We naturally have dark skies at All Stretton Bunkhouse and sheep’s eyes in torchlight can really freak you out or the odd badger snuffling beneath your windowsill. If that’s not enough for you, loads going on to celebrate All Hallows in the area

Every Wednesday evening Shrewsbury Prison are offering ghost tours in one of the most haunted prisons in the World – they tell you to bring a torch, warm clothing and someone’s hand to hold! Too creepy? Need something for the kids? Try Blists Hill Victorian Town where they can do Creepy Creations at Enginuity or a ‘Day of the Dead’ Clay Drop In at the China Museum. Perhaps a Pumpkin Trail and Games at Ludlow Castle sound more gentle.
Here at Al Stretton Bunkhouse, we’ll just let the creatures of the night and the winter dark skies do the haunting for us .

The reservoir at Cardingmill Valley is close to All Stretton Bunkhouse. Want to go wild swimming in a lovely setting after a short walk in the hills? From the door of All Stretton Bunkhouse, you can walk up the Batch Valley, straight over Haddon Hill and drop down in to Cardingmill Valley. From there, it’s a short walk up the hill to the reservoir.

I took my grandsons there a few weeks back; the eldest was preparing for his Duke of Edinburgh award so I gave him the OS map and he led the way! I have to admit I was tempted but not brave enough but they LOVED it – I couldn’t get them out. The photograph is of them swimming back across the reservoir for the third time! Luckily, the National Trust tea room is a short walk down the valley, so the mention of ice-cream did the trick. If this heat continues, I may join them next time.