Ellesmere

Seven natural meres scattered across the landscape like scattered jewels - that's what first strikes visitors to this corner of north Shropshire. The town itself sits comfortably beside these glacial lakes, with White Mere and Blake Mere offering some of the finest walking you'll find in the region. Proper countryside this, where footpaths wind through ancient woodland and waterside trails provide endless entertainment for families and serious hikers alike.

Colemere proves particularly rewarding for wildlife watchers, while the smaller Kettle Mere and Newton Mere feel wonderfully secluded. Between the lakes, dense woodland blankets much of the area - Yell Wood and Lea Wood provide excellent cover for deer and countless bird species. The walking here ranges from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging routes through Cathay's Moss, where the ground stays boggy well into summer.

History buffs shouldn't miss the Ice House, a fascinating relic from when these waters served grand estates, or the Bronze Age Bowl Barrow that hints at much earlier settlements. From Ellesmere Point, the views stretch right across the meres to the Welsh hills beyond.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A495 runs straight through town, with Oswestry just eight miles west and Shrewsbury a comfortable half-hour drive south. The nearest train station sits in Gobowen, about ten minutes away by car.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense for exploring this watery landscape. You're within walking distance of multiple meres, yet close enough to venture into nearby Wales or tackle the Shropshire Hills. The area rewards a longer stay - there's always another mere to discover, another woodland path to follow.