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Imagine a peaceful weekend getaway in the stunning Shropshire Hills, tailored just for women, and led by an exceptional mountain leader Janire, from Ray of Sun Adventures. During this walking weekend, you'll explore picturesque landscapes, discover hidden trails, and share the journey with a group of like-minded adventurers. Our accommodation is ideally situated for the planned walks, and it is the perfect excuse for a digital detox - there is poor mobile reception and no wi-fi - so bring that book you've been meaning to read!
HOLIDAY DETAILS
Accommodation: YHA Bridges, Shropshire
Board: Breakfast & lunch
Dates: 16-18 May 2025
Price: £280 per person
YOUR BASE
Described as one of the last untouched rural paradises, YHA Bridges offers a charming hostelling experience in the heart of the Shropshire Hills AONB. Set in a former village school, this tranquil retreat has been welcoming walkers and cyclists since May 1931. The hostel features a cosy lounge with an open fire and a well equipped kitchen for those who wish to prepare an evening meal.
The popular Shropshire Way passes the hostel grounds and we'll meet plenty of other walkers heading out for a day in the beautiful countryside.
We are holding 1 x 4 bed room and 2 x 6 bed rooms - but our group will be capped at 12 people.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
2pm - 2.30pm: Arrive and settle in.
2.30pm-5.30pm: Join us for a delightful evening hike, starting and finishing at the YHA The Bridges Hostel in Ratlinghope. This 8.5 km intermediate circular walk with 170 m of ascent takes us on an inspiring journey along the old Coach Road, over the ridge of Adstone Hill.
5.30pm-6.30pm: Free time to rest and freshen up
6.30pm-7.30pm: Join the group for evening meal in the pub next door (not included)
Day 2:
8am - 9am: Breakfast - hot & cold breakfast options will be provided
9.30am - 3.30pm: Guided walk - The Long Mynd - 18km, 540m ascent, advanced level walk.
Join us for a stunning day out exploring the iconic Long Mynd, a 7-mile-long ridge nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This circular hike is a wonderful way to experience the rolling moorland, wildlife, and incredible views this area has to offer.
3.30pm - 6.30pm: Free time
Take some time to relax after your walk. Nap, read, chat around the table with a brew - whatever you want - this is your time.
6.30pm - 7.30pm: Dinner at local pub
Join the group at the pub next door for evening meal (not included) and social.
Day 3:
8am - 9am: Breakfast - hot & cold breakfast options will be provided.
9.30am - 1.30pm: Guided walk - Stiperstones - straight from the hostel- roughly 12km walk with 380m of ascent. intermediate level walk.
Wrap up your weekend with an unforgettable hike through the wild and atmospheric landscape of Stiperstones, a place of both geological wonder and natural beauty. This 12 km circular route with 380 m of ascent starts and finishes at the YHA The Bridges Hostel and takes us over rugged, rocky terrain on this iconic ridge in the Shropshire Hills.
After, join us at a cafe for lunch before farewells and departure.
WALKS
Adstone Hill - 8.5 km, 170 m of ascent, intermediate circular walk
The route begins with a fairly steep climb, but once you’ve conquered the ascent, the path levels out, offering easy and enjoyable walking. We’ll be treated to superb views of The Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and Corndon Hill as the surrounding hills roll into the horizon. Keep an eye on the skies for red kites, buzzards, and the famous Prolly Moor ravens, which are often spotted in this area.
Our halfway stop is the charming village of Wentnor, where we’ll visit the ancient St Michael and All Angels Church, a beautiful Norman building steeped in history. Here, we’ll pause for a peaceful moment in the well-maintained graveyard, complete with benches that make for the perfect picnic spot.
The return route takes us back to The Bridges, walking in the shadow of The Hillas we soak up the tranquillity of this enchanting landscape.
This is the perfect way to start your holiday and end your day, surrounded by the natural beauty and history of Shropshire.
The Long Mynd - 18km, 540m of ascent, advanced level walk.
Join us for a stunning day out exploring the iconic Long Mynd, a 7-mile-long ridge nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This circular hike is a wonderful way to experience the rolling moorland, wildlife, and incredible views this area has to offer.
From our starting point at YHA The Bridges Hostel, we’ll make our way up and over the Long Mynd. Known for its heather-clad slopes and far-reaching views, the ridge’s highest point, Pole Bank (516m), offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for the wild mountain ponies that roam freely across the moorland—a true highlight of this area.
As we traverse the ridge, we’ll take in spectacular views of The Burway, Caradoc, and other iconic Shropshire Hills. These views provide a perfect opportunity to pause, take a few photos, and soak in the natural beauty around us.
Our journey then takes us down into the charming market town of Church Stretton, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. This picturesque town, affectionately known as “Little Switzerland,” is the ideal spot to rest and refuel before beginning the return leg of our hike.
After lunch, we’ll head back up and over the Long Mynd, taking a slightly different route to enjoy more of the ridge’s unique features. The circular route ensures a variety of landscapes and perspectives, making this hike a truly memorable experience.
Key Highlights:
Spectacular views from Pole Bank, the highest point of the Long Mynd
Opportunity to spot wild mountain ponies in their natural habitat
Far-reaching vistas of The Burway, Caradoc, and other Shropshire Hills
A lunch break in the quaint town of Church Stretton
This hike is a wonderful mix of moorland ridge walking, wildlife spotting, and time to explore a beautiful Shropshire town - perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural and cultural beauty of the area.
Stiperstones - 12km, with 380m of ascent, intermediate level walk
Wrap up your weekend with an unforgettable hike through the wild and atmospheric landscape of Stiperstones, a place of both geological wonder and natural beauty. This 12 km circular route with 380 m of ascent starts and finishes at the YHA The Bridges Hostel and takes us over rugged, rocky terrain on this iconic ridge in the Shropshire Hills.
The Stiperstones Quartzite ridge, formed 480 million years ago, is a jagged, boulder-strewn landscape shaped by freezing and thawing during the last Ice Age. At 536 m above sea level, this is the second-highest hill in Shropshire and home to unique wildlife, from common lizards and frogs to red grouse, red kites, ravens, and stonechats. Look out for the buzzing activity of hairy wood ants, the dazzling green hairstreak butterflies, and even the stunning emperor moths.
We’ll follow the ridge, taking time to admire the towering rocky outcrops, including the legendary Devil’s Chair, the most imposing of them all. Legend has it the Devil himself scattered these rocks across the ridge, and the views from this spot are nothing short of spectacular. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll have the chance to scramble to the summit for a moment of awe-inspiring solitude.
This hike is the perfect way to connect with the wild beauty of Shropshire, offering breathtaking views and a sense of the ancient forces that shaped this remarkable landscape. Our circular route will bring us back to the hostel, completing our weekend of adventure on a high note.
Important bits to note:
You can just pay the deposit for now, to do this select the DEPOSIT ONLY option for your chosen date. If you are booking for more than 1 person, please adjust the quantity accordingly.
If paying the full balance now, please select "Full Balance".
Full payment is due 6 weeks before the start date.
All travellers must complete a booking form, and confirm you have read and understood the booking conditions
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
YHA The Bridges, Ratlinghope, Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
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