Shropshire Hills Walking Holidays
Clear the cobwebs with one of ourshort walking holidays in England, a bracing hike through the hills of Church Stretton in the heart of Shropshire – an idyllic location for a hill walking holiday.
- Nights
- 2 to 4 Nights
- Distance
- 21 to 33 miles
- Location
- West Midlands
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- Mar to Oct
- Price from
- £280
Highlights
Walking the Shropshire Hills
- Spectacular views over the countryside from The Caer Caradoc, Long Mynd and Stiperstones
- Experience the charm of Church Stretton
- Cross paths with vestiges of the old lead mining industry in the area's hills
- Hills are decorated with nature trails and Iron Age hill forts
- Visit the charming rural towns and villages of Church Stretton and Bishop's Castle
Geological Wonders and Serene Landscapes
With the Long Mynd ridge to the west and the Stretton Hills and Caer Caradoc to the east, Church Stretton's picturesque setting in a narrow valley in the South Shropshire hills earned it the name of "Little Switzerland" and it is a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
Just stand on any of the hilltops that surround Church Stretton and admire the view – the rocky Stiperstones, the plateau of the Long Mynd, the craggy volcanic Stretton Hills and Wrekin and the long wooded scarp of Wenlock Edge (much-loved by A.E. Houseman) - all have their own distinctive beauty.
Hiking the Hills around Church Stretton
Over 4,500 acres of heath and moorland on the Long Mynd are protected by the National Trust in England's least populated county. The hilltops are home to wild ponies and upland birds such as curlew, red grouse, and merlin. You'll often spot a buzzard circling overhead, and if you're lucky, you might even see a red kite.
Back in town, visit the thriving antiques centre and browse a wide variety of independent shops or stalls at the twice-weekly market. The town has a long history as a country market town, having been granted a market charter by King John in 1214, and markets have been held here ever since. You'll also find yourself in good company at the country pubs, which serve great food and ale in the surrounding hills.
Path Walkthrough
Your adventure begins with a hike over The Lawley, Caer Caradoc, and Hope Bowdler on the eastern side of Church Stretton, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Long Mynd. Ascend the Long Mynd via interlinking tracks, footpaths, bridleways, and paved roads, enjoying panoramic views from the crest before descending a rocky trail towards the Stiperstones. This section features dedicated viewing platforms like the 'Devil's Chair' and a sense of travelling 'off the beaten track' through England's most unpopulated county.
Despite its remote feel, the well-maintained paths were originally created by miners from the now-defunct lead mining industry. The combination of ridge walks, rocky trails, and historical paths provides a diverse and engaging hiking experience. The Shropshire Hills' unique landscape and tranquillity offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, ensuring a memorable short-break walk.
Embark on this journey to discover the geological wonders and serene landscapes of the Shropshire Hills.
Choose Your Walk
Our Shropshire Hills Itineraries
Church Stretton to Bishop's Castle
33 miles (53.1 km)SHR-CSB3
From £575 Per Person
SHR-CSB4
From £465 Per Person
Church Stretton to Church Stretton
21 miles (33.8 km)SHR-CSB1
From £395 Per Person
SHR-CSB2
From £280 Per Person
Key Information
- 4* Guest House with en-suite facilities
- Walk Pack, including maps and detailed daily descriptions
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
Shropshire Hills Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 7 reviews
"Information for our independent walk, was perfect! We felt like we knew what we were doing and what to expect. The Shropshire Hills walk was a marvellous surprise."
"In over 30 years of staying in B&Bs, the standard provided was one of the very best of them. The food and breakfast selection was superb."
"Celtic Trails are very well organised, very kind / helping - being on my own here, I felt embedded and safe. Also with the postponing (Covid). Many thanks. I really wanted to be alone in these sometimes even desolate landscapes. I was very pleased that"
"Nathan is always responsive and we thank Celtic Trails for holding our deposit for us to use for this trip. I feel refreshed and energised and am sleeping better after this trip."
"Celtic Trails are well organised and offer slightly different walks to the other groups we saw. We enjoyed the variety of walks with friends - ideal length for us. Accommodation 5/5"
"We have used CT on many occasions and hope to continue doing do. Our next holiday is already booked. This holiday was particularly welcome in these Covid-19 times. Special mention for our accommodation - five stars! Houseman's Restaurant was outstanding too!"
"Accommodation was very good."
Hand-Picked Accommodation: Comfort Along the Way
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
Points of Interest
Church Stretton
The only town in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Church Stretton is a historic market town perfectly suited as a base for hiking trips over the surrounding hills of the area and is very accessible both by train and car. The view over the town from the Caer Caradoc hill is a particular highlight on this walk.
Church Stretton is the perfect location for all our Shropshire Hills itineraries, and if you're looking for an extension on your walk why not take a short journey to explore Ludlow or Shrewsbury - let us know, we'll be delighted to incorporate extra days within your itinerary.
Media Gallery
Customise your trip?
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
- Telephone
- +44 (0)1291 689 774
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