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7 Night Shropshire Hills Guided Walking for Solos Holiday

Longmynd Hotel

■ 7 nights at an HF Country House

■ One itinerary available

■ Grades 2, 3 & 4 details

■ 171kg CO2 details

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A solo holiday is less about going it alone and more about embracing adventure and forming new friendships. Discover ruined castles folded into hillsides, rare wildlife roaming the upland heaths, and a selection of the best market towns and villages Shropshire has to offer. Joining a group of other solo guests, you’ll have a choice of three walks a day led by experienced HF Holidays Leaders. So even if you start off alone, you’ll find that people are easily brought together by a shared love of the great outdoors.

Accommodation

HF Country House
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.
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What You’ll Love

  • Discovering the immense beauty of the Shropshire Hills on foot
  • Visiting picturesque market towns and villages 
  • Learning more about this National Landscape
  • Making the most of the V-shaped valleys and countryside
  • Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
  • Staying at Longmynd House in Church Stretton

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews

Gallery

Itinerary

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.

Solos Walking (2025)

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.

Option 1 - Callow Hill, Pole Bank & Adstone Hill

Distance: 12 miles (19km)

Ascent: 2,450 feet (740m)

In summary: Our walks heads out towards Little Stretton before ascending Long Mynd via Callow Hill to reach its highest point at Pole Bank. We then descend the western slopes to Adstone Hill before returning over the Long Mynd and down Townbrook Valley to Church Stretton.

Highlight: The ascent via Callow Hill to Pole Bank is less frequented and gives extensive far reaching views.

Option 2 - Townbrook & Cardingmill Valley

Distance: 6.7 miles (10.7km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (410m)

In summary: Leaving Longmynd House we make our way through Rectory Woods and up the beautiful Townbrook Valley to reach the Long Mynd plateau and its highest point at Pole Bank. We then make our way north along the historic Port Way before descending into the scenic Carding Mill Valley and back to Longmynd House.

Highlight: Panoramic views from Pole Bank across Shropshire, mid Wales and beyond.

Option 3 - Along the Long Mynd

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)

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 beautiful Townbrook Valley and Long Mynd plateau with its 360 degree panoramic views.

Option 1 - Three Woods and Stokesay Castle

Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: This walk leaves from the village of Craven arms, taking in the surrounding Shropshire countryside and the river Onny. There is also chance to see Stokesay Castle before returning to allow time to explore the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.

Highlight: Discover Stokesay Castle and the Shropshire Hills Discovery centre

Option 2 - Aston on Clun & Stokesay

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

In summary: Walk from the village of Aston on Clun to Craven Arms. On the way we'll discover the historic 13th Century church at Hopesay, soak up the views from Hopesay Hill, and visit Stokesay Castle. 

Highlight: Stokesay Castle is a real gem; a 13th Century fortifed manor house that was beseiged during the English Civil War.

Option 3 - Bury Ditches Fort, Hopesay, Craven Arms

Distance: 11½ miles (18km)

Ascent: 1,900 feet (575m)

In summary: From Clunton walk through Steppleknoll Wood and then on to Bury Ditches Hill Fort. We continue past the pretty village of Hopesay to Stokesay and the Craven Arms.

Highlight: Explore the tranquil landscape of the Clun Valley and Bury Ditches Hill Fort.

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

Option 1 - Ragleth Hill & Chelmick

Distance: 7½ miles (12km)

Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)

In summary: Starting with a visit to the pretty village of Little Stretton, we tackle a sharp ascent to the summit of Ragleth Hill, where we are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views. Following the grassy ridge to its northern end, we head down to Chelmick Valley and the village of Hope Bowdler before returning to Longmynd House via the lower slopes of Hope Bowdler Hill and Helmeth Hill.

Highlight: Panoramic 360 degree views from Ragleth Hill (which can be seen clearly from the dining room at Longmynd House) across Shropshire and beyond.

Option 2 - Hope Bowdler & Helmeth Wood

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Starting from Longmynd House, we walk through the wooded lower slopes of Hazler Hill before a moderately steep ascent to the Gaer Stone and Hope Bowdler Hill. Heading down to the valley between Hope Bowdler and Caer Caradoc we make our way back along the old Cwms Lane, through Helmeth Wood and Church Stretton.

Highlight: Stunning views in all directions from the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill.

Option 3 - Ragleth Hill, Chelmick and Hope Bowdler Hill

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)

In summary: Walking through the pretty village of Little Stretton we cross the valley to make a sharp ascent to the summit of Ragleth Hill. We follow its grassy ridge northwards before descending to Chelmick valley and the village of Hope Bowdler. We then ascend steadily across Hope Bowdler Hill to reach Willstone Hill and the famous Battle Stones from where we return to Longmynd House via the Gaer Stone and lower slopes of Helmeth Hill.

Highlight: The much photographed natural rocky outcrops of the Battles Stones and the Gaer Stone.

Option 1 - Bromfield, The Mortimer Trail & Ludlow

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

In summary: A longer exploration from Bromfield, we head into the lower areas of the Mortimer Forest, along the Mortimer Trail. Before looping around and heading into the town of 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 2 - Downton Castle, Mortimer Forest & Ludlow

Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)

Ascent: 1650 feet (500m)

In summary: Our route follows field paths through rolling countryside before ascending to the Mortimer Forest and its highest point, High Vinnals. Continuing through the forest we descend towards the River Teme. Following the Bread Walk along the riverside, we enter the town via Dinham Bridge.

Highlight: Enjoy fine views and Ludlow and its castle.

Option 3 - Bromfield, Priors Halton & Ludlow

Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Starting from close to Bromfield, we follow a section of the Shropshire Way trail today as we explore the Shropshire countryside making our way to the town of Ludlow. We should finish with time to explore Ludlow.

Highlight: Time to explore Ludlow, described by John Betjeman as "probably the loveliest town in England"

Option 1 - Gatten Hills & Darnford Valley

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)

In summary: Cross Gatten Hill, then ascend steadily along Darnford Valley to reach the ancient Port Way, cross the Long Mynd ridge and head to Church Stretton close to Bodbury Hill.

Highlight: The heather-clad ridge of the Long Mynd dominates the skyline. Enjoy the extensive views as you cross the ridge and descend towards Church Stretton.

Option 2 - Darnford Valley & Betchcott Hills

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: Our route follows the beautiful Darnford Valley, then the ancient Port Way heads over the Betchcott Hills to cross the Long Mynd plateau, before descending via Haddon Hill and the golf course, one of the highest in England, and return to the house.

Highlight: Enjoy the tranquility of the Darnford and Golden Valleys, the latter aptly named from the vibrant colour of the dwarf gorse bushes lining its slopes.

Option 3 - Pulverbatch, Wilderley Hill & Darnford Valley

Distance: 13 miles (20.5km)

Ascent: 2,150 feet (660m)

In summary: Follow the Shropshire Way from the village of Church Pulverbatch over Wilderley Hill. Our route passes by the village of Ratlinghope and along the Darnford Valley to reach the Port Way and Long Mynd from where we descend via Haddon Hill and the golf course, overlooking the ever popular Carding Mill Valley, to Church Stretton.

Highlight: On a clear day you'll enjoy sweeping views across Shropshire and the Welsh hills.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

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.

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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

•  56 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 89 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Garden  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

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.

Since 2022, the £3 million invested so far has established a flagship HF property. A full upgrade of all rooms is expected to be complete by April 2027 with 65% of guest rooms upgraded. 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 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Longmynd Hotel

Getting here

Address

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.

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 171kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Code: CHS07-BOS01

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Dates & availability

7 Night Shropshire Hills Guided Walking for Solos Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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