It borders the English counties of Shropshire to the north , Worcestershire to the east , Gloucestershire to the south east and the Welsh counties of Gwent to the south west and Powys to the west . It borders the English ceremonial counties of Shropshire to the north , Worcestershire to the east , Gloucestershire to the south-east , and the Welsh preserved counties of Gwent to the south-west and Powys to the west .