A Wilder Kind of Cosy: Autumn and Winter Escapes at Black Rhadley Cabin
I love this time of year — although, with some trepidation, as the nights draw in a little bit earlier every day, leaving less time after work to do the things we enjoy (well, in the light anyway). It’s a time for nature to rest and recharge, and I feel it’s the same for us. Wintering, as it’s called, encourages us to slow down. In a fast-paced, digital, and often worrying world, that can be difficult to do.
I feel Autumn and Winter give us permission to be intentional — maybe finding it easier to rest. We have permission to reflect and take a little time for ourselves, to provide some self-care. I find the best way is to draw inspiration from nature: sit with the space we’ve been given in this season, nourish your body well, prioritise sleep, put the phone away (easier said than done), try a little less screen time, and get out into nature as much as possible. You’ll feel the benefits.
As the year draws in and the light softens across the Shropshire Hills, Black Rhadley Cabin becomes the perfect place to slow down and sink into the season. It’s a quiet, reflective space — even on a rainy, stormy day (the best kind, I think, to get truly cosy).
Tucked among pine woods and native trees, with sweeping views of the rocky tors, the cabin offers an experience that feels both wild and warmly welcoming. There’s a hint of remoteness without being remote — a retreat where comfort meets the raw beauty of nature.
Step inside and you’re greeted by space, warmth, and stillness. The large picture windows frame ever-changing views — mist curling through the trees, inverted clouds in the Bog Valley (which can look like a shimmering lake at times), deer moving quietly at the woodland edge, and the late afternoon glow over the hills. The cabin is well-heated, so you can stretch out with a book or a board game straight away and feel that deep contentment that only comes with being warm and snug while the wind moves through the woods outside. You can stream your favourite music on the radio or finally delve into that book you’ve been meaning to read. Some of our guests get creative too!
The kitchen is well-equipped for slow, seasonal cooking — perhaps a hearty stew after a walk, or breakfast made with fresh eggs from my free-ranging hens, who spend their days foraging in the nearby field. They all have names — and yes, I know which chicken lays which egg!
Outside, the fire pit and wood-fired bath invite you to linger under vast skies. On clear nights, the darkness here is absolute — the stars bright enough to make you forget everything else. Our guests can vouch for the incredible stargazing from the bath. There’s no light pollution here, and the only sounds you may hear are the tawny owl, fox, or distant deer calls. I always love asking guests if they’ve noticed — slowing down here, listening, and taking time to notice the colours, nature, and sounds is part of the joy of this place.
Autumn brings its own kind of theatre. Over the years, I’ve noticed a flock of starlings returning here annually, growing in size each time — it’s lovely that they find this place safe enough to stay and keep coming back. They sweep and turn in small murmuration’s over the fields in front of the cabin, while bracken blazes russet, birch leaves turn gold, and the air takes on that sharp, sweet scent of dusk.
As winter deepens, the landscape grows quiet but never empty. You might spot a roe deer or muntjac crossing the track at dawn or dusk, and with a little luck, perhaps even catch sight of the elusive pine marten.
Many walks begin right from the doorstep — either along the edge of the small woodland, which is slowly being rewilded with native trees, or across heathered hills and up to rocky outcrops (which is fun!) where the world seems to open out beneath you, the views a stunning. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy this place. A short walk to Nipstone can be enough to blow away the cobwebs, take in views across to Wales and the Long Mynd, and then return to the cosy cabin to enjoy a luxurious hot chocolate with marshmallows, a lovely glass of wine, or a good coffee… it’s up to you!
Whether you’re seeking calm, reconnection, time with a loved one, or simply space to breathe on a solo adventure, this is a place that restores the soul.
At Black Rhadley Cabin, the invitation is simple: step away from screens, slow your pace, and let the quiet work its magic. The wild heart of the Shropshire Hills is waiting — beautiful, peaceful, and just a little bit ethereal in the turning light of autumn and winter.
Come and Experience the Quiet Season
If this sounds like the kind of stillness your heart needs, you can find it here.
Book your autumn or winter stay at Heather & Stone and experience the wonder of slowing down in one of Shropshire’s most peaceful corners — where comfort, nature, and calm come together in perfect balance.