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
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.
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 (13½km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (450m)
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 - Ragdon & Marshbrook
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In Summary: Today we head out from the house around Ragleth to our lunch stop in Marshbrook. The afternoon jaunt heads for Little Stretton and back to the house.
Highlight: The viewpoints on this walk illustrate perfectly why this area is known as ‘Little Switzerland.’
Option 2 - Along the Long Mynd
Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (450m)
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
Important Covid-19 steps we have taken for guest safety: Please Read
We are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas. You must wear a face covering by law in public areas in hotels in Scotland. This is mandatory in public spaces; however, face coverings will not be required whilst eating and drinking in the restaurant and bar areas or whilst you are outside our houses. In Wales face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises.
As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails.
Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. Evening meals will be table service. A dinner order form will be available in each room for completion. Dinner is served at either 7.15pm or 7.30pm. Please check at the house for details. The bar will be open. We will be offering a table service but guests can also come to the bar to order (depending on local restrictions).
Join our team after dinner on Wednesday evenings for the HF Big Pub Quiz. There will be one other evening of entertainment at the start of the week, which will vary depending on the country house that you are staying at. Our Walk Leaders will also be on hand in the bar or lounge for individual or small group walks talks briefings, which allow guests to talk through the following day’s walk options and ask any questions. Swimming pools will be operated in line with maximum capacities.
For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For 2022 departures, please note we are in the process of integrating a new booking system and you may notice some unusual pricing information displayed for a short while as we complete the work. Your patience is appreciated.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | |||||||
|
21 Feb -
25 Feb 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £495 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
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14 Mar -
18 Mar 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £495 £445 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
21 Mar -
25 Mar 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £495 £445 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
28 Mar -
01 Apr 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £495 £445 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
11 Apr -
15 Apr 2022
|
4 | Version 1 | £569 £529 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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15 Apr -
19 Apr 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £569 £529 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
25 Apr -
29 Apr 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £569 £529 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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02 May -
06 May 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
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09 May -
13 May 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £559 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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23 May -
27 May 2022
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13 Jun -
17 Jun 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £569 | Save £30 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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27 Jun -
01 Jul 2022
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04 Jul -
08 Jul 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £559 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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11 Jul -
15 Jul 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £559 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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18 Jul -
22 Jul 2022
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22 Aug -
26 Aug 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £579 | Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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29 Aug -
02 Sep 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £559 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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12 Sep -
16 Sep 2022
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19 Sep -
23 Sep 2022
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26 Sep -
30 Sep 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £599 £559 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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10 Oct -
14 Oct 2022
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4 | Version 1 | £569 £529 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
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31 Oct -
04 Nov 2022
|
4 | Version 2 | £495 £455 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
4 nights from £495pp £445pp
Save up to £50 per person
...or call 020 3974 8865
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