Residential visit to Longmynd, Church Stretton, Shropshire 2010

Our residential visit began on 26 April when twenty four OFS Members arrived at Church Stretton, twenty two staying at the Longmynd Hotel and two staying in their caravan. Church Stretton is a small friendly market town situated in the Shropshire Hills, an area of outstanding beauty. The hotel which was very comfortable had been recently refurbished to a very high standard, it even had an outdoor swimming pool which was heated, and I believe Sue and [name removed at their request] took advantage of this luxury. In the grounds of the hotel was a woodland walk and sculpture trail, consisting of animals and birds carved from stumps and fallen trees.

On the afternoon we arrived John and Joyce Dawson took us on a short walk from the hotel, through Church Stretton and on to the Boundle Hill area. This was a delightful walk and gave us a taster of what was to come. The alternative walk was lead by John Eyre, walking up Carding Mill Valley and ascending to Longmynd.

Longmynd - the Shropshire hills Longmynd - the Shropshire hills Photo: Sally Shepherd

The second day the choices were a full day in the Iron Bridge Gorge area,walking along the Severn Gorge over the famous bridge, passing some of the museums on route. This was lead by Sue Crisp. Walking in the Stiperstones was the alternative walk lead by John and June Henville ,which Sally and I decided on.

A memorable walk especially as we were surrounded by so many sheep and new born lambs. We saw more sheep in those few days than we have seen in a life time. We were surprised that lamb was not offered on the hotel menu!

The Stiperstones The Stiperstones Photo: Sally Shepherd

The third day Lorna's walk was in the Batch Valley and on to Longmynd, which is a large long plateau comprising of many hills and moorland with marvellous views. Again this was a wonderful walk, we even came upon alpacas in assorted colours, which we understood from their owner were being kept for their wool to make jumpers. The alternative walk was a full day walk in Wenlock Edge to Corve Dale lead by Liz Adams.

On the last day, before our journey home, our final walk to end a perfect holiday was lead by Michael .We started at Stokesay Castle which is a fine example of a fortified Manor House. The walk took us on three modest climbs, a wooded section and again we saw beautiful views over an unchanged landscape, more sheep again, even the rain didn't spoil things.

The hotel sculptures The hotel sculptures Photo: Sally Shepherd

However the highlight of the week for Sally and I must be the moonlight walk Michael took us on. One evening after dinner (and maybe a glass of wine or two!) he took us arm in arm with lots of laughter for a walk around the nature trail to see the sculptures which were just as beautiful by night!

A truly memorable week walking, scenery , weather, sheep, wild flowers which I believe Jo and fellow walkers counted at least thirty one different ones. Not to forget the company of our fellow OFS members, made it all so enjoyable and many thanks to Sue Crisp and John Eyre for organising it.

De Grant and Sally Shepherd