Group of people smiling in a wooded area, posing behind an empty picture frame, with lush greenery in the background.
Sunlight filtering through tall trees in a forest with a moss-covered floor.
Group of hikers taking photos at a scenic viewpoint on a trail lined with bare trees and overlooking a vast landscape.
Forest path lined with trees and sunlight filtering through branches.
Forest trail with bare trees and muddy path
River with sunlight reflecting, surrounded by trees and grass
Old stone building with wooden shutters and a door, surrounded by grass and trees, under a cloudy sky.
A group of people in a kitchen preparing food. The kitchen features white cabinets, red backsplash, and wooden beams on the ceiling. A wooden table in the center is filled with ingredients, snacks, and kitchenware.
Group of people hiking on a forest trail with trees and blue sky.
Plowed agricultural field under a bright sun with trees in the background and a clear sky.
Group of people hiking by a river with trees and foliage in the background.
Old brick building with large arched windows, wooden door, and moss-covered roof, surrounded by greenery and picnic tables.
Group of people standing on a wooden walkway in a lush forest
Group of people posing behind a picture frame in a wooded area near a lake, surrounded by green foliage.
Serene river landscape with bare trees and grassy bank under a clear blue sky.

Newbies Shropshire Walking Weekend – Dudmaston

Looking to try your first group walking trip? Our welcoming weekend in Shropshire is perfect for those new to Large Outdoors – and open to regulars too.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 15
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

What to expect on your Shropshire Walking Break

  • Two days of leisurely walking through the Shropshire countryside with no pressure to rush.

  • Twin room accommodation in a cosy National Trust bunkhouse with shared lounge and dining space.

  • A friendly host to welcome you, serve meals, and guide the weekend.

  • Meals included from Friday evening to Sunday breakfast – with dietary options available.

  • Relaxed and sociable atmosphere – ideal if you're a bit nervous about joining your first trip.

 

A great introduction to group walking

This weekend is all about taking things slow, enjoying the fresh air, and having time to relax and chat. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re returning for another friendly weekend, you’ll be well looked after in this calm corner of the countryside.

Our base is the National Trust’s Dudmaston Bunkhouse, a converted barn nestled in the historic estate of Dudmaston Hall. Rooms are twin-share (with bunk beds), and the venue has a lounge, dining area and kitchen – a great setting to unwind and meet others. You’ll never share with more than one other person.

The walking is leisurely – no mountain days or big climbs. Instead, we focus on quiet woodland trails, riverside paths, and views across open countryside. It’s a great way to ease into walking with a group and discover what makes a Large Outdoors trip special.

A group of walkers exploring the Seven Valley from Dudmaston Bunkhouse

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • You’re welcome to arrive any time after 5pm. The bunkhouse is tucked away in the peaceful grounds of Dudmaston Hall, and if you fancy arriving a bit earlier to stretch your legs or explore, you could check out the Hall and gardens (do check the National Trust website for opening times).

    Your Large Outdoors host will be there to greet you, help you get settled, and make sure everything’s clear for the weekend ahead. In the evening, we’ll all sit down together for a freshly prepared dinner, followed by a cheeseboard and a relaxed chat about the plans for the weekend. No pressure, no big intros – just a friendly start to the trip.

    📝 If you have any dietary needs (vegan, veggie, gluten-free), just let us know during booking or by emailing the office at least 7 days before the trip – we’ll make sure you’re looked after.

  • We’ll start the day with a relaxed breakfast – help yourself to cereal, toast, fruit and yoghurt while chatting over your morning cuppa. Before we head out, you’ll make up your own packed lunch from a good mix of sandwich fillings, snacks, and fruit – it’s all laid out, so you can make it just how you like it. Do bring a water bottle to fill up for the day.

    Today’s walk begins right from the bunkhouse doorstep. We’ll meander through the Dudmaston estate, wander alongside the River Severn, and enjoy wide-open parkland and peaceful woodland paths. It’s around 8 miles, but there’s absolutely no rush – we’ll take breaks, soak up the scenery, and enjoy being out in the fresh air together.

    When we return, there’s plenty of time to relax – maybe a shower, a cuppa, or a stretch out on the sofa in the shared lounge. Later on, your host will serve a two-course evening meal and you can bring along a bottle of wine or your favourite tipple if you fancy. The evening is yours to enjoy in good company.

  • After another easy-going breakfast, we’ll pack up and make our way (in your own transport) to the nearby market town of Bridgnorth, which has lovely old buildings and the famous Bridgnorth Cliff Railway – the oldest inland funicular in the country.

    From here, we’ll head out on a gentle 5–6 mile walk, taking in more of the Shropshire countryside and following peaceful riverside trails. Once we’re back in town, there’ll be time for a final tea stop or a light bite (not included) before we say our goodbyes and head off home.

Dudmaston Bunkhouse

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time:

    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    National Trust Dudmaston Bunkhouse
    Quatford
    Bridgnorth
    Shropshire
    WV15 6QR

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    Parking:
    There is limited free parking at the bunkhouse.

    Public Transport:
    National Trust Dudmaston Bunkhouse is located 13.5 miles from Kidderminster Train Station, or 15 miles from Telford Train Station. Pease note the train station at Bridgnorth is part of the Seven Valley Steam line and is not on the National Rail Network.

    There are bus services that run from Telford and Kidderminster to Dudmaston.

    Please Note:
    On some days there could be a short drive to the start of the walks, we don't include transport and people normally car share. 

    Finish Time:
    We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Situated in a quiet, remote hamlet in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, the National Trust’s Dudmaston Bunkhouse is a barn conversion that offers basic but comfortable facilities. The rooms sleep a maximum of two people (bunk beds), so this is an ideal accommodation option for those who prefer smaller, quieter shared rooms.

    No bedding or towels are provided (the beds will have mattress protectors only) - please bring bedding/sleeping bag and pillow, as well as a towel and your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    National Trust Dudmaston Bunkhouse
    Quatford
    Bridgnorth
    Shropshire
    WV15 6QR

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Single Room (shared bathroom)

    At this hostel there are primarily Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a twin room - with bunk beds - with just one other participant (bathrooms are shared).

    Single Rooms are for one participant and have a single bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at National Trust Dudmaston Bunkhouse.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • 2 days (Days 2 & 3) of guided walks to enjoy the Shropshire countryside.

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • No bedding or towels are provided (the beds will have mattress protectors only) - please bring bedding/sleeping bag and pillow, as well as a towel and your own toiletries.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    • Can I attend on my own?
      Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
      Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this experience?
      We do not provide any transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
      Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

  • Dudmaston is a quiet, remote hamlet situated close to many fantastic walking routes in the Shropshire Hills. The rich agricultural heritage, historical interest, and wide-open landscapes make it a wonderful place for walking at a relaxed pace. With a mix of heathland, grassland, woodland and rivers habitats punctuated by characterful towns and villages, there’s lots to see and do.

    Dudmaston Hall, the grounds of which accommodate our Bunkhouse for this trip, is a 17th century country house built on a site continually lived-in by members of the same family for almost 900 years. Today, the estate comprises landscaped gardens, parkland, woodlands, lakes, farmland, and other estate buildings. It’s in the care of the National Trust, with the house, galleries and gardens available to visit (check opening times and details via the National Trust’s website beforehand).

Where is Dudmaston Bunkhouse?