December/January News Archive

The perfect end to the perfect day	24 January 06

All HF Holidays Country House accommodation strive to attain the best food award each month. Therefore you will find meals full of culinary delights every dinnertime. Not only is the food fantastic but also there is plenty of it, as we at HF Holidays know all walkers build up an appetite whilst out of the stunning walks in the British countryside.

An American guest, Judy Roesset, was talking about Sticky Toffee Pudding when she said "I want to recommend to any avid walkers the one served occasionally at the HF Holidays house, Monk Coniston, in the Lake District. The one I had there two summers ago was wonderful and, as the only American there that week, I was allowed a second helping by the staff who took pity on my lip-smacking. If you don't get this pudding there, you'll have something else equally as delicious, as all the HF Holidays houses in the UK offer fine food."

This article appeared in a newsletter read by millions of potential visitors to the UK.

Try it out for yourself by enjoying a Guided Walking or Special interest break at one of 17 Country House accommodation throughout Britain. Book now on-line or call 0845 470 7558.

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Behind the Iron Curtain	04 January 06

In 2006, we're offering you the chance to explore the two most historic cities in Russia: St Petersburg and Moscow.

St Petersburg, built by Peter the Great as his 'window on the West', was home to ruling Tsars for two centuries until their downfall. A consummately handsome city, it's home to world-class museums housed in magnificent palaces and golden domed cathedrals which rise high above the skyline, while its languorous canals and beautiful architecture have earned it the title of 'The Venice of the East'. During your four days in the city, you can retake the steps of Peter and Catherine the Great, visit sites of the revolution that shook the world, enjoy the music of a city that gave birth to ballet and Tchaikovsky, and that was home to literary giants, Pushkin and Dostoevsky. We will also take you on a trip across the Gulf of Finland to visit Peter the Great's stunningly opulent palace estate Peterhof, with its Grand Cascade of 142 fountains all flowing down gilded statues in front of the golden Great Palace.

Your next destination is Moscow, the spiritual, economic and political capital of the world's largest country and a city that encapsulates the whole of Russian history and culture. For almost eight centuries, the Kremlin, at the heart of the city, has been the seat of power for grand princes, Tsars, dictators and presidents, and you can wander through this medieval, self-contained city with its multitude of palaces, armouries and churches. Outside the Kremlin, you'll find yourself in Red Square, dominated by the ultimate symbol of Russia, St Basil's Cathedral and across from its exuberant domes, you can if you wish, pay your respects to Lenin in his tomb.

To book now on-line click here or contact our Reservation Team on 0845 470 7558 . Prices from £725 per person for 7 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

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Happy New Year from HF Holidays	23 December 05

All of us here at HF Holidays would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Enjoy the festivities, eat and drink 'til you're merry and enjoy this special time. We have many great holidays new for 2006 and look forward to welcoming you on these and many of our old favourites throughout the next year.

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HF Holidays helps the Granary Project	16 December 05

The Eden Granary Furniture Project based in Penrith collects unwanted furniture that would otherwise be thrown away and sells the furniture at affordable prices.  HF Holidays has donated unwanted equipment from our Country House accommodation to help this project.

The project was established to help low income households improve their quality of life by offering affordable furnishings. The Granary is also happy to offer furnishings to anyone looking for a bargain. The Eden Granary Project is part of a registered charity. By selling to the general public, as well as those in need, funds generated can be re-invested into the project.  Visit the Cumbria County Council website for more information.

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What to wear!	06 December 05

One of the most difficult decisions as a walker each morning is what to wear. Whether it is a bright ,sunny, hot day or a brisk autumn morning you never know what to start off in and no doubt you end up changing your mind through the day.

Well, there is no definitive answer but by following the principles of the layering system you cannot go too far wrong. This is as simple as it sounds, it means dressing in layers, so that you can adjust your temperature and level of weather protection to suit the conditions by putting on or taking off garments. The two most important layers are your base layer and outer layer.

Your base layer sits next to your skin and is a wicking layer; it is quick to transport perspiration away. This should be a thin layer made of man-made fabrics and not cotton. Most outdoor shops now sell many varieties of thermal tops or t-shirts that do this job.

The outer layer is a shell - it keeps rain and wind out but is also breathable to allow moisture out as well. A simple design with waterproof and breathable fabric is ideal. The more complex the design the heavier and bulkier the garment. Features that are worthwhile making sure you have include:

• a good hood with a stiffened peak that fits over a hat
• couple of useful pockets out of the way of hip belts
• ventilation through cuffs, chest pockets with mesh and underarm zips (pit zips)

Your mid layers should involve a fleece jumper or jacket with a windproof top over it. As you lose heat rapidly through your head a hat is an essential piece of kit. If you start feeling cold you can easily pull it on. Do not forget the layering system on your hands as well. A thin pair of liner gloves with a thick pair on top will keep your hands much warmer.

If you follow these guidelines in summer and winter you will be able to adjust your clothing quickly and easily to keep yourself cool during the hot summer months and warm during those crisp autumn days.

Socks and boots are important too, these will be looked at individually in the next e-newsletter, click here to sign up now.

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