Long Mynd Walking Weekend – Shropshire

Join Large Outdoors for a social walking weekend exploring the Long Mynd in Shropshire. With two days of substantial walks, it's ideal for those who enjoy a good trek. Limited to just 9 people, this trip offers a smaller, more intimate social group for those who prefer to avoid crowds.


Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration:
2 nights
Accommodation: Bunkhouse
Group Size: Maximum 9
Level: Active
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Enjoy being in a small companionable group for two full days of walking in the hills. 

  • High level ridge walking along the iconic Long Mynd plateau. 

  • The ancient fort on the summit of Caer Caradoc. 

  • Relish the tranquil setting of the All Stretton bunkhouse.


 

How do we grade our walks?

 

Superb ridge and hill walking on this weekend in South Shropshire

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Large Outdoors as we journey to the spectacular Long Mynd in Shropshire for a weekend of exploration and discovery. Nestled amidst the rolling hills, our base at the All Stretton bunkhouse offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As you arrive, join fellow adventurers for tea and lively conversation, setting the tone for an exciting weekend ahead.

With breathtaking views and exhilarating trails, the Long Mynd promises an experience like no other. From ascending Shropshire's iconic moorland plateau to exploring ancient hill forts, each day offers new opportunities for adventure and camaraderie. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of this captivating landscape and create lasting memories together.

Itinerary

Day 1 

Our base for the weekend is the All Stretton bunkhouse near Church Stretton which nestles nicely into the hilly surroundings and offers a peaceful respite from normal life. 

You are welcome to arrive any time after 5pm, by which time cups of tea will be brewing and the chatter will have started as the rest of the group arrives.

There’s plenty of time to get to know everybody else before we sit down to the evening meal lovingly prepared by us. While the hefty cheeseboard is being passed around the table we’ll outline the walking plans for the weekend. 

Day 2

After a good breakfast, and having packed up our lunch, we head out. 

Today’s 10-mile route has plenty of climbing and some steep slopes but rest assured the views will reward us for all that hard work!

We’re headed for Shropshire’s iconic moorland plateau and ridge, the Long Mynd (The Long Mountain) with our walk easing us into the day ahead by starting along the valley bottom and through the villages of Church Stretton and Little Stretton. 

From then on we begin to climb, admiring the views as the woodland peters out and gives way to open moorland. It’s a fascinating area as you look across at the distinctive spine-like outline of the ridge created millions’ of years ago as rocks folded and faulted during huge tectonic movements of the earth’s crust. 

Once on the ridge itself we follow along the full length of the Long Mynd savouring the panorama before we drop back down and return to the bunkhouse.

Walk over, there’s ample time for chilling out before a 10-minute stroll to the local pub for an evening meal (NB: the cost of the pub meal is not included in the price of the weekend).

Day 3

We pack up our belongings and venture to the start of today’s walk, an 8-mile yomp to the 495-metre summit of the magnificent Caer Caradoc which rises proudly from the gently undulating surroundings.

Expect a stiff climb but together with great views there’s the extra bonus of an ancient hill fort on the summit. The fort is believed to date back to either the Bronze or Iron Age. According to local legend it marks the site of the last stand of Caractacus in a battle against the Roman legions during the Roman conquest of Britain. 

After imagining those turbulent times, we descend back down to Church Stretton where there’s time for a café stop before we go our various ways home.

  • 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:

    All Stretton Bunkhouse
    Church Stretton
    SY6 6JW

    Please note the post code will not take you to the venue.

    Parking: There is free parking available near the hostel.

  • We have exclusive use of All Stretton Bunkhouse, a rural hideaway on the side of the Long Mynd.

    Accommodation Address:
    All Stretton Bunkhouse
    Church Stretton
    SY6 6JW

    Room Types:
    There are Shared Rooms (you’ll be sharing a single-sex dorm room with other participants). You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:

    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at All Stretton Bunkhouse - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.

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

    • Guided walks on two days (Saturday and Sunday).

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

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

    • A DIY packed lunch for Saturday’s walk.

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

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • 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 the walk start points and back, where walks don’t start from the door.

    • Dinner on the second evening - we’ll book a table at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • 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.

  • What level of fitness is needed? This trip is rated as Active. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    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, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking.
    Please see our FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    What transport is provided during this trip? We do not provide any transport for this experience.

    Can I bring my dog? Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, 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.

  • Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, the Long Mynd stands as a timeless testament to the region's rich history and natural beauty. This captivating landscape, whose name translates to "Long Mountain," is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Carved by ancient geological forces over millions of years, the Long Mynd boasts a rugged terrain characterized by sweeping moorland, deep valleys, and craggy peaks. Its distinctive ridge, formed through the folding and faulting of rocks during tectonic movements, offers panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

    But the allure of the Long Mynd extends beyond its scenic vistas; steeped in myth and legend, this mystical landscape has inspired tales of ancient hill forts and legendary battles. The summit of Caer Caradoc, rising proudly from the surrounding hills, is said to be the site of Caractacus' last stand against the Roman legions during the conquest of Britain. As you traverse its undulating trails and explore its hidden corners, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the timeless beauty and storied past of the Long Mynd.

Good to Know

Book your Long Mynd Walking Weekend - Shropshire