I experienced a break in a Shropshire shepherd’s hut, and wasn’t prepared for this

Accompanied by my partner Stu, who’d agreed we could do with a short break to recharge our batteries, we headed to the south of the county to spend some time in the great outdoors, a shepherd’s hut being our accommodation and a new experience for us. 

We’ve camped in the past; traditional tents and sleeping bags, but as our ‘chill time’ has become less frequent and more precious, we didn’t have the time nor the energy to dig out the tent, but needed that ‘hit of the outdoors’, where country walking was easy access.

Through the gate we were immediately taken aback by what stood before us. Sitting on the edge of a quiet farm, three horses and a family of chickens that we could see, sat a little piece of heaven, a private getaway - Oak Hut - our very own piece of nature that was to be our home for the next couple of days.

I know Shropshire is a large and green county, famous for its rolling hills with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, I am an adopted Shropshire lass after all, but a townie version, and although I do ‘get out’ nothing quite prepared me for the views, the landscape surrounding us was simply breathtaking, and we greedily had it all to ourselves. 

Shropshire Shepherd’s Huts is the passionate creation of couple Max and Jess; Max a portrait painter and craftsman; Jess a life coach and yoga teacher, who have clearly poured their heart and soul into creating a welcoming retreat of escapism, a home from home, while keeping sympathetic to the natural surroundings, unselfishly sharing their love with those looking for that luxury getaway.

The charming shepherd’s hut has everything you require, and yes, it has shower and toilet facilities, kitchen with all amenities, a comfy bed, and wood burner for those cooler months. However, we were fortunate enough to be staying when the UK was in the midst of a heatwave, so all cooking was done outside on the fire pit grill.

On one of the hottest days of the year, well prepared, we set off early in the morning like hobbits and wandered the countryside taking in the fresh air and views, exploring shaded woods before picking up the Shropshire Way until we hit the town of Bishop’s Castle. The town is only 45 minutes direct from Oak Hut but we took a longer route to absorb the scenery and work up an appetite - okay, we ‘might’ have taken a wrong turn or two. We most certainly did not get lost.

We explored the quaint market town before enjoying a pint of Solstice, brewed locally by Three Tuns Brewery, along with a ploughman’s lunch at The Castle Hotel where we both would recommend - great beer, great food, and the views - definitely the best pub garden we’ve been to. 

Back at base and surprisingly refreshed, even after our ‘extended’ walk. Stu lit the fire pit and I watched his caveman instincts kick in - who was I to argue? I had already planned a chillout in the hot-tub with a glass of something bubbly. We ate locally sourced produce - A J Pugh Butchers, your pork belly crisped up nicely, top class pork pie too! We then challenged each other to a game of darts - as darts fans we enjoyed the darts board. Oh, Luke Littler, you have nothing to worry about.

Now, I will mention that there’s no wifi. I am sure this may terrify some but we had 5G onsite and no issues with reception, even when roaming the countryside (required for maps, otherwise we could still be on the Shropshire Way heading in the wrong direction). However, the hosts have thoughtfully compiled a welcome pack with all you need to know about the accommodation and local area. A suggestion - take a photo of the map guide or take it with you.

Whilst enjoying the cosy crackle of the fire pit we felt the blanket of the night slowly cover the landscape, the silence neither of us were prepared for, almost nothingness, bar the odd call of a sheep or the hooves of the horses galloping across their paddock, grazing in the dusk. We both wondered when was the last time we had really switched off.

So, if you’re keen to experience the outdoors and bond with nature, but also appreciate the comforts of home and the thought of traditional camping with shared facilities isn’t your ‘thing’ - my best friend says the thought of pitching your own accommodation and negotiating uneven terrain in Crocs by torchlight in the early hours for a ‘wee’ isn’t her cup of tea (maybe less tea would stop the early get-ups), but you love the outdoors and the possible adventure it brings, glamping allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds - think if it as subscribing to avoid the ‘intrusive’ adverts. 

I would also challenge any die-hard traditional camping folk to take a break for tent poles and communal facilities and embrace a little treat and subscribe to the ‘plus’ for a little something special. 

Finally, for us this is on our doorstep, and we’re very fortunate. But it did get us thinking that sometimes we don’t take advantage of what we have close by. Without hesitation, we would travel miles for this escapism.

Shropshire Shepherd's Huts

Shropshire Shepherd’s Huts are offering a 10% discount on stays until the end of August 2025 with the code Shropshire10, to find out more and to book, head to shropshireshepherdshuts.co.uk

Or to find out more about Max and Jess’s next project, visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-our-shropshire-shepherds-hut-dream