7 Night Shropshire Hills Walking with Sightseeing Holiday
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
- Walking along parts of the Shropshire Way
- Admiring Stokesay Castle, England's best-preserved medieval manor house
- Discovering the historic market towns of Shrewsbury and Ludlow
- Exploring Carding Mill Valley, once known as “Little Switzerland”
- Staying in our country house in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
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 - 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.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Total ascent: 350ft (100m)
Our day begins in the market town of Welshpool, where we start our walk by heading south along the restored Montgomery Canal. Part of the Shropshire Union canal system, it was built in stages at the end of the 18th century to link Mid-Wales to the rest of the canal network.
Upon reaching Belan Locks, we cross fields and follow lanes to reach Powis Castle, seat of the Earl of Powis, where we’ll have time to explore the medieval building and the garden terraces below.
On our homeward journey we’ll stop at the Stiperstones to soak up the views of the surrounding countryside. There is also the option of enjoying a short stroll along the southern edge of the reserve.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Total ascent: 250ft (80m)
Distance covered is spread over two walks
Arriving in the Market town of Much Wenlock, birthplace of the modern Olympics, your walk leader will take you on a town tour where you’ll discover its notable historic attractions, including the Priory, where we’ll have time to explore.
After lunch we’ll travel to Ironbridge, named for its cast iron bridge built in 1779. We’ll visit Blists Hill Victorian Town, an open-air museum where we’ll experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian Shropshire town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, we’ll walk along the River Severn for a visit to the bridge itself.
Discover more about Longmynd House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 1,050ft (320m)
A walk direct from the doorstep of the house, this route allows us to learn some of the town’s interesting history as we make our way to Cwmdale, a short, dry valley with a spring at its base. We traverse around to the Carding Mill Valley, once marketed as “Little Switzerland”, and begin our ascent to New Pool Reservoir, a 12-million-gallon reservoir built in 1902 to support Church Stretton’s aspirations of growth as a fashionable spa town. We return to the house by Rectory Wood which was once described as the most relaxing location in England.
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Total ascent: 300ft (100m)
From the Saxon hamlet of Bromfield, we cross the Earl of Plymouth's estate, following field and woodland paths to one of the finest medieval ruins in England, Ludlow Castle.
We’ll have time to explore the castle and learn about its colourful history, before continuing our journey with a riverside stroll along the 'breadwalk', so called because the men who landscaped it were paid in bread, into the heart of the market town.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Total ascent: 200ft (60m)
We start today at the 12th century Haughmond Abbey, where we’ll have a chance to take in the remains of its abbot’s quarter, refectory and cloister situated on the wooded hillside.
Our walk takes us through countryside, passing alongside Haughmond Hill, a major recreational site for the people of Shrewsbury, and picking up a path by the River Severn into the town centre. Once in Shrewsbury you will have time to explore some of its many visitor attractions, including Shrewsbury Abbey, Castle and Prison (now decommissioned).
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
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. We recommend bringing some cash with you for any entrance fees to sites you wish to visit.
2024 prices
|
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
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
02 May - 09 May 2025 7 nights |
Sightseeing Walk
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,089 pp |
from £1,089 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
08 Aug - 15 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Sightseeing Walk Single from £1,239 Double from £1,239 pp |
from £1,239 pp |
from £1,239 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
169Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
