Here’s your cosy-season mini-guide to the Shropshire Hills—perfect for crisp rambles, castle mooches, twinkly markets and nights under star-splashed skies. And if you’re planning a special autumn escape, make St Milburga Chapel your base (more on that—and a 10% code—below).
As the heather bronzes and the valleys mist, the Long Mynd and Stiperstones are at their romantic best. For a rewarding day out, try the National Trust’s classic Long Mynd & Ratlinghope circuit from Carding Mill Valley—a big-sky, waterfall-speckled route with a mid-way pub stop at The Bridges. (National Trust) Prefer something shorter before the cocoa? Head to Wenlock Edge for limestone-edge woodland loops such as Major’s Leap or the gentle Jenny Wind walk. (National Trust) If you want moody drama, stride the Stiperstones ridge on a 5½-mile circular: jagged tors, myth and huge views—pack a flask and your camera. (Shropshire’s Great Outdoors)
History lovers, layer up and wander Stokesay Castle, a storybook fortified manor in the Onny Valley. English Heritage’s 2025/26 schedule shows it open daily in main season, with selected winter opening across weekends and school holidays—ideal for a quieter explore. Pair that with Ludlow Castle—open year-round (reduced hours in winter) and a lovely pre-market stroll before lunch in town. (Ludlow Castle)
Autumn into winter brings sparkling events. As nights draw in, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at Craven Arms hosts its cosy Frost Fair on 15–16 November 2025 (10:00–16:00)—handmade gifts, mulled treats and festive cheer inside. (Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre) Meanwhile, the Ludlow Christmas Fair at the racecourse adds sparkle on 17–18 November 2025—perfect for early gift hunting. (Ludlow Christmas Fair)
And don’t forget the night sky. The Shropshire Hills AONB boasts several Dark Sky Discovery Sites on and around the Long Mynd; on moonless nights you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye—bring a tripod for crisp, starry photos. Try Burway Gate or Pole Cottage car parks, or the Bog Mine area near Stiperstones. (Shropshire Hills & Ludlow)
Where to stay: St Milburga Chapel (with an Autumn 2025 saving)
For a stay that feels both special and snug, book St Milburga Chapel—a beautifully converted chapel that makes a characterful retreat for walkers, cyclists and castle-baggers. You’re well-placed for the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge and Ludlow’s food scene, with a serene base to return to for slow evenings, board games and a good bottle by candlelight. Save 10% on autumn breaks in 2025 with code AUTUMN2510 when booking direct: www.stmilburgachapel.co.uk.
A ready-made long-weekend plan
Day 1 (Friday): Arrive, settle in at St Milburga Chapel, and stretch your legs on a golden-hour Wenlock Edge loop (2–3½ miles). Back for a simple supper and stargazing if the skies play ball. (National Trust)
Day 2 (Saturday): Tackle the Long Mynd & Ratlinghope route from Carding Mill Valley (allow 5–6 hours with photo and picnic stops). Treat yourself afterwards in Church Stretton or head to Ludlow for dinner. In November, swap the hike for the Frost Fair (15–16 Nov 2025). (National Trust)
Day 3 (Sunday): Dive into history at Stokesay Castle (check the seasonal hours), then wander Ludlow Castle and potter the market if it’s on. If you’re visiting mid-November, add the Ludlow Christmas Fair (17–18 Nov 2025).
Handy links
- Carding Mill Valley & Long Mynd walks: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/carding-mill-valley-on-the-long-mynd (National Trust)
- Long Mynd & Ratlinghope 10-mile route: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/carding-mill-valley-on-the-long-mynd/the-long-mynd-and-ratlinghope-walk (National Trust)
- Wenlock Edge walks: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/wenlock-edge (National Trust)
- Stiperstones circular: https://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/route/shropshire-way-circular-walk-2-stiperstones/ (Shropshire\’s Great Outdoors)
- Stokesay Castle (opening & prices): https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/prices-and-opening-times/ and 2025/26 schedule (PDF) (English Heritage)
- Ludlow Castle (opening): https://www.ludlowcastle.com/visit-us/faqs/ (Ludlow Castle)
- Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre Frost Fair (15–16 Nov 2025): https://www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk/whats-on/frost-fair-1 (Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre)
- Bishop’s Castle Michaelmas Fair (20 Sept 2025): https://www.michaelmasfair.org.uk/ (michaelmasfair.org.uk)
- Ludlow Christmas Fair (17–18 Nov 2025): https://www.ludlowchristmasfair.co.uk/ (Ludlow Christmas Fair)
- Dark skies overview: https://gostargazing.co.uk/regions/aonb/shropshire-hills-aonb/ (Go Stargazing)
Where to book: St Milburga Chapel – https://www.stmilburgachapel.co.uk (use AUTUMN2510 for 10% off stays in Autumn 2025).
NB: voucher is valid on all stays from September 2025 to March 2026 – the code is not valid for October half term and the Christmas holiday period.
