A Shropshire Way Guided Trail Holiday
Established in 1980, the Shropshire Way was the work of the local Ramblers Association and was intended to link the Cheshire Sandstone Way with Offa’s Dyke Path. As its popularity grew, so did its length, and new loops and links were added until 2016 when an official 182-mile 15-stage main route was established. Starting just south of Shrewsbury and ending in Ludlow, this trip takes in five of the best stages of this much-loved walking trail. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll journey through miles of unspoilt countryside and discover the fascinating history of the Welsh Marches through its ruined Norman Castles, medieval towns, and unique geology.
What you’ll love
- Small group sizes with a maximum of 15 guests per departure
- Hearing about the unique geology of the region
- Learning about the history of this border area
- Soaking up stunning views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside
- Visiting the highlights of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape
- Spending time in historic Ludlow
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Ascent:1,000ft (300m)
Starting at Lyth Hill Country Park, we’ll follow the rope walk along the crest of a hill said to be the setting that inspired the works of English Romance novelist, Mary Webb, who was once resident here. Along the way, we can admire panoramic views across the surrounding hills and plains of Shropshire.
We’ll follow field paths and green lanes before ascending Wilderley Hill to reach the ancient Portway. Leaving the Portway we descend through the pretty Golden Valley and follow the Darnford Brook to the hamlet of Bridges.
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,700 (520m)
Starting at Snailbeach, we’ll ascend through the remains of historic lead mines to reach the iconic Stiperstones ridge with its stunning views of Long Mynd to the east and the Cambrian mountains of Wales to the west. The Cambrian Quartzite rocks on the ridge become more evident and rougher underfoot as we head south, passing the ‘Devil’s Chair’ and other craggy outcrops to reach Nipstone Rock.
Our next destination is the brow of Linley Hill after which the terrain becomes gentler as we descend along the famous tree lined avenue known as Linley Beeches. Quiet lanes and field paths then take us to the hamlet of More with its rich history including the remains of a 12th century motte and bailey earthwork. We’ll continue onwards to Bishop’s Castle, a small quirky town with a fascinating history.
Discover more about Longmynd House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,750 ft (540m)
Leaving Bishop’s Castle past the quirky ‘zipped up’ houses, we’ll head towards Reilth Top before descending steeply to reach a wooded valley walk to Churchtown. Here, the Shropshire Way joins with Offa’s Dyke Path, and we’ll follow an undulating route along one of the best-preserved sections of the 8th century earthworks which formed the 149-mile-long Offa’s Dyke, to Hergan.
Our next destination is the summit of the Cefns with its panoramic views of the Clun Valley. From here we’ll follow the ridgeline as it descends to the beautiful village of Clun, with its packhorse bridge and ruins of a Norman Castle.
Distance:11.5 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,600ft (480m)
Today’s walk takes in remote valleys and two of the region’s finest Iron Age Forts. Leaving Clun, the ‘Way’ ascends to Bury Ditches hill fort, passing through the ramparts before continuing onwards through Walcot Wood with its huge oaks. Eventually we’ll descend into the ancient and picturesque village of Hopesay.
From here we’ll ascend Hopesay Hill from which we’ll get our first glimpse of Craven Arms and the Onny Valley. Following field paths, the ‘Way’ gently descends towards Craven Arms and Stokesay Castle. Built in the 13th century, it is widely regarded as the best example of a fortified manor house in the country (English Heritage).
Distance: 10.6 miles (17km)
Ascent: 500ft (160m)
From the Shopshire Hills Discovery Centre we’ll cross the River Onny and ascend to the small village of Aldon along what is reputed to have been a coffin road. From there, the ‘Way’ descends into the wooded ‘dene’ of Aldon Gutter which soon converges with Brandhill Gutter (a Shropshire term for a stream in a deep valley). Through the trees we will catch glimpses of Stokesay Court - best known as the location for the 2007 Oscar winning film ‘Atonement’.
We’ll continue along quiet lanes and field paths to the village of Bromfield with its old mill on the River Teme. From here we’ll approach Ludlow along a private estate road (Oakly Park). As we near the town we are rewarded with impressive views of Ludlow Castle. We enter the historic town of Ludlow, across Dinham Bridge. Once described by English poet and writer Sir John Betjeman, as ‘the loveliest town in England’, Ludlow, with its striking Norman castle, half-timbered buildings, historic church and cafes, is a wonderful place to end our exploration of The Shropshire Way
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Longmynd Hotel
For rural calm in the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, 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.
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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
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
- Walking poles
Longmynd Hotel Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
17 Apr - 24 Apr 2026 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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|
12 Jun - 19 Jun 2026 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
11 Sep - 18 Sep 2026 7 nights |
Guided Trail Single from £1,369 £1,319 Double from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
from £1,299 £1,249 pp |
from £1,369 £1,319 |
Save £50 Per Person |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | ||
|
25 Sep - 02 Oct 2026 7 nights |
Guided Trail
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
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7 nights
from
£1,299pp
£1,249pp
£50 off 7-nt country house holidays
or call 020 3974 8865
175Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
