4 Night Shropshire Hills Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
There's something idyllic about the Shropshire Hills, the so-called 'Little Switzerland' covering almost a quarter of the county. Every footstep on this gentle guided walking holiday rewards with gorgeous views; from ruined castles folded into hillsides and rare wildlife roaming the upland heaths to postcard-worthy market towns and villages perched on the River Severn.
What you’ll love
- Discovering a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on foot
- Soaking up views of grass-topped hills and untouched woodland
- Visiting picturesque market towns and villages
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Staying at Longmynd House in Church Stretton
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our 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 different-grade daily walks
- 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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Little Wenlock to Ironbridge
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 100 feet (40m)
In summary: We meander through the Shropshire countryside before arriving in the Severn Gorge to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Highlight: There's time to explore the quaint riverside town of Ironbridge.
Option 2 - Little Wenlock to Ironbridge via Coalbrookedale
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 350 feet (100m)
In summary: Walking from Little Wenlock, we take in Coalbrookedale before dropping into the village of Ironbridge.
Highlight: There's time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Option 3 - Around the Wrekin to Ironbridge
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In summary: Our walk takes us around the lower slopes of the iconic Wrekin, along tracks through the ancient Royal Hunting Forest, and through beautiful countryside, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Ironbridge Gorge.
Highlight: The quirky shops, pubs and cafes, not forgetting the antique centre in a world-famous Teddy Bear Factory, in the beautiful riverside town of Ironbridge.
Option 1 - Cwmdale Spring & Carding Mill Valley
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: From Longmynd House we walk through Rectory fields, we pass Montgomery Waters spring, before then exploring the start of the famous Carding Mill Valley. We then walk through the town of Church Stretton, before making our walk back to Longmynd House.
Highlight: A tea stop in the National Trust cafe in Carding Mill Valley.
Option 2 - Cwmdale and Carding Mill Valley Reservoir Circuit
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In summary: This route takes in Cwmdale, heading to the edge of Nover's Hill, before traversing around to the Carding Mill Valley and up to New Pool Reservoir.
Highlight: The unusual pre-Cambrian fossils near New Pool Reservoir
Option 3 - Below The Stretton Hills and The Carding Mill Valley
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In summary: This walks contours round the Stretton hills of Hazler Hill and Hemleth Hill. Before then taking in the famous Carding Mill Valley and walking around the New Pool Reservoir.
Highlight: Stop for a tea break in the National Trust Carding Mill Valley.
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 - Shropshire Way, Bromfield & Ludlow
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Starting from close to Bromfield, we follow a section of the Shropshire Way trail today as we explore the Shropshire countryside making our way to the town of Ludlow. We should finish with time to explore Ludlow.
Highlight: Time to explore Ludlow, described by John Betjeman as "probably the loveliest town in England"
Option 3 - Bromfield, The Mortimer Trail & Ludlow
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield, we head into the lower areas of the Mortimer Forest, along the Mortimer Trail. Before looping around and heading into the town of 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 House
For rural calm in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 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 House has 51 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, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Room 16 for its four-poster bed, separate seating area, and lovely views. Room 44 has a small balcony and outdoor eating area overlooking the heather-clad rise on the far side of the valley. 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 |
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 House
Getting to Longmynd House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Longmynd House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
13 May - 17 May 2024 4 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £699 £654 pp |
from £699 £654 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £45 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
19 Aug - 23 Aug 2024 4 nights |
Gentle Walks Single from £699 £639 Double from £699 £639 pp |
from £699 £639 pp |
from £699 £639 |
Save £60 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
4 nights
from
£699pp
£639pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
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