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Gentle Walking Weekend – Dudmaston, Shropshire

Join Large Outdoors for a relaxed, social and fun weekend of leisurely walking and socialising in a tranquil corner of the Shropshire countryside.

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

In a Nutshell: 

  • A weekend of gentle, guided walking through peaceful, picturesque Shropshire countryside.

  • Accommodation in a National Trust-owned property, in a single room or sharing with no more than one other person in a twin. 

  • Kick-back, relax, and de-stress in the company of a lovely bunch of fellow outdoors-lovers.

  • Enjoy the wonderful scenery with stops in fabulous tearooms and country pubs.

 

How do we grade our walks?

 
 

A weekend of leisurely walking in Shropshire, staying in a National Trust property in the grounds of a wonderful mansion house.

Enjoy the best the season has to offer on this weekend of Leisurely walking (see how we grade our walks here) in a quiet part of the Shropshire countryside. The terrain we’ll be covering this weekend is accessible to those with all levels of walking experience; we’ll be focused on having a great time rather than marching all day long.

We’re heading to Dudmaston, a hamlet that’s just five miles from the town of Bridgnorth and yet the tranquility and time-stood-still feel of the surroundings makes it seem much further away. 

We’re staying in Dudmaston Bunkhouse, a fantastic National Trust-owned barn conversion in the pristine grounds of the handsome Dudmaston Hall, a 17th century country house. The weekend is spent exploring this lovely part of south Shropshire. Gentle riverside and woodland walks will be interspersed with visits to enticing tearooms and no doubt the odd drink or two in one of the fine country pubs close-by. 

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

We defy anyone to not be impressed with our location for this weekend! We’re staying in the grounds of Dudmaston Hall, a 17th century, National Trust-run country house, with pristine parkland and lots of superb walks right on our doorstep. Tucked away is the Dudmaston Bunkhouse, our accommodation for the weekend.

You’re welcome to arrive any time after 5pm, but if you do want to explore the area earlier then do take the opportunity to visit Dudmaston Hall (check opening times and details via the National Trust website) and the grounds before joining the group.

This evening is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow walkers and unloading from the stress of the week. You’ll be greeted by a Large Outdoors host, who will serve dinner at 8pm, followed by a cheeseboard and a run through of the plans for the weekend ahead.

Day 2

After breakfast and making up our packed lunch, chances are we’ll head out on one of the lovely routes that start straight from the bunkhouse door, taking us through the historic estate grounds and out into the quiet countryside surroundings. The routes follow easy terrain that has lots to offer in terms of interest and sheer beauty – think pleasant walks by the River Severn, stunning woodlands and open parkland with views of wonderful, historic country houses.

Following the day’s activities, we’ll return to the bunkhouse, where there will be plenty of time to chill out and reflect on a good day’s rambling. We’ll enjoy a two-course dinner - once again prepared by your host - as we chat into the evening.

Day 3

Today we enjoy breakfast before packing up and checking out of the bunkhouse. Then it’s time to embark on another day of discovery in the Shropshire countryside. We’ll pick a different, but equally pleasant, route from yesterday, aiming to finish around lunchtime.

We’ll almost certainly manage to find a charming tearoom or pub to enjoy - perhaps you might like to enjoy lunch or a final cuppa together with your fellow participants, before it’s time to say farewell to your new-found friends and head off home.

Please note: on some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

Good to Know:

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm.
    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 Bridgnorth Train Station, with services to/from Stratford-Upon-Avon and Worcester Foregate Street.

    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 dorm 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).