4 Night Shropshire Hills Walking with Sightseeing Holiday

Ludlow Castle and the River Teme, Shropshire, Shropshire, England, UK
Duration: 4 nights
Type: Walking with sightseeing
Walking Grade: 1

These holidays offer a perfect mix of short, guided walks (4-5 miles), combined with time spent sightseeing. Visit a selection of standout highlights in the Shropshire Hills with hassle-free coach travel and the help of an HF Holidays Leader.

What you’ll love

  • Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ironbridge Gorge
  • Discovering the historic market town of Ludlow
  • Exploring Carding Mill Valley, once known as “Little Switzerland”
  • Stunning views of the Shropshire Hills
  • Staying in our country house in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape

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 walks and sightseeing visits with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks and sites of interest 
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

    Please note - 

    Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See more information tab for details.

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

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 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.


See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running

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 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 - Onibury to Craven Arms

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km) 

Total ascent: 350 feet (100m) 

In summary: This walks leaves from Onibury and heads to the town of Craven Arms. The walk passes through pleasant field paths and woodland tracks before reaching the historic Stokesay Castle. From there it carries on to Craven Arms and to the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.

Highlight: Stokesay Castle, the best preserved medieval manor house in England.

Option 2 - Three Woods and Stokesay Castle

Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: This walk leaves from the village of Craven arms, taking in the surrounding Shropshire countryside and the river Onny. There is also chance to see Stokesay Castle before returning to allow time to explore the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.

Highlight: Discover Stokesay Castle and the Shropshire Hills Discovery centre

Option 3 - Aston on Clun & Stokesay

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.


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

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Getting to Longmynd Hotel

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

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 

Please note

We have a Gentle Guided Walking holiday running alongside your Walking with Sightseeing holiday. This means that each day you will also be able to choose from not only the Walking with Sightseeing itinerary detailed here in your trip notes, but from an additional 1-2 walks options too. Those on the Gentle Guided Walking programme running alongside will have this option as well – of opting for either of their scheduled walks, or choosing the Walking with Sightseeing programme scheduled that day.

Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have National Trust (NT) or English Heritage (EH) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you.

Approx. cost of entrance fees

3 night holiday

4 night holiday

7 night holiday

NT & EH members

£11

£46

£57

NT members

£23

£46

£69

EH members

£11

£46

£57

No memberships

£23

£46

£69

Longmynd Hotel Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Guest reviews

Duration:
4 nights
Type:
Walking with sightseeing
Walking Grade:
1

Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 109Kg of CO₂e

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