Shropshire Hills

Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Shropshire Hills are recognised as one of Britain's finest landscapes.

Stand on any of the hilltops that surround Church Stretton and admire the view - the rocky Stiperstones, the plateau of the Long Mynd, the craggy volcanic Caer Caradoc and the long wooded scarp of Wrekin Edge.

If you don’t want to wander too far, simply admire the view of Caer Carodoc and the Lawley from within the cottage, or, take your morning coffee onto the patio in the orchard and simply sit and savour it firsthand. You might have a couple of our hens for company and maybe a few wild birds in the nearby ancient yew tree, but apart from that if it’s peace and tranquillity you seek, then Holly Cottage can give you this.

Walkers can start any number of walks from the front door of Holly Cottage as a quarter mile stroll takes you directly onto the Long Mynd. Come late summer the Long Mynd is a sea of purple heather and not to be missed. It is likely you will spot buzzards, and if really lucky perhaps a red kite. If you are looking for interesting routes, Phil offers a guided walks service at weekends.

In addition to walking, you could play a round of golf on England's second highest golf course in Church Stretton? The hills boast the best thermals in the west, so if you like the highlife you will find both a gliding club, and a nearby hot air ballooning facility on the Long Mynd.

For the more adventurous still you can paraglide on the Long Mynd through instruction courtesy of Beyond Extreme. Their shop in Church Stretton sells everything from walking boots to OS maps. Residents of Holly Cottage will be welcomed in the shop with a 15% discount!