Enjoy a daily choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below.
We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.
Day 2
Option 1 - The Gaerstone and Cwms Lane
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: From Longmynd House we walk through Church Stretton and then around Helmeth Hill. We make our way back along the old Cwms Lane and Church Stretton.
Highlight: Stunning views of the Gaer Stone.
Option 2 - Hope Bowdler & Helmeth Wood
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Starting from Longmynd House, we walk through the wooded lower slopes of Hazler Hill before a moderately steep ascent to the Gaer Stone and Hope Bowdler Hill. Heading down to the valley between Hope Bowdler and Caer Caradoc we make our way back along the old Cwms Lane, through Helmeth Wood and Church Stretton.
Highlight: Stunning views in all directions from the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill.
Day 3
Option 1 - The Carding Mill Water Cycle
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 984 feet (300m)
In summary: Easy walk to the upper reservoir above Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton.
Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc as you leave make your way up the valley. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like, choose from 3 different ways to go around the reservoir.
Option 2 - Batch Valley & New Pool Hollow
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (480m)
In summary: Walk around the base of Novers Hill before heading higher up onto the Longmynd itself and visiting the extraordinary golf course found as high as any in England. We enter Cardingmill valley via a gentle path down the northern slope to visit New Pool Hollow with its picturesque reservoir before heading back to the house, passing through the peaceful Rectory Woods.
Highlight: Visit some of the oldest fossils ever discovered in New Pool Hollow.
Day 4
Option 1 - Around Ragleth
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs around Ragleth and the Hazler hills.
Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton, Long Mynd and The Gaerstone.
Option 2 - Around Ragleth & Acton Scott
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: This walk takes us through the hamlet of Ragdon under the imposing southern slope of Ragleth and on towards the area of Marshbook. We head home through the fascinating village of Little Stretton with time to view some of the many listed buildings there.
Highlight: Typical Shropshire countryside in all its glory.