4 Night Shropshire Hills New Year Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
Spend the festive season in Shropshire and head out on winter walks that take you through the Carding Mill Valley and to villages and towns full of history and heritage. And when you’re not busy enjoying the wintry scenery of this National Landscape, cosy up in Longmynd House – our Grade II-listed property set in a wooded hillside just a short stroll from the 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 welcome in the New Year with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a gentle 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 New Year’s Eve
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 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.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
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 original site of Carding Mill which has a history that dates back to the 13th century.
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 Hotel
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 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
For pricing, please contact Me2You Cars directly.
Me2You Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended Shrewsbury based company, Me2You Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi, including your return journey if needed, at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1743 537644 or 07791 670110
Email: danielle@me2youcars.com
*Me2You Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
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
- First-aid kit
Longmynd Hotel 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 | ||||||||
|
30 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 4 nights |
Festive Gentle Walks Single from £1,139 Double from £939 pp |
from £939 pp |
from £1,139 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
