4 Night Shropshire Hills Tread Lightly Guided Walking Holiday

Explore the best landscapes the Shropshire Hills have to offer with walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house. With no need for transport, our tread lightly holidays are kinder to the environment and help minimise your carbon footprint. Offering maximum freedom and flexibility, leaders can adjust walk times to suit weather windows and there’s no need to call time at the café or pub to rush back for a coach.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the immense beauty of the Shropshire Hills on foot
- Soaking up views of grass-topped hills and untouched woodland
- Learning more about this National Landscape
- Enjoying walking routes with your experienced HF Holidays Leader
- 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 guided walks (on walking days)
- 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.
Gallery
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.
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 - The Lawley and Caer Caradoc
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: A walk that takes in the iconic Caer Caradoc, with on its summit the earthworks of an iron age fort. Followed by ascending the Lawley to walk its fine ridge before heading back west to traverse the lower slopes of the Long Mynd to return to Longmynd House.
Highlight: Walking the ridge of the Lawley providing extensive views.
Option 1 - Townbrook & Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6.7 miles (10.7km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (410m)
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: Panoramic views from Pole Bank across Shropshire, mid Wales and beyond.
Option 2 - Callow Hill & Pole Bank
Distance: 10.4 miles (16.8km)
Ascent: 2,175 feet (665m)
In summary: This walk explores Plush Hill and the ancient drover road known as The Portway whilst going through the most famous valley in South Shropshire.
Highlight: Look out for the Timuli/round barrows on The Portway – they may be either burial mounds or even route markers used by Neolithic traders. On the summit of Pole Bank, the highest point of the Long Mynd valley, you will be rewarded with magnificent views.
Option 3 - Callow Hill, Pole Bank & Adstone Hill
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.
Option 1 - 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.
Option 2 - Ragleth Hill & Chelmick
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.
Option 3 - Ragleth Hill, Chelmick and Hope Bowdler Hill
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.
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.
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 | ||||||||
03 Mar - 07 Mar 2025 4 nights |
Tread Lightly
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
14 Apr - 18 Apr 2025 4 nights |
Tread Lightly Single from £779 £629 Double from £659 £509 pp |
from £659 £509 pp |
from £779 £629 |
Spring Savings £150 Off Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
28 Jul - 01 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Tread Lightly Single from £709 Double from £709 pp |
from £709 pp |
from £709 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
20 Oct - 24 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Tread Lightly Single from £659 Double from £659 pp |
from £659 pp |
from £659 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
10 Nov - 14 Nov 2025 4 nights |
Tread Lightly Single from £559 Double from £559 pp |
from £559 pp |
from £559 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now |
4 nights
from
£559pp
£509pp
Spring Savings
or call 020 3974 8865

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