Secret Hills Walking Holidays

Location:	Shropshire Hills
For:	Strolling/ Exploring
From:	7th May 2010
Days:	3
Nights:	4
Price:	£295

A superb strolling and exploring weekend in the valley of the River Severn around Ironbridge and on the Wrekin historic hill fort peak. Staying at the Bset Western Valley Hotel, deep in the Ironbridge Gorge, just 400 yards for the Ironbridge iteself.Ironbridge and it's gorge are indeed the birthlace of British Industry, The strolling is on good paths, sometimes along the River Severn, other times through the remains of this historical industrial revolution. 4 miles a day. Mainly flat walking, some short hilss, but nevet taxing, and we will go slowly any way.

Ironbridge is a fantastic tourist destination for group travel, and is one of the world's "must see" destinations. Three hundred years ago the industrial revolution was born here, and is now a World Heritage Site enjoyed by all who visit.

Best Western Valley Hotel is a Georgian listed building offering group accommodation in the Ironbridge Gorge, winner of the Best western Hotel of the year award in 2008. Set on the banks of the River Severn overlooking award winning parkland it is ideally situated for exploring the Gorge and it is the only AA 3 star 2 AA rosette awarded hotel actually in Ironbridge. So why not wake up in the remarkable Ironbridge Gorge, you'll find the past all around you, and all the museum sites and the Ironbridge site itself within walking distance

 Our Strolling

The Ironbridge Gorge has many lovely walks, with the River Severn at it's heart. We stroll around this area, and amongst the many reminders of our Historical past. We also walk around the Wrekin Hill Fort, and the lovely woods of the Ercall. Mainly flat walking , with some slight ascents, but we won't rush these.

Our Exploring

We explore the many Gorge Museums, including some of the following:

The Museum of the Gorge/Blists Hill Working Town museum/ Coalport China Museum/The Museum of Steel and Iron in Coalbrookdale.

We also visit Wroxeter Roman town/ Buildwas Abbey/Historic Much Wenlock and the magical, mystical Wrekin.

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is  en suite rooms. All hotels have a bar, and lounge You can see the hotel accommodation by visiting the hotel's website.  We have lunch at one of Shropshire’s lovely country pubs, and dinner is three course at the hotel. An example of a menu is shown here.  Walking starts at 9.30 am, and we generally finish for that welcome cuppa at 4.30 pm. This will give you plenty of time to get ready for dinner. Dress code is smart casual. Your walks leaders will make this  break relaxing and the wonderful walking will stimulate your enthusiasm for the wide outdoors.

 Food  - all part of relaxing in these hills

All our hotels excel in giving you value for money and very tasty evening meals—they pride themselves on their food, much locally sourced and grown. At our lunch stops, they will make sure you have value for money and tasty baguettes, baked potatoes, sandwiches or salads, with tasty soups in the colder months. We cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements.

The following menus is a sample. Menus change daily.

• Cream of Cauliflower soup
• Fresh Fruit and melon platter
• Breaded mushrooms in garlic mayonaise dressing
• Roast breast of chicken with all the trimmings
• Salmon, Haddock and Herb Potato cake 
• Char grilled sirloin steak, field mushrooms vine tomatoes and chips.
• Mediterranean vegetable tart
• Warm apple and cinnamon pie, creme anglaise
• Selection of cheeses and biscuits
• Vanilla Creme brulee, with shortbread biscuits
• Teas and Coffees 

What you get on a Secret Hills Strollers break

• Hotel bed and breakfast– en suite two nights
• Three course dinner
• Lunch
• Personal service
• Expert guiding
• Flexibility
• No single supplement
• A social, relaxed approach