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About Leading
Leader profiles
Sandy Smith
Sandy became a leader in 1995. In her professional life, Sandy is a university academic with a background in geology - a subject that greatly enhances the walks she leads!
How did you get to know about leading for HF Holidays?
"I was told about it by some HF Holidays' guests I met on top of a mountain!"
Why did you decide to become a leader?
"The challenge; and the thought that it might encourage me to take more holidays rather than working so hard. "
Which are your favourite destinations?
"So far - I'm still exploring - Glencoe, California or the start of any long distance trail."
What do you like best about leading for HF Holidays?
"The interesting guests you meet. (Followed closely by the food)."
What's the greatest reward of leading?
"The shared achievement of a group who have just completed a long-distance trail or a day walk that they found challenging."
What's the biggest surprise you've had as a leader?
"That I enjoyed walking in non-mountainous areas as well as mountains."
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John Parkinson
John retired from West Mercia Constabulary in 1998, after 30 years of service. He has been a leader ever since and says that it has become part of his life - a very tolerant family definitely helps, though!
How did you get to know about leading for HF Holidays?
"It was recommended to me by a colleague who had already retired."
Which are your favourite destinations?
"The Lake District in Britain and, in Europe, areas with spectacular mountains such as the French or Austrian Alps."
What is your favourite part of an HF Holiday?
"Definitely the people - talking to people of all ages and from many backgrounds never fails to give me a buzz. Not to forget, of course, the walking - there's nothing quite like exploring on foot."
His advice: "Give it a go. It's the best way of keeping fit and meeting new people."
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Peter Sapsford
Peter is an Adult Learning Officer and has been a leader since 1999. He spends two or three weeks leading every year, in the UK and overseas.
Why did you decide to become a leader?
I enjoy hillwalking and climbing in groups, and expected to discover new areas and new challenges. I was impressed with the professionalism of the Guidelines course and then decided that this was an organisation that would give me the right support.
What do you like best about leading an HF Holiday?
Meeting and getting to know a lot of people and then enabling them to gain new experiences.
What's the toughest challenge you've faced as a leader?
Learning salsa dancing from guests at Derwentbank!
What's the greatest reward of leading?
That combination of pleasant tiredness and buzz after a group of people have been stretched, excited and taken into new personal and physical 'territory'.
What's the biggest surprise you've had as a leader?
Some of the low level walks I had never heard of are great fun and frequently full of interest.
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Yvonne Varley
A retired medical practitioner, Yvonne became a leader in 2003. However, Yvonne was familiar with HF Holidays before becoming a leader as she'd been a guest on some of our holidays.
Why did you decide to become a leader?
Envy! I saw what a challenging and satisfying job the leaders were doing, in fantastic locations. As soon as I could find the necessary time to dedicate, I applied.
Which are your favourite destinations?
I love moors and mountains, UK and Abroad but I haven't had time to lead in all the places I would like.
What do you like best about leading an HF Holiday?
The guests - infinitely varied, international, such interesting people with a shared love of walking.
What's the biggest surprise you've had as a leader?
The pleasures of leading far outweigh the hard work.
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Bill Chase
Being a landscape gardener confirms that Bill is very much an outdoor man. He heard about HF Holidays through a friend who was already a leader and joined our panel in 2002.
Why did you decide to become a leader?
I have no wild country on my doorstep: by joining HF Holidays I knew I'd enjoy several weeks of hillwalking every year.
What do you like best about leading an HF Holiday?
Watching guests unwind and relax.
What's the greatest reward of leading?
Refuelling tired muscles with a three course dinner! And helping people to achieve what they thought they couldn't do.
What's the biggest surprise you've had as a leader?
Meeting my future wife in Pitlochry on my first appointment!
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