4-Night Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Holiday
Nicknamed “Little Switzerland”, the rolling hills around Church Stretton offer fabulous views in all directions. We have great walks right on our doorstep, including the shapely hill of Caer Caradoc, and the great moorland ridge of the Long Mynd. Be inspired by the history of this border county, and the charm of storied towns such as Much Wenlock, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games. Discover Iron Age hill forts, castles, and medieval market towns as you explore the beautiful Shropshire countryside.
Holiday Highlights
- Head out on full day walks to discover the varied beauty of the Shropshire Hills on foot
- Admire panoramic sloping countryside, river views and stunning villages where ever you walk
- Let a local leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life
- Enjoy magnificent scenery
- Visit charming Shropshire towns and villages
- Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the rich history in this region
- A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England’s most beautiful walking areas
- Discover what makes the Shropshire so special from the old, picturesque towns to the quiet, peaceful hilltops
- Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day’s adventures
What’s included
- High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- 3 days guided walking
- Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
- Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
- The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders
Trip Notes
Trip notes are detailed, downloadable PDF’s for each holiday, please click the button below to find the right trip notes for your departure date.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Hope Bowdler & Helmeth Wood
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
Summary: Starting from the house we ascend gently up to the ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill before heading into the valley between this hill and Caer Caradoc, finally heading back to The House via the lovely woodland that covers Helmeth Hill and the chance for a stroll around the lovely town of Church Stretton itself.
Highlight: Stunning views in all directions from the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill.
Option 2 - Ragleth Hill & Chelmick
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
Summary: Start the day with a walk to the interesting village of Little Stretton then a sharp ascent to the summit of Ragleth and a lovely walk along the grassy ridge. Head down into the valley and on to the village of Hope Bowdler before skirting around the lower slopes of the hill of the same name and onto Church Stretton with a chance to explore this ancient market town.
Highlight: The views south and across to The Longmynd from the summit of Ragleth.
Option 3 - Ragleth Hill, Chelmick and Hope Bowdler Hill
Distance: 10 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
In Summary: Starting with a walk into Little Stretton before ascending the hill seen so clearly from the dining room at Longmynd House, Ragleth. Then we head to the hamlet of Chelmick taking a steady ascent to the ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill, with time for a look at The Battlestone. After waking along the ridge we descend into Church Stretton and back to Longmynd House.
Highlight: The views in all directions on Ragleth and Hope Bowdler ridges.
Option 1 - Beneath the Stiperstones
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In Summary: Follow an undulating route over the rolling Shropshire hills to The Bog visitor centre, then skirt round Stiperstones, a very distinctive hill crowned with quartzite scree.
Highlight: Discover the area's rich history as you explore a Bronze Age stone circle and learn about the area's lead and baryte mines.
Option 2 - The Stiperstones Ridge
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In Summary: Discover the Mitchell’s Fold stone circle, then walk over Mucklewick Hill to Nipstone Rock, then traverse the full Stiperstones ridge.
Highlight: Mitchell's Fold is a Bronze Age stone circle set in dramatic moorland. Hear about its legends as we start this fabulous walk.
Option 3 - Stapeley Hill & the Stiperstones
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Total ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
In Summary: A longer route that explores Stapeley Hill and the rolling Shropshire countryside, before traversing the length of the rugged Stiperstones ridge.
Highlight: The final stretch along the spectacular Stiperstones Ridge is simply fantastic with panoramic views over the Shropshire and Welsh countryside.
Option 1 - Townbrook & Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6½ miles (10½km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In Summary: From Townbrook Valley, on our doorstep, a steady ascent leads to the heather moorland of the Long Mynd and its summit, Pole Bank. We descend down the highly scenic Carding Mill Valley.
Highlight: Relax at the National Trust café in the Carding Mill Valley and enjoy the views of this local beauty spot.
Option 2 - Along the Long Mynd
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: Head to the top of the Long Mynd via Townbrook Valley. We then head south along the ridge to Minton Hill, before returning to our country house via the village of Little Stretton.
Highlight: The great ridge of the Long Mynd rises behind our country house, offering miles of outstanding walking. Soak up the panoramic views over the Gliding Station and Welsh Borderlands.
Option 3 - Over the Ridge to Adstone Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Total ascent: 2,500 feet (760m)
In Summary: This figure of eight walk first ascends Pole Bank via the delightful valley of Ashes Hollow. We then descend the western slopes to Adstone Hill, before returning over the Long Mynd ridge and descending Townbrook Valley to Church Stretton.
Highlight: Little walked and peaceful Adstone Hill, the challenge of walking the very best of the Long Mynd, and the views west are some of the high points of this walk.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In Summary: From Townbrook Valley, on our doorstep, a steady ascent leads to the heather moorland of the Long Mynd and its summit, Pole Bank. We descend down the highly scenic Carding Mill Valley.
Highlight: Relax at the National Trust café in the Carding Mill Valley and enjoy the views of this local beauty spot.
Option 2 - Along the Long Mynd
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: Head to the top of the Long Mynd via Townbrook Valley. We then head south along the ridge to Minton Hill, before returning to our country house via the village of Little Stretton.
Highlight: The great ridge of the Long Mynd rises behind our country house, offering miles of outstanding walking. Soak up the panoramic views over the Gliding Station and Welsh Borderlands.
Option 3 - Over the Ridge to Adstone Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Total ascent: 2,500 feet (760m)
In Summary: This figure of eight walk first ascends Pole Bank via the delightful valley of Ashes Hollow. We then descend the western slopes to Adstone Hill, before returning over the Long Mynd ridge and descending Townbrook Valley to Church Stretton.
Highlight: Little walked and peaceful Adstone Hill, the challenge of walking the very best of the Long Mynd, and the views west are some of the high points of this walk.
Option 1 - From the Wrekin to Ironbridge
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total 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 2 - On top of the Wrekin
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)
In Summary: We start our walk by heading to the summit of The Wrekin, viewing the remains of the Iron Age Fort before heading to Ironbridge via the lovely village of Little Wenlock.
Highlight: Seeing the very iron works where the industrial revolution began in the 18th Century, changing the world forever.
Option 3 - From Wellington to Ironbridge
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Total ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In Summary: Starting with The Wrekin's little sister, The Ercall, and then taking in The Wrekin itself, we follow the famous Shropshire Way through the Shropshire Countryside to finish our day in Ironbridge.
Highlight: The panoramic views of the Welsh Marches and the Shropshire and Cheshire Plains from the summit of The Wrekin.
Option 1 - Around Ludlow
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Total ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In Summary: From Bromfield we head towards Mortimer Forest before descending into Ludlow for a look around the historic town.
Highlight: The town of Ludlow where the walk concludes is described by John Betjeman as "probably the loveliest town in England.”
Option 2 - Mortimer Forest
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: Also from Bromfield, this walk heads further up into the forest before we descend the Mary Knoll Valley and finish in 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 3 - Mortimer Forest & Ludlow
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Total ascent: 1650 feet (500m)
In Summary: We follow field footpaths through rolling countryside above the River before ascending to the summit at High Vinnalls in the Mortimer Forest. We descend the Mary Knoll Valley and continue to Ludlow.
Highlight: Enjoy fine views over the Shropshire countryside towards the Clee Hills.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Longmynd House
Hidden in plain sight, there’s a well-kept countryside secret in the heart of England that might just surprise you with its wonderful upland walking, trails, history and heritage. Discover the heart of Shropshire from striking Longmynd House, stood on a wooded hillside above Church Stretton, on the border of England and Wales. Wake early to watch the sunrise from your balcony; take a dip in the heated outdoor pool and gear up for a great day in the hills on walks full of rich variety. Stride out on the Long Mynd itself, a dramatic, isolated whaleback hill with an expanse of heather wilderness and deeply cut valleys, explore the Stiperstones and climb to the Iron Age fort on top of Caer Caradoc, or surround yourself with historic castles, market towns and trails of all kinds.
Need to know
We appreciate that COVID-19 continues to impact the nations. The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not always in sync, so measures in our country houses may vary between the nations. We thank all guests for adhering to the measures we have introduced to keep our guests, leaders and team members safe.
You can see our latest FAQs and guarantees at https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-advice
Ventilation, Physical Distancing Measures and Group Sizes around the Houses
We will keep our public areas well ventilated; for your comfort you might want to pack an extra layer to keep you comfortable.
With the relaxation of physical distancing, we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together.
Hand sanitiser stations will be made available in frequently used public areas for guests and staff use. It is advisable to bring additional hand sanitiser for whilst you are out walking.
We always follow the latest regional government advice, but our one recommendation is don’t forget your face mask! There is no requirement to wear a face covering in communal areas, but you may of course choose to. Some places throughout the UK may still require you to wear a mask even if the government legislation does not. With this in mind we suggest you bring a personal supply of face coverings for the duration of your stay.
Servicing Bedrooms:
At this stage we are not reintroducing our daily room servicing. Extra tea, coffee, milk, towels and toiletries will be available on request from our team. Bins can be left outside your door for emptying.
COVID-19 Symptoms or Cases
If a guest has symptoms of COVID-19 then they should inform the house team and immediately self-isolate to minimise any risk of transmission and make arrangements to request a COVID test. If a guest receives a positive test result, they should return home if they reasonably can. They should where possible use private transport but only drive themselves if they can do so safely. If a guest cannot reasonably return home, they should discuss their circumstances with the House Manager. Additional charges may be levied if a guest needs to self-isolate for longer than their planned holiday.
What can you do to help keep everyone safe?
- Wear a face mask/covering where required and please bring plenty of face coverings for the duration of your stay
- Carry/use hand sanitiser
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water when possible
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid passing round objects such as cameras & phones
- If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus, please do not travel to an HF Holidays House
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house or in one of 8 brick-built lodges in the grounds. With 54 rooms, Longmynd House has plenty of space and there’s a range of Classic and Premium Rooms to choose from. Chose Room 16 for the four poster bed and separate sitting area, with green leafy views or Room 44 with its compact balcony and outdoor eating area overlooking the heather-clad rise on the far side of the valley. The lodges away from the house offer a little more privacy and their own terrace looking out over the gardens.
All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger television – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Check in:
Check in opens at 4pm for all guests. Guests will be unable to access any of the Country House facilities, including leaving luggage before 4pm.
We are delighted to invite you to enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Relax and meet your fellow guests and leaders.
Check out:
Check out time: 10am
Please note, you will need to settle your bill before departure and payment will only be possible by card. Gratuities and donations to the Pathway Fund can also be made by card.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, lounge, bar, ballroom, library and board games to borrow
After a day exploring the Shropshire Hills, return to the house. Stroll through the extensive grounds and discover the woodland sculpture trail that threads through the trees, looking out for ‘deer’ and ‘bears’. Dip into the heated outdoor pool to swim below the trees. Head to the long lounge with its wall of glass giving on to the view outside, or for a more intimate space, sit at the smart bar with its crouching lions and attractive jug lamps or surrender to the leather sofas around the fireplace and enjoy a local pint of Shropshire Lad or Lass with a lively conversation among your fellow guests.
Welcome Information
A Welcome Information Pack providing details about the Country House and your holiday will be available in each bedroom. This personal pack of information will detail what to expect during your stay in the house, the menu for the duration of your stay, dinner & picnic lunch order forms and the guest registration form for completion.
Our houses are locked at night-time and accessible with a door code which is available in the Welcome Pack. However, we also recommend making a note of the Duty Manager number on arrival, in case of an emergency or getting locked out.
Evenings
Join our team after dinner on Wednesday evenings to see if you’ve got the knowledge to triumph in the HF Big Pub Quiz! There will also be another evening of entertainment at the beginning of the week which will vary depending on the house you are visiting.
If there are leaders resident, they will be available to chat to guests about self-guided walks. You can borrow walking route notes and maps from our Discovery Point.
Walks Talks – Guided Walking Information Briefings
Self-Guided guests are always welcome to join our Guided Walking briefings to hear about the local conditions.
Our leaders will deliver a Guided Walking Information Briefing on each arrival day before and after dinner followed by a group Walks Talk to let guests know about the following day’s walks. Walks Talks are usually before and after dinner prior to each walking day. The information is repeated so you can join whichever time suits you.
If you are undecided which walk to do, our leaders will be available in the bar or lounge to answer any questions you might have. Our website contains up-to-date information about the walks for each holiday.
Before you leave for your walk your leader will run through a short safety briefing for the day.
Each day, the latest weather forecast will be displayed for all guests to check to ensure appropriate clothing is worn for the walks.
Please note, if you decide to do your own walks, or you are on a self-guided walking holiday, you must complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Food at Longmynd House is varied with a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal British produce. Our experienced chefs create each dish using only the freshest ingredients and, when in season, use home grown herbs and vegetables taken from our own gardens to give a true taste of the local area.
Along with many hospitality business across the UK we are presently experiencing disruption to our food and drink supply chain. COVID continues to limit the ability of suppliers to deliver and the war in Ukraine (along with several other global challenges) is impacting availability of many basic products. We are working hard to ensure that these challenges do not negatively impact your holiday but ask for your understanding should we need to make last minute changes to dishes or menus.
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
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
- Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
- A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.
Recommended
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
- Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
- Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)
You might also want
- Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
- Insect repellent
- Flask for hot drinks
- Rigid lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Single Room | Double Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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04 Jul - 08 Jul 2022 4 nights |
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10 Oct - 14 Oct 2022 4 nights |
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31 Oct - 04 Nov 2022 4 nights |
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03 Apr - 07 Apr 2023 4 nights |
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4 nights from £599pp £300pp
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