Episode 2: Ledbury

Dilwyn to BrinsopIn this, the last episode of Part 1 of our Borderland Journey, we reach the halfway stage of the story. Leaving Dilwyn, and its herd of heroic Hereford cattle, we visit beautiful, ancient Weobley with its dancing pigs and demon-haunted farms, to travel into some of the loveliest country in England. Our ideas of the picturesque landscape, and of the countryside as something for our aesthetic delight were developed here, two and a half centuries ago – ideas as powerful now as they have ever been. But as we wind down Raven’s Causeway, over hill and valley to reach the open country of the river Wye, we are plunged back into a world of poetry and legend, meeting Wordsworths, St George and his battle with the terrible dragon. And we find Part 2 now beckoning. The golden valleys and mist-shrouded hills of western Herefordshire are calling. Watch out for the summons to join us on the journey.

Episode 5 takes us through Leominster’s great Priory church, only to be dunked in a ducking stool before travelling on past Welsh triumph and despair to reach the village of Dilwyn. In this place of ancient powers and deep country, we hear the distant voices of gypsy singers in songs of death, love and judgement.

In episode 4, we leave Saxon treachery behind us, as we encounter ghosts, witches and the lost Legion on our way to the pretty town of Leominster. In spite of Welsh depredations, we enjoy all the pleasures of a properly comfortable life - ignoring the savage administration of summary justice and violent death. But that's all after we skip along to join one of the most bizarre dance troups ever formed.

In Episode 3, we leave the lovely town of Ledbury to head north across the watermeadows and marshlands of central Herefordshire. Marching up Roman roads, tasting the rich heritage of cider and perry, we discover Victorian follies and rural idylls, before tumbling into a spider web of Anglo Saxon treachery, murder and deceit.

We set off into Herefordshire, leaving the western slopes of the Malvern Hills behind us. But our journey is interrupted by the lovely town of Ledbury – a black and white marvel; a place to dawdle in, to wander, to shop and to contemplate poetry, war and beauty in death.

Today’s episode is a special one, as we set out on our journey, heading west into the wild borders of England and Wales. But we start in sedate Malvern, home of the Water Cure, inspiration for C S Lewis and Tolkien and centred by one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Then up the Malvern Hills to breathe in the mystical ancient power of British Camp, the prehistoric hill fort on the Malvern ridge, before setting our faces to the west and to the rich and rolling country of eastern Herefordshire.

Introducing you to Borderland: An English Journeys Tour in the Welsh Marches.Borderland takes us on a journey in 10 episodes around the beautiful landscapes of the county of Herefordshire and the Welsh border country, from rich valley towns and farmland to wild uplands, forts and castles. Like all English Journeys tours, it is an audio journey which you are invited to join us on, full of stories, history, landscape and art. So put your feet up (or put your boots on) and prepare to journey into the wild west of England.

English Journeys: An Introduction.True stories and real journeys through England’s landscapes, guiding you through a world of beauty, history, myth and discovery. English Journeys sets out to introduce you to a different vision of England. To tease out the stories which haunt our countryside, as we embed ourselves in its rich rural landscapes, of medieval fields, orchards and farmsteads, ancient churches, vibrant towns, modern follies. We travel Roman roads and ancient lanes, and scratch the surface of this eccentric place, to encounter the lives, loves, fears and pleasures of countless generations. Hosted and written by Martin EllisExecutive Producer: Mike Ellis