Geology and Walking in the Shropshire Hills

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Follow peaceful valleys onto the Long Mynd, where ancient rocks and panoramic views reveal the story of this distinctive landscape. 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10 km) 

Ascent: 1,300 feet (395 m) 

From Longmynd House, we’ll follow the winding Townbrook Valley onto the Long Mynd plateau and climb to its highest point at Pole Bank. Here, far-reaching views across Shropshire and Mid Wales set the scene for the week ahead. We’ll examine some of England’s oldest rocks, look for unusual fossils and consider how deep valleys such as Townbrook and Carding Mill were formed. After following the historic Port Way northwards, we’ll descend through Carding Mill Valley, passing the picturesque Lightspout Waterfall. 

If time allows, there will be an optional walk towards Little Stretton for a fine view of the Stretton Valley and Church Stretton Fault.

Optional walk: 2.5 miles (4 km) 

Ascent: 590 feet (180 m)  

Explore the wooded hills around Craven Arms, search for fossils among the Silurian limestone and pass historic Stokesay Castle. 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5 km) 

Ascent: 1,100 feet (335 m) 

Starting at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, we’ll climb gradually through fields and woodland to View Edge. This classic limestone escarpment offers rewarding views and the chance to look for fossils dating from the Silurian period. From its crest, we’ll trace the limestone ridge towards Wenlock Edge and Ludlow, and consider how its distinctive curved shape was formed. We’ll then descend through the peaceful Brandhill Gutter and join the Shropshire Way, returning via Aldon and the impressive Stokesay Castle. 

Discover more about Longmynd House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

Climb Caer Caradoc to discover ancient volcanic rocks, striking tors and sweeping views across the Stretton Valley. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15 km) 

Ascent: 1,700 feet (520 m) 

From Longmynd House, we’ll cross the Stretton Valley before climbing steeply to the summit of Caer Caradoc. Its dramatic tors, Iron Age hillfort and bird’s-eye views over the Long Mynd make this a rewarding high point. We’ll examine the hill’s Precambrian volcanic rocks and consider how they relate to the ancient rocks on the opposite side of the Church Stretton Fault. After descending through the hamlet of Comley, where rare Cambrian rocks can be found, we’ll follow the foot of Caer Caradoc and return along country lanes through All Stretton. An illustrated evening talk will provide an overview of the geology of South Shropshire. 

Walk along the atmospheric Stiperstones ridge, discover how its dramatic tors were formed and uncover the area’s mining heritage. 

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5 km) 

Ascent: 1,270 feet (390 m) 

We’ll begin at Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age stone circle, set beneath Corndon Hill, before following paths and tracks to The Bog, once an important centre for lead mining. From here, we’ll climb onto the Stiperstones and follow its rugged ridge past a succession of striking rocky tors. Along the way, we’ll examine sedimentary and volcanic rocks, look for evidence of past glacial conditions and piece together the environment that existed here more than 450 million years ago. We’ll finish by descending through the atmospheric remains of the former Snailbeach lead mine. 

Walk through peaceful woodland to historic Ludlow and discover why the town’s name is recognised by geologists around the world. 

Distance: 8 miles (13 km) 

Ascent: 1,200 feet (365 m) 

Beginning at Bromfield, near the River Teme, we’ll cross the Oakly Park estate and climb into Mortimer Forest. Here, we’ll search for characteristic fossils and learn how features preserved in rocks help geologists divide Earth’s long history into different periods. We’ll also visit the site of the Ludlow Bone Bed and explore how the Ludlow Anticline has shaped the surrounding landscape. The route continues through the wooded Mary Knoll Valley and the ancient hamlet of Ludford before following The Bread Walk beside the River Teme. Fine views of Ludlow and its castle accompany our approach to the town across Dinham Bridge.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.