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Summary

Self guided walking in the tranquil Shropshire hills

No of Nights: 2

Stay: Hotel / Guest House

Grade: Easy-Moderate

Information

A scenic self guided walking break in Shropshire, in some of the UK's most spectacular walking country, well away from crowds and motorways. The tranquil Shropshire Hills inspired A. E. Housman to write “Westward on the high-hilled plains, where for me the world began.”

Choose to stay at one of two highly recommended luxury B&Bs. Many of our clients have described this as one of their favourite destinations, and they always have a wonderful time.

Enjoy

  • expertly-crafted and meticulously-researched self guided walks in some of England’s most beautiful yet unknown countryside
  • routes through tranquil and beautiful upland scenery of the Long Mynd and Stretton Hills
  • extensive views throughout
  • visiting picturesque, unspoilt villages
  • a choice of two excellent B&Bs
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Tour review scores and score breakdown

10 / 10

Based on 1 reviews

Guest reviews are written by our customers after their tour of Tranquil Shropshire Hills.

Guest reviews

  • Once again I must thank you for such a delightful walking weekend. Meticulously planned as always! The hotel was amazing, the food and service first-class and the staff so friendly and helpful. A delightful way to spend a late summer weekend. The weather was perfect too - how do you do it?
    - John Tritton, Chelmsford, Essex

Itinerary

Day One
Settle into your comfortable B&B, read through the details of your walking break and enjoy dining at one of Church Stretton's recommended restaurants.
Day Two
Today explore the magnificent upland wilderness of the Long Mynd, a wide expanse of wild moorland, clothed in a rich mosaic of heather, bilberry and bracken. Prehistoric trackways steeped in history cross the moor. Here the light is ever-changing and kestrel and sparrowhawk soar above. Dip gently down to remote Ratlinghope, half-hidden in the fold of an elevated valley before reaching the delightful Horseshoe Inn at Bridges for lunch.

Following in the footsteps of Wild Edric, a legendary Saxon warrior, you regain the ridge. From breezy tops sweeping panoramas reach towards distant horizons. Finally, drop down to Carding Mill Valley, dramatically steep-sided, studded with springs, rushing streams and rocky outcrops. We recommend tea at the National Trust tearooms before returning to your B&B. (8 or 10 miles/12.8 km or 16 km, moderate walking)

Day Three
Today explore the dramatic landscapes and tiny hamlets of the Stretton Hills. Here wonderful panoramas unfold in rapid succession, the bold outline of Caer Caradoc your constant companion. Short springy grass drapes velvety hillsides while picturesque paths wind through bracken to isolated farmsteads. Lunch at 15th-century Royal Oak,  hidden in charming hamlet Cardington.

A gentle climb follows to ‘The Wilderness’, a stunning ridge with dramatic views to vales below and to distant horizons beyond. Then there's mighty Caer Caradoc itself, highest of the giant Stretton Hills that face the Mynd. Explore its airy ridges and rocky outcrops, once a hilltop town and Caradoc’s heroic stand against the might of the Roman army. Scudding clouds cast rapidly-moving shadows, defining the contours of Housman’s “blue remembered hills”; from this pivotal position and commanding height, you'll enjoy one of the best views in Shropshire. (8 miles/12.8 km, moderate walking)

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Hotels

There's a choice of two excellent B&Bs at Church Stretton: Arden House or Brookfields. Both offer stylish en-suite accommodation. Arden House is a luxury B&B guest house in the beautiful Carding Mill valley built in the Arts & Crafts style.  It has been awarded a 5-star Gold award by the tourist board and a Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award 2014. Brookfields is a luxury guest house in the Edwardian style conveniently situated near the centre of Church Stretton.  Brookfields has also been awarded a 5-star Silver Award by the tourist board.

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Grade of the walks

Routes are selected for their accessibility and suitability for anyone of average fitness, able to walk around 8 miles (13 km) on varied terrain for up to 5 hours with a break for lunch and optional breaks for reading commentaries along the way. Since you will be walking in hill country, ascents and descents are to be expected.

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Tour price and costs

Price per person: from £275 for 2 nights, depending on choice of accommodation, room type and season, based on 2 people sharing a twin/double. Please enquire for single occupancy, car-free or more nights.

Price includes:

  • Personalised itinerary
  • High-quality en-suite accommodation
  • Full English breakfasts (except in an apartment at Arden House)
  • Recommendations for lunch and dinner and, where applicable, coffee or tea breaks
  • Detailed route directions in easy-to-handle A5 format
  • Marked-up Ordnance Survey map and map case
  • Commentary notes on features of interest along the way
  • Details of places to visit
  • Nature guide to help identify common species
  • Travel information
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Flights

By rail:  trains twice an hour from London Euston to Church Stretton (3 hours); Brookfields is within easy walking distance of the station. Arden House is a short taxi ride away.

By road: total mileage from central London: 157 miles (3 hours). Ample car parking at both guesthouses.

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