Escape to the Shropshire Hills for a 4-day hiking retreat exploring iconic landscapes like the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and Adstone Hill. Spend your days on guided walks through ridges, valleys, and ancient trails, then unwind with good food, cosy evenings, and plenty of laughs. With just 12 spaces!
✨ Imagine…
Waking up to birdsong in a tucked-away corner of the Shropshire Hills. Stepping out into crisp morning air, lacing up your boots, and setting off with a group of people who are just as excited as you are to explore, laugh, and share the joy of being outdoors.
This isn’t just a walking holiday — it’s a chance to properly switch off. To fill your lungs with fresh hilltop air, wander through valleys and along ancient trails, and end each day with that warm, satisfying tiredness only the hills can give you.
It’s shared stories over mugs of tea ☕, laughter in the pub after a day’s hike, and carving out time that’s just for you.
Led by Janire from Ray of Sun Adventures and run in partnership with my lovely friend Anna from Wellness and Walking Holidays, this weekend is about more than the miles — it’s about connection, confidence, and feeling like yourself again.
After two incredible, successful weekends, we’re bringing this trip back for the third time — now firmly one of our signature experiences ✨
🏡 Your Base
We’ll be staying at YHA The Bridges, a cosy converted village school set in one of the last untouched rural paradises of Shropshire.
Think roaring log fires 🔥, comfy bunks, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The hostel sits right on the Shropshire Way, so our walks start the second we step outside. You’ll be sharing this peaceful hideaway with like-minded people who are here for the same reason you are: to escape, explore, and feel alive again.
🌄 The Experience
Your weekend begins the moment you arrive. You’ll settle into your cosy base at YHA The Bridges, where you’ll be staying for three nights, with breakfast each morning to set you up for the day ahead.
Before the trip, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp group so you can connect with the others — meaning by the time you arrive, it already feels like you know people. You’ll also receive a goodie bag from Wellness and Walking Holidays and Ray of Sun Adventures, and there’ll be plenty of little touches throughout the weekend to make it feel special.
Over the long weekend, you’ll explore some of the very best routes in the Shropshire Hills, all fully guided by a qualified Mountain Leader. With navigation taken care of and plenty of encouragement along the way, all you need to do is enjoy the experience. You’ll ease into things with a beautiful walk through the Darnford Valley, following the brook and climbing gently along an ancient drovers road before looping back via Ratlinghope. It’s peaceful, scenic, and the perfect introduction to the weekend.
Saturday brings a full day adventure across the Long Mynd, with sweeping ridge views, wild ponies, and a well-earned deli lunch from Saxtons in Church Stretton. Throughout the weekend, snacks are provided to keep you fuelled on the trails. On Sunday, you’ll head out onto the rugged Stiperstones ridge, where dramatic rock formations and wide-open views make it one of the most memorable walks in the area. Afterwards, you’ll return to the hostel for a shower and some downtime before heading to the pub for a proper Sunday roast.
The evening winds down with a relaxed games night back at the hostel — hot drinks, chats, laughs, and that easy feeling of being part of a group. On the final morning, you’ll head out early for a sunrise walk over Adstone Hill. Quiet trails, golden light, and a pretty magical way to say goodbye to the hills 🌅
👣 Who This Trip is For
This retreat is for people who love the idea of an adventurous weekend but also value community, support, and a good laugh along the way.
You don’t need to be the fastest hiker, but you should feel comfortable with full-day walks on hilly terrain. It’s also a brilliant opportunity if you’re building towards bigger adventures — whether that’s something like Everest Base Camp or the West Highland Way.
With back-to-back hiking days, it’s a great way to build strength, stamina, and endurance in a friendly, supportive environment 💪
Whether you’re coming solo or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into the group from the moment you arrive.