Holidays
7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Shropshire Hills

7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Shropshire Hills

6 nights

Grades 2

172kg CO2

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Call to Enquire

Groups of 10+

020 3974 8865

Stay in the comfort of our characterful country houses and exercise both mind and body with this classic combination. You’ll have a choice of two guided walks a day (one short and one longer) followed by a bridge competition each evening.

What You’ll Love

Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders 
Playing bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment 
Meeting like-minded people  
Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of Shropshire Hills
Evening bridge competitions
Staying in the comfort of our country house

What's Included

All bridge-related materials
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
Choice of two different-grade daily walks
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Trip Suitability

This holiday is suitable for regular players of Duplicate Bridge at club level.

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.

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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.

Enjoy a daily choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below.

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Day 2

Option 1 - Cwmdale Spring & Carding Mill Valley

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: From Longmynd House we walk through Rectory fields, we pass Montgomery Waters spring, before then exploring the start of the famous Carding Mill Valley. We then walk through the town of Church Stretton, before making our walk back to Longmynd House.

Highlight: A tea stop in the National Trust cafe in Carding Mill Valley.

Option 2 - 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.

Day 3

Option 1 - Around Ragleth & Hazler Hills

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs around Ragleth and the Hazler hills.

Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton, Long Mynd and The Gaerstone.

Option 2 - 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.

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

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Day 5

Option 1 - The Gaerstone and Cwms Lane

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)

Total ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: From Longmynd House we walk through Church Stretton and then around Helmeth Hill. We make our way back along the old Cwms Lane and Church Stretton.

Highlight: Stunning views of the Gaer Stone.

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.

Day 6

Option 1 - 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. Once at the top reservoir, it is a lovely place to rest and if you like, choose from 3 different ways to go around the reservoir.

Option 2 - Batch Valley & New Pool Hollow

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (480m)

In summary: Walk around the base of Novers Hill before heading higher up onto the Longmynd itself and visiting the extraordinary golf course found as high as any in England. We enter Cardingmill valley via a gentle path down the northern slope to visit New Pool Hollow with its picturesque reservoir before heading back to the house, passing through the peaceful Rectory Woods.

Highlight: Visit some of the oldest fossils ever discovered in New Pool Hollow.

Day 7

Option 1 - Around Ragleth

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)

In summary: A lovely route around Church Stretton. Head across the valley and along a scenic path which runs around Ragleth and the Hazler hills.

Highlight: Enjoy views over Church Stretton, Long Mynd and The Gaerstone.

Option 2 - Around Ragleth & Acton Scott

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)

In summary: This walk takes us through the hamlet of Ragdon under the imposing southern slope of Ragleth and on towards the area of Marshbook. We head home through the fascinating village of Little Stretton with time to view some of the many listed buildings there.

Highlight: Typical Shropshire countryside in all its glory.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

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.

Check in & check out

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: 80 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

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

View more details View holidays here

More Information

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.

Bridge

All your Bridge stationery and equipment will be supplied. You may, however, like to bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. EBU Members - don’t forget to bring your EBU membership number to earn Master Points on this holiday.

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 - 172kg 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

Reviews

Code: CHS07-BRW05