Where are you?
We're in Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills AONB, around 11 miles south of Shrewsbury and easily accessible by train (we're on the Manchester to Newport South Wales line) and around an 8 minute walk from the station. We're just off the A49 main road that runs through the west of England. The M54 motorway extends from the West Midlands area onto the A5 and the M56 from the North-West down the A5 via Chester.
Is there parking?
Yes there is private parking for one car per lodge in a dedicated parking area on our property. We're at the end of a 50m private drive from Watling Street South - it's a little steep though relatively easily managed.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is guaranteed from 3pm although if you message on the day we're typically ready from 1.30pm onwards. Check-out is by 10.30am. We live on site so you're welcome to arrive later in the evening if necessary and we'll show you to the lodges.
Are the lodges private?
Oaks Lodge is located in it's own 1/3 acre private woodland - there are neighbouring properties though at some distance and there is lots of screening from trees. Although the outlook from Larches Lodge is private do note it is closer to our main house on the one side, albeit separated by a wall and hedging with sail screens over the hot tub area.
How far is it into Church Stretton?
It's around a 10 minute walk into the centre of town - there is a footpath around half way along Watling Street that crosses the A49, past a grey industrial building, over the railway bridge, past a few house on Central Ave, emerging by the Coop supermarket or if you continue it runs alongside the rear beer garden of The Kings Arms.
Are there pubs and restaurants in town?
There are several pubs including The Kings Arms, The Bucks Head, Housemans Restaurant, The Old Bike Shop and The Old Coppers Malthouse. The Jaipur Indian restaurant is very popular and also the Sawaddee Thai restaurant. There are many cafes and coffee establishments too.
How challenging are the walks?
The Long Mynd rises to a summit of 516m at Pole Bank and there area variety of routes of varying steepness to reach it. Popular routes are through Townbrook Valley which rises steadily or on Mott's Road through Carding Mill Valley and along the Shropshire Way. A more challenging, though front-loaded route is to head towards the Long Mynd Hotel and up the Hundred Steps and continue steeply up the face of Ashlet. Alternatively there are gorgeous views to be had on Caer Caradoc, through Helmeth Wood and onto Hope Bowdler Hill and also on Ragleth Hill with a steep descent to The Green Dragon or the Ragleth Inn in Little Stretton. There are also several scenic valleys offering a less crowded alternative to Carding Mill Valley (National Trust) rising from All Stretton too.