7 Night Shropshire Hills Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
Spend the festive season in Shropshire and head out on winter walks that explore this much-loved AONB. And when you’re not busy enjoying the wintry scenery of the Shropshire Hills, 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 step into Christmas with HF Holidays.
What you’ll love
- Getting into the festive spirit with a 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 AONB
- Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
- A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and 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 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.
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 - 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 - Mortimer Forest
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.
Option 3 - Mortimer Forest, Overton & Ludlow
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield up and over the wooded slopes of Mortimer Forest and into the village of Overton, where we follow the old coach road to 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.
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 - Caer Caradoc & The Lawley
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: Climb Caer Caradoc to take in panoramic views of the area and the iron age fort, followed by the top of the Lawley, before circling back round in the valley and to the house.
Highlight: Taking in some local summits and the extensive iron age fort earthworks on Caer Caradoc.
Option 1 - New Pool Reservoir and into Church Stretton
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: We walk to the New Pool reservoir in the Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton. We then drop back through the valley, taking in views of the valley before looping back through the town and to the house.
Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc from the valley. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like.
Option 2 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
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.
Option 3 - Long Mynd & Marshbrook
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We walk straight from the house to the beautiful Townbrook Hollow to take a stunning but gentle ascent to The Longmynd plateau, following the ancient drovers road of The Portway to the summit of the Longmynd at Pole Bank. Heading down into the hamlet of Minton via the hill of the same name and onto Marshbrook before we head back home via Little Stretton and the lower slopes of The Longmynd.
Highlight: 360 degree views from Pole Bank.
The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
Option 1 - Little Stretton and Ragdon
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs around the Hazler and Helmeth hills .
Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton, Long Mynd and The Gaerstone.
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: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
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.
Option 1 - Wyke to Blists Hill
Distance: 4½ miles (7½km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (140m)
In summary: From the hamlet of Wyke we follow the Shropshire Way through to the United Nations World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Highlight: The Ironbridge, which is the first single span road bridge in the world constructed of iron.
Option 2 - Much Wenlock to Ironbridge
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Total ascent: 550 feet (160m)
In summary: Walk from Much Wenlock onto Benthall Edge and down into the Severn Gorge to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Highlight: There's time to explore the quaint riverside town of Ironbridge.
Option 3 - Wenlock Edge to Ironbridge
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: Walk along the famous Wenlock Edge into the market town of Much Wenlock. We then follow the Jack Mytton Way to view Benthall Hall and onwards to Ironbridge.
Highlight: The views to the South Shropshire Hills and beyond.
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 Stretton and Ragdon
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs around the Hazler and Helmeth hills .
Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton, Long Mynd and The Gaerstone.
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: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
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.
Option 1 - Wyke to Blists Hill
Distance: 4½ miles (7½km)
Total ascent: 500 feet (140m)
In summary: From the hamlet of Wyke we follow the Shropshire Way through to the United Nations World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Highlight: The Ironbridge, which is the first single span road bridge in the world constructed of iron.
Option 2 - Much Wenlock to Ironbridge
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Total ascent: 550 feet (160m)
In summary: Walk from Much Wenlock onto Benthall Edge and down into the Severn Gorge to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge.
Highlight: There's time to explore the quaint riverside town of Ironbridge.
Option 3 - Wenlock Edge to Ironbridge
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: Walk along the famous Wenlock Edge into the market town of Much Wenlock. We then follow the Jack Mytton Way to view Benthall Hall and onwards to Ironbridge.
Highlight: The views to the South Shropshire Hills and beyond.
Discover more about Longmynd House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Option 1 - New Pool Reservoir and into Church Stretton
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: We walk to the New Pool reservoir in the Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton. We then drop back through the valley, taking in views of the valley before looping back through the town and to the house.
Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc from the valley. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like.
Option 2 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
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.
Option 3 - Long Mynd & Marshbrook
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We walk straight from the house to the beautiful Townbrook Hollow to take a stunning but gentle ascent to The Longmynd plateau, following the ancient drovers road of The Portway to the summit of the Longmynd at Pole Bank. Heading down into the hamlet of Minton via the hill of the same name and onto Marshbrook before we head back home via Little Stretton and the lower slopes of The Longmynd.
Highlight: 360 degree views from Pole Bank.
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 - Caer Caradoc & The Lawley
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: Climb Caer Caradoc to take in panoramic views of the area and the iron age fort, followed by the top of the Lawley, before circling back round in the valley and to the house.
Highlight: Taking in some local summits and the extensive iron age fort earthworks on Caer Caradoc.
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 - Mortimer Forest
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.
Option 3 - Mortimer Forest, Overton & Ludlow
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield up and over the wooded slopes of Mortimer Forest and into the village of Overton, where we follow the old coach road to 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 30 Dec 2023 7 nights |
Christmas
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,359 pp |
from £1,359 pp |
Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
27 Dec 2023 - 03 Jan 2024 7 nights |
New Year
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,229 pp |
from £1,229 pp |
Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
23 Dec - 30 Dec 2024 7 nights |
Christmas Single from £1,425 Double from £1,425 pp |
from £1,425 pp |
from £1,425 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
27 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025 7 nights |
New Year Single from £1,289 Double from £1,289 pp |
from £1,289 pp |
from £1,289 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||