is a circular from Ellesmere, taking in the mere before joining the Shropshire Union Canal, looping around Colemere, and returning along the towpath. It combined everything we like in a walk on a warm day: water to walk beside, woodland, and enough variation to keep things interesting. Breezy got to paddle and cool off along the way, which matters - she runs warm.

Colemere was a particular highlight. The first side we walked was wooded and peaceful, the kind of quiet that makes you slow down a little.

Back in Ellesmere, the old canal warehouse was a lovely find at the end of the walk - faded lettering still legible on the brickwork, a glimpse into what the canal used to be.

A great first day’s walk.