Name: Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Tour 2022
Brand: DHTour
SKU: 1
Price: $1,920 pp
Availability: InStock

Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Tour: 7 nights based at Longmynd House, Church Stretton, Shropshire

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

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.

Tour Details

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 Hills 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

Pick Up Location & TIme

Longmynd House, Cunnery Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6AG (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.

Drop off Location & Time

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.

Price Includes

High quality en-suite upgraded accommodation at Longmynd House
Excellent food in our country house, full board (B,L,D daily)
The services of our knowledgeable leader, ensuring you get the most from your holiday
5 days guided walking + 1 free day
Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day
Transport to and from the walks
Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point

Meals

7 breakfasts
6 lunches
7 dinners
0 teas

Price Excludes

Airfare
Transfers
Pre / Post hotel nights
Travel to/from the Country Hotel (The nearest railway station is Church Stretton)
Admissions (please allow approx. £10 per day for entrances)
Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Tour Walking Grade: 2, 3 & 4.

Enjoy a full day’s walking with fellow guests and leave all the planning and navigation to us; it’s what we do best. Nobody knows the UK’s best places to walk like us. Our knowledgeable leaders make sure you’re never short of the inside story on local features, viewpoints and places of interest.

Unpack once
Accommodation at a country house hotel
Full Board Meals – from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day
Knowledgeable leader
Choice of up to 3 walks per walking day with required transport

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.

Walking Grades Explained:

Grades 1 & 2 – Leisurely walking grades
Grades 3 & 4 – Moderate walking grades
Grades 5 & 6 – Challenging walking grades

What to Bring

“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

Version 1 Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (D)

Day 2The Stretton Hills

Option 1 – Slopes of Caer Caradoc
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs along the slopes of Caer Caradoc hill.
Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton and the Long Mynd as we follow the balcony path around Caer Caradoc.

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 shapely 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 – Three Stretton Hills
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 2,750 feet (840m)
In summary: Climb the three iconic hills that dominate the eastern skyline above Church Stretton. We walk via Little Stretton onto Ragleth Hill then on via Hope Bowdler Hill and Caer Caradoc.
Highlight: The satisfaction of bagging 3 hills with outstanding views.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 3Darnford Valley & Betchcott Hills

Option 1 – Darnford Valley
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: Our route follows the beautiful Darnford Valley, then heads over Betchcott and Bodbury hills to cross Long Mynd and return to the house.
Highlight: The tranquil Darnford Valley provides an attractive route onto the heather-clad slopes of the Long Mynd and Golden Valley with its dwarf gorse bushes.

Option 2 – Gatten Hills
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In summary: Cross Gatten Hill, then ascend steadily along the Darnford Valley to 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 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 continues over the Long Mynd and along the stunning grassy ridge to Church Stretton.
Highlight: On a clear day you’ll enjoy sweeping views across Shropshire and the Welsh hills.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 4Free day

A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 5Hope Bowdler & Ragleth

Option 1 – Hope Bowdler & Helmeth Wood
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In 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: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In 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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 6Stiperstones

Option 1 – Beneath the Stiperstones
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
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 (14.5km)
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: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,550 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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 7Pole Bank & the Long Mynd Valleys

Option 1 – Townbrook & Cardingmill Valley
Distance: 6.5 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: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
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 (19km)
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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 8Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Version 2 Itinerary

Day 1Arrival Day

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (D)

Day 2The Stiperstones

Option 1 – Beneath the Stiperstones
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: After viewing the Mitchell’s Fold stone circle, our journey follows an undulating route beneath the Stiperstones ridge, before a gentle descent brings us to our finish point at the Stiperstones Inn.
Highlight: Mitchell’s Fold, a Bronze Age stone circle in a remote setting.

Option 2 – White Grit and Over the Stiperstones
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: Initially an undulating route, followed by a ascent to take in the Stiperstones, with a descent to finish at the Stiperstones Inn.
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: 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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 3The Stretton Hills

Option 3 – Around Caer Caradoc & Over the Lawley
Distance: 10.5 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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 4Free day

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 5Pole Bank & The Long Mynd Valley

Option 1 – Ragdon & Marshbrook
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
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: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
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 (19km)
Ascent: 2,500 feet (780m)
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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 6The Wrekin & The Ironbridge Gorge

Option 1 – From 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 – On top of the Wrekin
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)
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: 10 miles (17km)
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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 7Ludlow & Mortimer Forest

Option 1 – Around Ludlow
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
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: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
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)
Ascent: 1,650 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.

Accommodation: Longmynd House (B, L, D)

Day 8Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Dates and Prices

Version 1 Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2022: April 8, 22	$2,100	$2,380
2022: April 29	$2,300	$2,580
2022: May 6, 20	$2,300	$2,580
2022: June 10, 24	$2,300	$2,580
2022: July 1, 8, 15	$2,300	$2,580
2022: August 26	$2,300	$2,580
2022: September 9, 16, 23	$2,300	$2,580
2022: October 7	$2,100	$2,380

Version 2 Departure Dates	Per person (single or twin)	Single in a double room
2022: March 25	$1,920	$2,200
2022: September 30	$2,300	$2,580
2022: October 28	$1,920	$2,200

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.

Supplement applied for single in a double room.

Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.

This tour is also available in 3 or 4 night duration.

This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.

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. Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.

Travel Details:
Address is: Longmynd House, Cunnery Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6AG

By Rail:
The nearest train station is Church Stretton, which is less than a mile from Longmynd House. However the house is at the top of a steep hill (it has great views!) so a taxi is recommended.

By Taxi:
It is possible to pre-book a taxi. The journey from Church Stretton railway station takes approximately 15 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Alan’s Cab. As a guide price, it cost £17 per 4-seat taxi in 2019. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Alan’s Cab*
Tel: +44 (0) 7970 683126
Email: alanbrough207@btinternet.com
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Longmynd HouseManager.
*Alan’s Cab is not owned or managed by us.

NOTE: All taxi companies in Church Stretton are booked for school runs between 2pm and 4:30pm.

By Car:
Follow the A49 to Church Stretton. At the traffic lights turn off the A49 into the town. At the first T junction turn left into the High Street. Go straight over the mini-roundabout, and then take the next right into Cunnery Road. Follow the road up a steep hill and around a hairpin bend. Longmynd House is at the top of the hill on the left hand side. Look out for our sign. A car park is available in the grounds with free parking.

Hotel Descriptions

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.

Address: Longmynd House, Cunnery Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6AG

Room Amenities: 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.

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.

Hotel Amenities: 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.

Map

Photos

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Shropshire Hills Guided Walking Tour 2022

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