4 Night Shropshire Hills Christmas Guided Walking Holiday
Spend the festive season in Shropshire and head out on winter walks that take you through the Stretton Hills. And when you’re not busy enjoying the wintry scenery of this National Landscape, cosy up in Longmynd House – our historic hilltop property that sits just a short stroll from the charming market town of Church Stretton. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
- A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Discovering the stunning landscapes of Shropshire Hills on foot
- Staying in our charming country house in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
What’s included
- En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Bromfield to Ludlow
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: From Bromfield we cross the Earl of Plymouth's estate to join field and woodland paths to reach Ludlow Castle. A riverside walk along the 'bread walk' takes us into town.
Highlight: The Ludlow town trail which takes in some of the best sites of this historic town.
Option 2 - Mortimer Forest
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: Leaving from Bromfield we pass through Oakly Park to reach the ancient Mortimer Forest. We then head further into the forest before descending along the secluded Mary Knoll Valley to enter Ludlow via the Ludford Bridge.
Highlight: Ludlow is one of England's finest market towns with its array of black and white timbered buildings, overlooked by an impressive castle.
Option 3 - Mortimer Forest, Overton & Ludlow
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield up and over the wooded slopes of Mortimer Forest and into the village of Overton, where we follow the old coach road to Ludlow.
Highlight: Ludlow is one of England's finest market towns with its array of black and white timbered buildings, overlooked by an impressive castle.
Option 1 - New Pool Reservoir and into Church Stretton
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: We walk to the New Pool reservoir in the Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton. We then drop back through the valley, taking in views of the valley before looping back through the town and to the house.
Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc from the valley. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like.
Option 2 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Leaving Longmynd House we make our way through Rectory Woods and up the beautiful Townbrook Valley to reach the Long Mynd plateau and its highest point at Pole Bank. We then make our way north along the historic Port Way before descending into the scenic Carding Mill Valley and back to Longmynd House.
Highlight: Relax at the National Trust café in the Carding Mill Valley and enjoy the views of this local beauty spot.
Option 3 - Long Mynd & Marshbrook
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We walk straight from the house to the beautiful Townbrook Hollow to take a stunning but gentle ascent to The Longmynd plateau, following the ancient drovers road of The Portway to the summit of the Longmynd at Pole Bank. Heading down into the hamlet of Minton via the hill of the same name and onto Marshbrook before we head back home via Little Stretton and the lower slopes of The Longmynd.
Highlight: 360 degree views from Pole Bank.
Option 1 - Slopes of Caer Caradoc
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Heading across the valley towards the Stretton Hills we wind our way up the Cwms Valley along the scenic path which runs around the slopes of Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Enjoy the panoramic views of Church Stretton, Long Mynd and Stretton Hills.
Option 2 - Hope Bowdler & Caer Caradoc
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In summary: We cross the valley to ascend the long ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill. Our second summit is the distinctive Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Look out for the Iron Age hillfort on the summit of Caer Caradoc; said to be the site of King Caractacus's final stand against the Roman invasion.
Option 3 - Caer Caradoc & The Lawley
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: Climb Caer Caradoc to take in panoramic views of the area and the iron age fort, followed by the top of the Lawley, before circling back round in the valley and to the house.
Highlight: Taking in some local summits and the extensive iron age fort earthworks on Caer Caradoc.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Slopes of Caer Caradoc
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Heading across the valley towards the Stretton Hills we wind our way up the Cwms Valley along the scenic path which runs around the slopes of Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Enjoy the panoramic views of Church Stretton, Long Mynd and Stretton Hills.
Option 2 - Hope Bowdler & Caer Caradoc
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In summary: We cross the valley to ascend the long ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill. Our second summit is the distinctive Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Look out for the Iron Age hillfort on the summit of Caer Caradoc; said to be the site of King Caractacus's final stand against the Roman invasion.
Option 3 - Caer Caradoc & The Lawley
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: Climb Caer Caradoc to take in panoramic views of the area and the iron age fort, followed by the top of the Lawley, before circling back round in the valley and to the house.
Highlight: Taking in some local summits and the extensive iron age fort earthworks on Caer Caradoc.
Option 1 - New Pool Reservoir and into Church Stretton
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: We walk to the New Pool reservoir in the Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton. We then drop back through the valley, taking in views of the valley before looping back through the town and to the house.
Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc from the valley. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like.
Option 2 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Leaving Longmynd House we make our way through Rectory Woods and up the beautiful Townbrook Valley to reach the Long Mynd plateau and its highest point at Pole Bank. We then make our way north along the historic Port Way before descending into the scenic Carding Mill Valley and back to Longmynd House.
Highlight: Relax at the National Trust café in the Carding Mill Valley and enjoy the views of this local beauty spot.
Option 3 - Long Mynd & Marshbrook
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We walk straight from the house to the beautiful Townbrook Hollow to take a stunning but gentle ascent to The Longmynd plateau, following the ancient drovers road of The Portway to the summit of the Longmynd at Pole Bank. Heading down into the hamlet of Minton via the hill of the same name and onto Marshbrook before we head back home via Little Stretton and the lower slopes of The Longmynd.
Highlight: 360 degree views from Pole Bank.
Option 1 - Bromfield to Ludlow
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: From Bromfield we cross the Earl of Plymouth's estate to join field and woodland paths to reach Ludlow Castle. A riverside walk along the 'bread walk' takes us into town.
Highlight: The Ludlow town trail which takes in some of the best sites of this historic town.
Option 2 - Mortimer Forest
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: Leaving from Bromfield we pass through Oakly Park to reach the ancient Mortimer Forest. We then head further into the forest before descending along the secluded Mary Knoll Valley to enter Ludlow via the Ludford Bridge.
Highlight: Ludlow is one of England's finest market towns with its array of black and white timbered buildings, overlooked by an impressive castle.
Option 3 - Mortimer Forest, Overton & Ludlow
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield up and over the wooded slopes of Mortimer Forest and into the village of Overton, where we follow the old coach road to Ludlow.
Highlight: Ludlow is one of England's finest market towns with its array of black and white timbered buildings, overlooked by an impressive castle.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Longmynd Hotel
For rural calm in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, the location of this characterful country house is hard to top. Set in a wooded hillside just a short stroll from the market town of Church Stretton (nicknamed Little Switzerland for its picturesque landscape), you’ll be within walking or driving distance of the Stiperstones, Caer Caradoc, Ironbridge Valley of Invention, and the historic towns of Ludlow and Shrewsbury. And then, of course, there’s the Long Mynd itself – an area of registered common land that has been cared for by a group of farmers (the self-named commoners) who have grazed sheep and ponies here for generations.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Longmynd Hotel has 56 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: For more privacy, the lodges have their own terrace.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Longmynd Hotel
Getting to Longmynd Hotel
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Longmynd Hotel
Cunnery Road
Church Stretton
Shropshire SY6 6AG
Tel: +44 (0)1694 722244
By train
The nearest station is Church Stretton. Although Longmynd Hotel is less than a mile from the station, it is at the top of a steep hill and there is no taxi rank at the station. Taxis are in extremely limited supply in the Church Stretton area and drivers usually come from further afield which is reflected in fares.
Shrewsbury has more choice of trains, and you can take a taxi directly to the house from the station (see below).
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
From Shrewsbury, it’s a 15-mile journey taking 30 to 40 minutes.
Single journeys are approx £45 but please contact Shropshire Cars directly for confirmation.
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended Shrewsbury based company, Shropshire Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi, including your return journey if needed, at least seven days in advance by contacting via WhatsApp or using their App:
WhatsApp: 07379338526
APP STORE:
https://apps.apple.com/app/shropshire-cars/id6578451220
and
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shropshirecars.passengerapp
By car
There’s free car parking at Longmynd Hotel if you decide to drive.
Follow the A49 to Church Stretton. At the traffic lights turn off into town, then at the first junction turn left onto the High Street. Go straight over the mini-roundabout, and then take the next right into Cunnery Road. Follow the road up the steep hill to Longmynd Hotel.
By air
The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.
Trains take about two hours, with a change in Crewe.
You can also fly into London Heathrow airport, but it’ll take at least 4 hours to reach Shrewsbury by train.
National Rail has up-to-date routes and train times.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
Longmynd Hotel Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2025 4 nights |
Christmas
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,115 pp |
from £1,115 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
30 Dec 2025 - 03 Jan 2026 4 nights |
New Year Single from £1,009 Double from £1,009 pp |
from £1,009 pp |
from £1,009 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
98Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More