4 Night Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Holiday

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.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)

In summary: Starting with a visit to the pretty village of Little Stretton, we tackle a sharp ascent to the summit of Ragleth Hill, where we are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views. Following the grassy ridge to its northern end, we head down to Chelmick Valley and the village of Hope Bowdler before returning to Longmynd House via the lower slopes of Hope Bowdler Hill and Helmeth Hill.

Highlight: Panoramic 360 degree views from Ragleth Hill (which can be seen clearly from the dining room at Longmynd House) across Shropshire and beyond.

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)

In summary: Walking through the pretty village of Little Stretton we cross the valley to make a sharp ascent to the summit of Ragleth Hill. We follow its grassy ridge northwards before descending to Chelmick valley and the village of Hope Bowdler. We then ascend steadily across Hope Bowdler Hill to reach Willstone Hill and the famous Battle Stones from where we return to Longmynd House via the Gaer Stone and lower slopes of Helmeth Hill.

Highlight: The much photographed natural rocky outcrops of the Battles Stones and the Gaer Stone.

Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)

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"

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.

Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 1650 feet (500m)

In summary: Our route follows field paths through rolling countryside before ascending to the Mortimer Forest and its highest point, High Vinnals. Continuing through the forest we descend towards the River Teme. Following the Bread Walk along the riverside, we enter the town via Dinham Bridge.

Highlight: Enjoy fine views and Ludlow and its castle.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Our route follows the beautiful Darnford Valley, then the ancient Port Way heads over the Betchcott Hills to cross the Long Mynd plateau, before descending via Haddon Hill and the golf course, one of the highest in England, and return to the house.

Highlight: Enjoy the tranquility of the Darnford and Golden Valleys, the latter aptly named from the vibrant colour of the dwarf gorse bushes lining its slopes.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)

In summary: Cross Gatten Hill, then ascend steadily along Darnford Valley to reach the ancient Port Way, cross the Long Mynd ridge and head to Church Stretton close to Bodbury Hill.

Highlight: The heather-clad ridge of the Long Mynd dominates the skyline. Enjoy the extensive views as you cross the ridge and descend towards Church Stretton.

Distance: 13 miles (20.5km)

Ascent: 2,150 feet (660m)

In summary: Follow the Shropshire Way from the village of Church Pulverbatch over Wilderley Hill. Our route passes by the village of Ratlinghope and along the Darnford Valley to reach the Port Way and Long Mynd from where we descend via Haddon Hill and the golf course, overlooking the ever popular Carding Mill Valley, to Church Stretton.

Highlight: On a clear day you'll enjoy sweeping views across Shropshire and the Welsh hills.

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.

Distance: 7.0 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (430m)

In summary: Walking north along the base of The Longmynd, we pass the source of the famous Stretton Mineral Water to ascend steadily to Plush Hill and onto the ancient drover road known as The Portway. Walking along the heather moorland on the ridge of The Longmynd itself and then descending into Carding Mill valley before heading home to Longmynd House.

Highlight: Descending into Carding Mill Valley, the most famous valley in South Shropshire.

Distance:  10 miles (16.5km)  

Total ascent: 2050 feet (620m)

In summary: Leaving from Longmynd House we head through the amazing Ashes Hollow Valley and take in the summit of Pole Bank. We then carry on heading towards All Stretton taking in Cwmdale and return to the house via Carding Mill.

Highlight: Take in multiple valleys on this walk.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9.0km)

Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: Leaving the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, we ascend through beautiful woods to the Iron Age Hill Fort of Norton Camp, renowned for its double rampart and ditch and spectacular views across to the Clee Hills (the highest point in Shropshire). We then descend through woodland to the Onny Valley and follow field paths to Stokesay Castle (the finest Medieval fortified Manor House in the Country) and back to the Discovery Centre.

Highlight: Norton Camp and a chance to visit Stokesay Castle (English Heritage).

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.0 km)

Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: We follow a riverside path northwards along the Onny Valley, before heading west across field paths and lanes to Cheney Longville, with its 14^th century manor house.  Ascending through woods we reach the site of a small Iron Age fortified homestead at Wart Hill from where there are impressive views. Our route then traverses Hopesay Common before picking up the Shropshire Way back to Craven Arms.

Highlight: Views from Wart Hill and Hopesay Common.

Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)

Total Ascent: 1440 feet (440m)

In summary: Heading west across fields and through woods along sections of the Shropshire Way, we pass Sibdon Castle (built in the 1600s) to reach Hopesay Common (National Trust). We then turn north across the Common to reach the site of a small fortified homestead at Wart Hill. Continuing through woodland, we descend to the Onny Valley where we pick up the Onny Trail (which follows the line of the doomed Bishops Castle railway) back to Craven Arms.

Highlights: Wart Hill and the Onny Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)

In summary: Starting on the quiet west side of Long Mynd, at the village of Wentnor we head north along field paths, lanes and an ancient track across Adstone Hill before turning west across the Long Mynd plateau. Our descent takes us down the beautiful Townbrook Valley and through Rectory Woods to reach Longmynd House.

Highlight: Crossing the famous Long Mynd plateau from west to east with stunning views throughout.

Distance:  8.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 1350 feet (420m)

In summary: From Hamperley we pass Priors Holt (the Shropshire residence of author Malcolm Saville), ascend Churchmoor Hill with wide ranging views, and follow forestry tracks to the Southern end of the Long Mynd. Passing the gliding club clubhouse we may stop for refreshment there. Continuing North on the Long Mynd we pass Pole Cottage enclosure and reach the summit of Pole Bank. Our descent route is also down Townbrook Valley to Rectory Woods and Longmynd House.

Highlight: Walking along the much less visited Southern end of the Long Mynd with wide ranging views..

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 1800 feet (550m)

In summary: From the pretty village of Norbury we pass through pastoral fields to join the Shropshire Way up Linley Hill. There are fine views West across to the Southern end of the Stiperstones ridge and to the East the Western flank of the whale-like Long Mynd.  Further field and woodland paths take us to the Southern end of Adstone Hill.  From here we pass Coates Farm and ascend the Long Mynd to Pole Bank summit. Return to Longmynd House is a route skirting Yearlet Hill and crossing Ashlet Hill.

Highlight: We walk through the famous avenue of Linley Beeches planted in 1740 by local MP Robert More on Linley Hill

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.

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)

In summary: Head to the top of the Long Mynd via Townbrook Valley. We then head south along the ridge to Minton Hill, before returning to our country house via the village of Little Stretton.

Highlight: The beautiful Townbrook Valley and Long Mynd plateau with its 360 degree panoramic views.

Distance: 12 miles (19km)

Ascent: 2,450 feet (740m)

In summary: Our walks heads out towards Little Stretton before ascending Long Mynd via Callow Hill to reach its highest point at Pole Bank. We then descend the western slopes to Adstone Hill before returning over the Long Mynd and down Townbrook Valley to Church Stretton.

Highlight: The ascent via Callow Hill to Pole Bank is less frequented and gives extensive far reaching views.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Total ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

In summary: Walk from the village of Aston on Clun to Craven Arms. On the way we'll discover the historic 13th Century church at Hopesay, soak up the views from Hopesay Hill, and visit Stokesay Castle. 

Highlight: Stokesay Castle is a real gem; a 13th Century fortifed manor house that was beseiged during the English Civil War.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Total ascent: 1,500 feet (460m) 

In summary: From Clunton walk over Merry Hill to join the Shropshire Way. We continue past the pretty village of Hopesay to Stokesay Castle then beside the River Teme to Craven Arms. 

Highlight: Explore the tranquil landscape of the Clun Valley. In the words of AE Housman, "Clunton and Clunbury, Clungunford and Clun, are the quietest places under the sun." 

Distance: 11½ miles (18km) 

Total ascent: 1,900 feet (575m) 

In summary: From Clunton walk through Steppleknoll Wood and then on to Bury Ditches Hill Fort. We continue past the pretty village of Hopesay to Stokesay and the Craven Arms. 

Highlight: Explore the tranquil landscape of the Clun Valley and Bury Ditches Hill Fort.

Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: From Bromfield our route takes us through Oakly Park to the ancient Mortimer Forest. We then descend towards Ludlow and follow the historic Bread Walk alongside the River Teme before exploring this historic town.

Highlight: Ludlow, a historic market town described by John Betjeman as ‘probably the loveliest town in England’. 

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.

Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 1650 feet (500m)

In summary: Our route follows field paths through rolling countryside before ascending to the Mortimer Forest and its highest point, High Vinnals. Continuing through the forest we descend towards the River Teme. Following the Bread Walk along the riverside, we enter the town via Dinham Bridge.

Highlight: Enjoy fine views and Ludlow and its castle.