Shropshire: The Details
Possible Dates: 16-19th April, or 23-26th April 2027
Anticipated costs:
£579 per person with 5 people / £380 for shared twin room (non-refundable deposit unless a replacement can be found: £350 (to cover the non-refundable cost of the accommodation).
What's included:
3 night's private accommodation - lovely individual bed rooms (no sharing unless you choose to- all king, double or twin. Three bathrooms – one en suite is available - rooms allocated on a first-come-first-served basis).
Accommodation is set in an Incredible countryside location on the hillside just above the small town of Church Stretton – just 10 minute walk from the house to shops, cafes and bars. We are also just minutes from woodland and the National Trust Carding Mill Valley is also nearby.
Access to the whole house, terrace and gardens which are lovely. (See pics)
Hot tub for your use.
x2 guided Talk & Walks (around 5 hours each) - with the opportunity for mindfulness in nature and to talk and share if you want to.
Counselling and group support opportunities whilst walking.
Optional relaxation, breathing and stretch sessions.
Two main evening meals (Friday and Sunday), two lunches, three continental breakfasts provided (pre-ordered for dietary requirements).
Tea / Coffee / Squash / juice.
What's NOT Included:
Travel to and from the accommodation (lift shares and petrol costs to be arranged)
Walking equipment (please let me know if you need anything, I may be able to lend kit)
Alcohol
Extra food / snacks / drinks not listed as provided.
Saturday pub dinner.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - arrival 4pm onwards.
Welcome and dinner (included in cost) at the house (pre-ordered).
Time for exploring the local area / hot tub / star gazing.
Day 2:
Main walk from the house: Long Mynd 5-6 hours (see below).
Free time for mindfulness / exploration.
Pub dinner at the Ragleth Inn (not included in cost) at the house (pre-ordered). Or you are welcome to bring your own food and cook in our accommodation kitchen if you prefer.
Day 3:
Main walk: Caer Carodoc - 4-5 hours (see below).
Dinner (included in cost) at the house (pre-ordered).
Time for relaxation, exploring the local area / hot tub / star gazing – or you are free to leave early if you need to be back for work on Monday (the cost for the accommodation was the same for 2 or 3 nights).
Day 4 -
Check out by 10am. (There's lots more to do in the local vicinity if you want to make the most of this day.)
THE WALKS:
Saturday's walk:
Valleys and waterfalls: Long Mynd – Ashes Hollow
Where: Start/finish at our accommodation, taking in the waterfalls, the high plateau of the Long Mynd, and the dramatic valley of Ashes Hollow.
Distance: 14km / 8.5 miles
Time: 4.5 hours walking (allow 5–6 hours in total)
Terrain: Moderate. Some significant uphill, but not technical and no exposure. Includes uneven rocky stream-side ascent and descent. 477m of ascent.
The Walk: A scenically stunning route that follows a stream past a series of small waterfalls, before climbing up onto the open high plateau of the Long Mynd. The undoubted highlight is the descent into Ashes Hollow – a dramatic, steep-sided green valley that feels a world away from the open moor above.
The Accommodation
Nestled in the heart of Church Stretton, this "arts and crafts" country house is the perfect base for your Talk & Walk retreat. This gorgeous property offers five beautifully appointed bedrooms, three of which feature flexible 'zip-and-lock' king/twin beds — giving you the choice of your own private space, or the option to share at a reduced cost, subject to availability. After a day on the hills, unwind in the hot tub or relax in the gardens, soaking up the peace of the Shropshire countryside. And with the Long Mynd and Caer Caradoc right on your doorstep, spectacular walking begins the moment you step outside the front door.
Sunday's Walk:
Spectacular ridges and hill forts: Caer Caradoc & Hope Bowdler Hill
Where: Start/finish from the house, taking in Caer Caradoc's ridgeline and Iron Age hillfort summit, returning over Hope Bowdler Hill ridge.
Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 3.5 hours walking (allow 4-5 hours in total)
Terrain: Moderate-strenuous. Short, sharp bursts of significant and steep climbing and descending, particularly on Caer Caradoc. Not technical and no exposure. 554m of elevation
The Walk: A brilliant ridge walk that earns its keep with a stiff pull up onto Caer Caradoc, rewarded with huge views over Shropshire and the ancient hillfort site on its summit. The route returns via the more rolling but equally scenic ridge line of Hope Bowdler Hill, giving two distinct ridge-walking experiences in one outing.
Terms & Conditions of booking
1. Booking & Deposit
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking to secure your place. This deposit is only refundable if the retreat is cancelled by me, or where a replacement guest is found to take your place at the same retreat, which I will do my best to find.
2. Balance Payment
The remaining balance is due no later than 8 weeks before the retreat start date. Please note that failure to pay the balance by this date may result in your booking being cancelled, with the deposit retained, as accommodation costs will already have been incurred.
3. Cancellations
Cancellations made by the guest are subject to the non-refundable deposit policy above.
I strongly recommend you have your own travel/holiday insurance.
4. Breakage Deposit
I have paid a refundable breakage deposit of £500 on everyone's behalf for the accommodation. Guests will be liable to me for any costs charged by the accommodation for any items damaged, broken, or lost by them during their stay.
5. Walking & Activity Risk
This retreat includes guided walks in hill and upland terrain, which may involve steep ascents/descents, uneven ground, and changeable weather. Guests must agree to the consent form and liability waiver. Guests agree to take part at their own risk and must ensure they are reasonably fit and adequately equipped (suitable footwear, waterproofs, layers) for the routes described. Please advise me if you have any concerns at all.
6. Changes to the Itinerary
We reserve the right to alter routes, timings, or activities due to weather, ground conditions, or guest safety. Where possible, suitable alternatives will be offered.
7. Guest Conduct
Guests are expected to treat the property, other guests, and the surrounding countryside with respect. I reserve the right to end a guest's stay without refund in the unlikely case of serious misconduct.
8. Liability
Except where caused by our negligence, we are not liable for loss, injury, or damage arising from a guest's participation in walks or activities, or for loss/damage to personal belongings during the retreat.
9. Data & Privacy
Any personal information provided during booking will be used solely for the purposes of managing your stay and for Talk & Walk events by me, and will not be shared with third parties.
Werrington, Peterborough
Whatsapp: +447356227712
Email: jenna@jennalouisecounselling.co.uk