The Severn

Clare Balding's river adventure begins on the longest river in the country – the magnificent Severn, which flows from a brook in the Welsh Cambrian mountains, along a course of 220 miles, all the way to Bristol and the shores of the Severn Estuary. Along the way, Clare experiences the joys of life at the helm of a narrowboat, samples local delicacies on the riverbank and discovers the mysterious ghost ships of the Severn.

Clare heads to the heart of beautiful Shropshire, in its historic county town of Shrewsbury. The Severn loops almost in a complete circle around the historic town, and Clare heads out onto the water to enjoy some distinctive riverside landmarks.

She then visits the birthplace of Charles Darwin on the banks of the Severn and learns how the riverside area where he grew up inspired him and his pioneering work, The Origin of the Species. From here, she heads towards one of the wonders of the Severn - the famous town of Ironbridge. The cradle of the Industrial Revolution, its spectacular cast iron bridge was the first in the world. Nearby Blists Hill Victorian Town provides visitors with a wonderful insight into life by the River Severn in Victorian times. Clare gets into the spirit of things in a 1900s costume and enjoys some classic Victorian sweets.

Clare hitches a lift on a narrowboat and hears about the wonders of life on the river as she heads towards the city of Worcester. Further south, where the river has turned tidal, at the Severn Wye Smokery, Clare learns about a Severn Native: the eel, before trying the delicacy in a risotto.

The Severn Estuary provides bountiful birdwatching, before Clare discovers something more chilling: the ghost ships of Purton, the largest ships graveyard in the country. Clare's adventure concludes in sight of the two iconic river crossings across the Severn, an epic journey that has surprised and enthralled her.