7 Night Shropshire Hills Guided Walking for Solos Holiday
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.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the immense beauty of the Shropshire Hills on foot
- Visiting picturesque market towns and villages
- Learning more about this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- 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
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our 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 up to three different-grade daily walks
- 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
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Beneath the Stiperstones
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: We start our walk at the foot of Corndon Hill, with a visit to the Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age Stone Circle. Our route takes us along the border between England and Wales before heading east to reach The Bog. We traverse the lower slopes of the distinctive quartzite Stiperstones ridge before descending to the village of Stiperstones.
Highlight: Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age Stone Circle set in dramatic moorland.
Option 2 - White Grit and Over the Stiperstones
Distance: 7½miles (12km)
Ascent: 1100 feet (340m)
In summary: From the foot of Corndon Hill we soon reach in Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age Stone Circle. Our route then takes us eastwards to The Bog, from where we ascend the rugged Stiperstones quartzite ridge, passing its iconic outcrops before descending steeply to the village of Stiperstones.
Highlight: Discover the area's rich history and geology as you learn about the lead and barytes mines and the quartzite rocks of the Stiperstones.
Option 3 - The Stiperstones Ridge
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Our route starts with a visit to Mitchell’s Fold Bronze Age Stone Circle. From there we follow paths and tracks eastwards crossing Mucklewick Hill and passing by Nipstone Rock to reach the Stiperstones ridge. We traverse the rugged quartzite ridge and its iconic outcrops before descending steeply to the village of Stiperstones.
Highlight: The rocky and spectacular landscape of the Stiperstones ridge.
Option 1 - Slopes of Caer Caradoc
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Heading across the valley towards the Stretton Hills we wind our way up the Cwms Valley along the scenic path which runs around the slopes of Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Enjoy the panoramic views of Church Stretton, Long Mynd and Stretton Hills.
Option 2 - Hope Bowdler & Caer Caradoc
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In summary: We cross the valley to ascend the long ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill. Our second summit is the distinctive Caer Caradoc Hill.
Highlight: Look out for the Iron Age hillfort on the summit of Caer Caradoc; said to be the site of King Caractacus's final stand against the Roman invasion.
Option 3 - Around Caer Caradoc & Over the Lawley
Distance: 10½ miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: We follow a track up along the Lawley ridge before reaching the summit of the Lawley where we will get great views over North Shropshire and the Cheshire Plains.
Highlight: Enjoy panoramic views to the North towards The Wrekin, east to Wenlock Edge, and West over the nearby Long Mynd Valley.
Discover more about Longmynd House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Option 1 - Townbrook and Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
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: 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)
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 3 - 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 1 - Around the Wrekin to Ironbridge
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
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 - Over the Wrekin to Ironbridge
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
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 - The Ercall to Ironbridge
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 2,100 feet (640m)
In summary: Starting with The Wrekin's little sister, The Ercall, we then tackle in The Wrekin itself. Our route then follows the famous Shropshire Way and Rope Walk through the Shropshire Countryside to finish our day in Ironbridge.
Highlight: The Ercall and The Wrekin, from where it is said that you can see 20 ancient counties.
Option 1 - Around Ludlow
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In summary: From Bromfield our route takes us through Oakly Park to the ancient Mortimer Forest. We then descend towards Ludlow and follow the historic Bread Walk alongside the River Teme before exploring this historic town.
Highlight: Ludlow, a historic market town described by John Betjeman as ‘probably the loveliest town in England’.
Option 2 - Mortimer Forest
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: Leaving from Bromfield we pass through Oakly Park to reach the ancient Mortimer Forest. We then head further into the forest before descending along the secluded Mary Knoll Valley to enter Ludlow via the Ludford Bridge.
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)
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Longmynd House
For rural calm in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 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 House has 51 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, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Room 16 for its four-poster bed, separate seating area, and lovely views. Room 44 has a small balcony and outdoor eating area overlooking the heather-clad rise on the far side of the valley. 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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
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
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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Longmynd House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
