Travel Writing & Walking in the Shropshire Hills

Longmynd Hotel

4 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Oct 2026

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 2 details

Non-members From

£799

pp

Members From

£769

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Fancy yourself a practising Michael Palin or Portillo? A budding Bill Bryson? Perhaps the next Nan Shepherd? Then why not combine a travel writing workshop with a walking holiday and let the landscape inspire your words. These breaks are ideal for both complete beginners and aspiring writers looking to build confidence and develop their style in the beautiful Shropshire Hills. Mornings are spent in guided workshops; afternoons on relaxed, scenic walks that spark ideas and stories along the way.

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

  • Expert-led morning workshops with your writing tutor
  • Improving your writing in a relaxed and friendly environment 
  • Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Peak District
  • Exploring the local area on foot with optional guided walks
  • Staying in the comfort of our country house

What's Included

  • All workshop-related materials
  • Daily optional walks with an experienced HF Walks Leader
  • 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
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Itinerary

Itinerary

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.

Morning

Travelling is one of life’s most extraordinary experiences and so often we want to record everything we have seen and done – either for ourselves or for others. This first session looks at what makes a great piece of travel writing, using examples such as William Dalrymple, Jan Morris, and Paul Theroux. How can we make a place really come off the page? How best to describe the sights, sounds, scents – and perhaps most importantly those small moments that we always remember?

Afternoon

Each afternoon, your HF Leader will offer an optional guided walk. Today, your walk will be:

Above Cwmdale and into Carding Mill Valley


Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)


In Summary: This route skirts along the edge of town before heading around Nover's Hill and then heading into the Carding Mill Valley, before heading back to the house.

Highlight: Relax at the National Trust café in the Carding Mill Valley and enjoy the views
of this local beauty spot.

Morning

Today’s workshop drills down further into the two things that are integral to travel writing: the places we go, and the people we meet. How do we describe that perfect view, the feeling of history while visiting an ancient site, the sense of camaraderie often struck up with complete strangers – whether an unforgettable evening with a friendly restaurant owner, a guide who brings a place to life, or the breakfast waiter who shares an unexpectedly fascinating life story?

Afternoon

Each afternoon, your HF Leader will offer an optional guided walk. Today, your walk will be:

Little Stretton & Ashes Hollow

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (200m)

In summary: From Longmynd House we follow the Allen Coppice Trail to Little Stretton with views out towards Brockhurst Castle. We then head towards Ashes Hollow, a regionally important geographical site, before returning the same way.

Highlight: Exploring the chainsaw carvings of animals by the local “chainsaw sculptor”

Morning

In our final workshop, we look at the role of travel writing in fiction and how so many books take us places, immersing us in other worlds, traditions, and cultures. From Gatsby’s New York to Victoria Hislop’s Greece, many novels allow us to travel the world from the comfort of our own armchairs. Together, we’ll explore how we use our travels to create unforgettable fictional moments.

Afternoon

Each afternoon, your HF Leader will offer an optional guided walk. Today, your walk will be:

The Carding Mill Water Cycle

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)
Ascent: 984 feet (300m)

In summary: Easy walk to the upper reservoir above Cardingmill Valley, which is one of the two damming streams flowing off the Long Mynd that provides water for Church Stretton.

Highlight: Great views of Caer Caradoc as you leave make your way up the valley. Onceat the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like, choose from 3 different ways to go around the reservoir.

 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

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.

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

Kit List for Travel Writing & Walking

For Writing

  • Paper, pens and/or laptop (and charger) for writing and taking notes during your workshops
  • Any source or reference material you may require or from which you can take inspiration

For Walking

To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar, a small torch (in spring, autumn and winter) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed). Many guests find walking poles useful, particularly for descents. Insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses and protection cream and a camera are all optional extras you may choose to bring.

Carbon Footprint

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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Dates & availability

Travel Writing & Walking in the Shropshire Hills

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

2026

19 Oct - 23 Oct 2026

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£799

pp

Members

£769

pp
Single rooms

£839

pp

£809

pp
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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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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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