News

10 best walks in Europe as voted for by HF Holidays’ walks leaders	23 June 09

Brand new European holiday destinations have just been announced by HF Holidays which are to appear in its 2010 brochure out on 1 October 2010. At the same time, the company has published its list of the 10 best walks in Europe – as nominated by HF Holidays’ panel of voluntary walks leaders.

Walks were nominated and voted for by walks leaders from a panel of 790 volunteers who research and lead the guided walks enjoyed by 50,000 HF Holidays guests each year.

1. Tour du Mont Blanc, Les Contamines, France – NEW for 2010
2009 guided walking programme in Les Contamines offers various sections of the famous ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’ which passes through Les Contamines

2009 example walk following Tour du Mont Blanc – Les Contamines High Routes walk Col de Tricot, Plan Glacier and the Miage valley - 17½ km (11 miles), 1,220 metres (4,000 feet) of ascent and 1,890 metres (6,200 feet) of descent.

What the leaders say: “Having spent half my life climbing in the Mont Blanc range, this walk gives a wonderful view of all sides of the massif. It is busy but there are enough interesting alternatives to avoid the crowds. For the flowers and for photos, June is brilliant when the snow is still on the higher slopes” (Malcolm Eldridge).

2. Berliner Hohenweg in Zillertal Alps, Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen itinerary - Down the Zamserbach or a mountain traverse walk - 10½km (6½ miles), 910 metres (2,990 feet) of ascent and descent.

This challenging walk on a high mountain traverse with welcoming mountain huts, varied geology and wildlife can be enjoyed as part of our guided walking programme in Mayrhofen.

What the leaders say: “Ascending to and then following the high-level route called the 'Berliner Hohenweg' offering breath-taking views of the Zillertal Alps, glaciers, and lakes - a real mountain-walking experience (and huts for refreshment!) There are two walks in the HF Holidays brochure which follow this traverse - both magnificent” (John Tayler).

3. La Jonction on Mont Blanc, Les Contamines, France
Les Contamines itinerary - La Jonction walk - 11 km (7 miles), 1330 metres (4,360 feet) of ascent and descent.

Part of guided walking programme in Les Contamines, this is a walk with historical significance and sense of achievement - the route that was taken for the first successful ascent of the mountain by Balmat and Paccard back in 1786.

What the leaders say: “This walk takes you right into the heart of the glaciers tumbling down from the Mont Blanc massif.  You can hear the ice creaking and groaning and look down into the jaws of the crevasses; it is just awesome!” (Anne Jago).

4. Passo Pordoi to Corvara in the Dolomites, Selva, Italy
Selva itinerary - Corvara and the Sella Group walk - 12km (7½ miles), 470 metres (1,550 feet) ascent, 1,190 metres (3,900 feet) descent.

This walk in the Italian Dolomites offers great views and also the use of ‘via ferrata’ or ‘iron ways’; a network of ladders and fixed cables built to allow access to strategic positions, legacy of the war when the Dolomites formed the front line between Italy and Austria.

What the leaders say: “This walk traverses the southern and eastern sides of the huge Sella mountain group in stunning Dolomite scenery. After the initial ascent the terrain is rocky and interesting throughout with the huge mountain buttresses above, an amazingly situated mountain hut and stunning views of the highest Dolomite peak, the Marmolada” (Peter Dunkley).

5. The Lycian Way, Turkey
The Lycian Way trail - 51 miles, 8-13 miles a day and up to 1,800ft ascent in a day.

The Lycian Way is Turkey's first long distance footpath and has been described as one of the 'World's Ten Best Walks' by the Sunday Times. The route provides an intoxicating blend of scenery together with an abundance of history in a land seemingly unchanged for centuries.

What the leaders say: “A classic coastal trail along the edge of the mountains of the Lycian Peninsula which drop steeply into the Mediterranean, the Lycian Way offers the opportunity to walk in remote and wild countryside and visit ancient ruins incorporating Greek and Roman culture.  Remote but friendly villages along the 509 km of ancient footpaths and trails stretching along Turkey's southern coast offer the opportunity to experience the simple lifestyle of Lycians and equally remote sandy beaches provide a welcome opportunity to relax or swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean” (Ian Townsley).

6. Breche de Roland - Gavarnie, Pyrenees, Luz St Sauveur, France
Luz St Sauveur itinerary – Gavarnie – The Balcon path, Grande cascade and Cirque walk – 9.5 km (6 miles), 400 metres (1,300 feet) ascent, 400 metres (1,300 feet) descent.

This walks offers views of Breche de Roland - an impressive natural gap, 40 meters across and 100 meters high, at an altitude of 2804 meters in the steep cliffs of the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees. It forms part of the border between France and Spain.

What the leaders say: “A walk that allows a non mountaineer to be right in the heart of the mountains with wonderful scenery” (Pauline Rooker).

7. Amalfi Coast Path (sections; days 4 and 5), Sorrento Peninsula, Italy
Amalfi Coast Path itinerary - Arola to Santa Maria del Castello and Monte Faito parts - 35 miles total, 6 1/2 - 9 miles of ascent in a day and 3,800feet of descent in final two days.

Rewarding walk with views of Napels and magnificent journey up to the ridge of Mount Faito by cable car where you will actually look down on Mount Vesuvius. Then walk through the beech and chestnut woods and wonder at the fabulous, mountain views.

What the leaders say: “Fantastic views of the bay of Naples and the Amalfi coast, all the way up to the Fiato range topped by 'Molare' and down to Positano. In spring the orchids are fabulous and in parts the crocuses are too thick to avoid walking on them. A peaceful walk in a crowded area, always a really exhilarating experience” (Gordon Simmonds).

8. Malcesine and Monte Baldo, Nago, Lake Garda, Italy
Nago itinerary  - Malcesine and Monte Baldo harder walk, 8km (5 miles); 545 metres (1,780 feet) of ascent and descent.

Taking the cable car from Malcesine high onto the summit ridge of Monte Baldo at 1,720 metres (5,780ft) is the perfect way to take off on a journey filled with spectacular views in all directions from a ridge that dominates the eastern side of the lake.

What the leaders say: “After an interesting cable car ride, we soon get away from the crowds and onto a ridge which is sufficiently wide for comfortable walking, but with excellent views in all directions. We achieve a high peak at nearly 7000 feet, and sometimes see Chamonix.  The return is not identical, and the boat trip back is fun and relaxing, whilst we can view where we have been” (John Newton).

9. Las Cañadas and Guajara, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Puerto de la Cruz itinerary - Las Cañadas and Guajara harder walk, 7 miles (11km); 2,100 feet (640 metres) ascent and descent.

Travel to the massive collapsed volcanic crater of Las Cañadas at the very heart of the island and reach an altitude of over 6,500 feet (2,000 metres). This amazing landscape is dominated by El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at 12,195 feet (3,718 metres). Walk on a volcanic crater rim with sea views on one side and Mount Teide on the other.

What the leaders say: “Walking across the crater below Mount Teide is a fascinating experience. You have stunning views all around of this rocky landscape and walking on the lava dust / sand is very different” (Ann Holbeach).

10. Gigondas to Beaumes de Venise, Malaucene, Provence, France
Malaucene itinerary - West to Beaumes de Venise harder walk, 12km (7½ miles); 500 metres (1,650 feet) of ascent and 650m (2,000 feet) of descent.

Malaucene at the heart of rural Provence provides ideal base for gentle rambles through the rich vineyards and orchards or more challenging walking to the regions' limestone hills. This route takes you on a tranquil journey along an undulating ridge at the base of impressive jagged rock formations with wonderful views of the valleys below.

What the leaders say: “Walk first climbs onto a limestone ridge where there are interesting rock "windows" and magnificent views. Continues across more varied terrain with mixed woodland and cultivated areas of vineyards and fruit orchards. Finishes in an old village with a museum featuring an olive mill and wine tasting” (Diann Fox).

* 790 walks leaders surveyed on 26 Feb 2009

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2010 Winter Holidays are on sale now	13 May 09

Snow. Mountains. Laughter. Skiing. Cross-country. Snowboarding. Log fires. Snowy peaks. Sunshine. Snowshoeing. Walking. Tobogganing. Friends. Family. Fun. Dog sledding, Snow-tubing, Ice-skating. Choose one or choose them all. The ultimate holiday in the snow. HF Holidays now offers a wide range of winter activities for you to enjoy. Choose between Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-country, Snowshoeing, Winter Walking or choose them all on our new Winter Multi-Activity holidays. Our 2010 winter holidays are on sale now.

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UK Country Houses – sociability is key	11 April 09

HF Holidays is committed to delivering what our guests want on the sociable side of things, and if you visited our UK Country Houses last year you may have come across some different things being tried out. These included a night without any organised evening activities, or having the walks briefings before dinner.

You may even have completed a special survey about the evenings and the equipment at the Houses – and a huge thank you to all who did, as this feedback is invaluable in ensuring we can provide what our guests really want. Guests who completed a survey were entered into a prize draw to win a 3 night break at one of our UK Country Houses – the winners are listed below.

This was all part of an overall review of the social aspects of our holidays - from the welcome you receive to the equipment we provide, to what we offer in the evenings and even when the bar’s open. As well as trialling different things and asking our guests, leaders and staff for their thoughts, we also did some research with potential guests to make sure we’re on the right track - the good news is they all love the idea of a sociable holiday with us. 

So if you take a holiday at one of our Country Houses this year, you’ll find some changes in store, based on feedback from our guests. For instance:

- Activity briefings before dinner – no more sitting waiting for the walks board to be passed around, or waiting for different groups to be ready before you can start the evening activity. You can also enjoy a more leisurely coffee or after dinner drink, or perhaps use the rest of the evening to visit the local pub, cinema or other attraction.

- On 7 night holidays we’ve replaced the Sunday cream tea or arrival day drinks reception with a bigger and better arrival day tea, plus the House manager welcome, to start the holiday off with a bang. This also means that the first day’s activities may start later (giving you a lie in if you fancy it), that you have more time to enjoy the facilities on offer at the House, and that when the weather’s good there’s no need to rush back.

- We’re committed to delivering the Country House experience, so over the course of this year we’ll be providing a wider range of board games at all locations as well as stocking local beers, operating a ‘if you want a drink, just ask’ policy at the bar and providing a waiter service during evening activities, offering breakfast from 7.45am with last orders for a cooked breakfast at 9am, as well as recently installing a top of the range Fairtrade hot drinks machine (small charge applies).

At HF Holidays we are renowned for our friendly and relaxed atmosphere where you can join in or do your own thing, so book your holiday now to experience the improvements for yourself.

Winners of a 3 night break at one of our Country Houses:

• Mr R Diaper, Ipswich
• Mrs P Collins, Stratford upon Avon
• Mrs L Mackay, Peterborough
• Mrs A Wilson, Dibden Purlieu, Hampshire
• Mrs R Palmer. Reading

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Inspired by Countryfile’s feature on Nordic Walking last Sunday?	9 April 09

Viewers of last Sunday’s Countryfile on the BBC have learnt about the growing popularity of Nordic Walking. Growing numbers of people are starting to enjoy the fun element as well as the health benefits of this outdoor activity. Nordic Walking is not only great fun to enjoy with your friends in the outdoors, but when mastered it also strengthens your core muscles and corrects bad posture.

If you were inspired by Countryfile’s feature and don’t know where to start, our ‘Nordic Walking’ break is the perfect first step. Staying at our 4* Abingworth Hall on the edge of South Down in West Sussex, you will learn about the history and development of Nordic walking since its invention in 1933, find out all about the equipment and suitable terrain as well as the health benefits associated with this technique. With daily outings, you will develop the correct technique to gain the maximum benefits and improve your health and fitness levels.  

This fun, sociable break is suitable for anyone interested in Nordic Walking. No experience is needed although the activity does demand a certain level of fitness for you to pick up its technique. Walking with the special poles also employs most of the body muscles, taking the strain away from legs, and therefore reduces joint pains and relieves pressure while improving stability and strengthening back muscles, legs, stomach and arms.

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2010 holidays now on sale	9 April 09

Plan ahead for your holiday next year with our NEW holiday planner. Choose your holiday and book now with our Reservations team on 0845 470 7558.

Perfect if you’d like to arrange your next stay while you’re on holiday this year, or simply if you want to plan a break to meet up with new friends and old from your HF Holidays’ break.

Save money with our NEW reward scheme

Take more than one holiday in Britain in 2010 - at least one of which is a spring break in February, March or April - you will save £15 per person off your second, third and subsequent holidays in Britain.

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South Downs to be 15th National Park	7 April 09

On 31 March 2009 Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed the South Downs will become Britain’s 15th National Park.

The desire to create a National Park in the South Downs goes back near 60 years and this new park will stretch from Winchester in Hampshire, to the edge of the buzzing city of Brighton, up to Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The National Park will come into existence from 2010, but you don’t have to wait that long to experience the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs.

Abingworth Hall, HF Holidays Country House, will be situated on the edge of the new National Park, not far from Pulborough. Within easy travelling distance from London, escape on a countryside retreat with us and explore the beauty that the South Downs has to offer.

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Walks leader completes Ironman triathlon in New Zealand	3 April 09

On Saturday 7 March 2009 one of our walks leaders, Ali Hollington, completed the Ironman triathlon in New Zealand. Set against the stunning scenery that this country affords, Ali completed the triathlon in 10 hours and 49 minutes, beating his personal best by 45 minutes and came second in his age group.

Ali told us about the pre-race training:
“I arrived back in New Zealand in early October and got straight into the training, morning swims or runs before work followed by evening cycle rides.”

Ali also shared his on the day experience with us as well:
“At 6.30am in darkness, a Maori Waka is paddled across the lake to the swim start and at 7.00am a loud cannon set off 1500 triathletes on their 3.8km swim. I completed the swim in 58 minutes and then ran the 500 metres up to the bike transition, donned helmet and bike shoes and off I went. I took 5 hours 47 minutes for my 180km bike ride and consumed 6 bottles of energy drink and about 5 bananas.
 
I was relieved to get off my bike after a long time in the saddle and after a quick change into running shoes and visor I set off for a marathon run. 

By 30km I was just 'hanging in' there until the finish line but managed to come in at 10.49am, which beat my personal best by 45minutes. At the finish you get a medal, a towel, a T shirt and a free massage! 

To be called an ironman you have to complete the course by midnight so it’s a tradition for all the early finishers to come back to the finish line to cheer on the last finishers hoping to break that 17 hour time to get their finishers medal.

It truly is an inspirational day and I qualified in the 45-50 year age group to compete in the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October. However, I have another ironman to do in Roth, Germany in July so at the moment I am giving my body a well earned rest!”

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New Ferries to serve the Isle of Wight	1 April 09

Wightlink, the ferry company who provide the main link between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, has purchased three new ferries to service the route from Lymington to Yarmouth.

These new ships will benefit from a modern and comfortable lounge with cafe/bar facilities, extensive outside deck space and a lift from the car decks to the passenger lounge.

This is great news for all our guests staying at our superb Country House on the island, situated at Freshwater Bay. These modern vessels have just entered service and offer a more comfortable and quick journey to the island. From the port of Yarmouth it is a 4 mile journey to your final destination.

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