Pathways Fund

Our Pathways Fund has, for many years, provided assisted holidays to those who could not otherwise afford one. In addition, since 1998, the fund has helped to protect and improve the countryside where HF Holidays’ guests walk. This is achieved through generous donations from HF Holidays’ members and guests.

Aims and Objectives of the Pathways Fund

There are two objectives for the Pathways Fund:

1

To preserve and improve the amenities and safety of the environment in which HF Holidays’ walks take place. This will be achieved by allocating grants, and other funding, to individuals, organisations or groups for specific projects which cannot be readily funded from other sources. Examples include:

A) Erection of signposts, way marks, stiles, bridges, footpath improvements and conservation.
B) Improving the countryside with walling, hedging, pond clearance and tree removal or planting.
C) Provision of equipment to Mountain Rescue organisations.

The examples are not exhaustive, but grants will not normally be made for projects outside areas in which HF Holidays’ walks take place. Successful applicants are required to install a commemorative plaque at the site (or a suitable place near to the site) to recognise HF Holidays’ Pathways Fund contribution to the project, and for HF Holidays’ promotional material to be made available at an appropriate location (for example a visitor centre of tourist information centre)

2

To provide Assisted Holidays for individuals, and possibly their families, who, because of difficult personal circumstances, cannot afford a holiday with HF Holidays.

The only requirement is a simple declaration that because of their difficult personal circumstances they cannot afford the cost of a holiday. Applications for Assisted Holidays must be supported by a Member of the Society by a signed declaration from that Member on the application form. Applicants may also make an offer of a partial contribution to the cost of the holiday if they feel able to do so.

All applications and correspondence with applicants shall be dealt with by Sarah Davis, EA to the Chief Executive in order to maintain complete confidentiality. Application forms can be obtained by emailing sarahdavis@hfholidays.co.uk 

2020 Approved Projects:

As part of HF Holidays plan to offset travel carbon emissions, 1,500 trees well cared for and maintained over 50 years can absorb an estimated 250 tonnes of carbon, or the equivalent CO2 emissions from 500 HF Leader return flights from London to Italy.

This project has been reviewed with our 3 field advisors (Suzanne, Paul and Helen) for the area. HF were due to have a new walk in our programme for 2020 that used the Great Ridge. With lockdown it hasn't run. However, we would like to use the Great Ridge in the future, so we have agreed to support the project to maintain this path with a £9k donation. A plaque will be displayed on a new gate at the bottom of Back Tor, which the Peak District National Park Authority installed in 2019.

This is a path that features in our guided walking programme from Thorns Hall. The walk is a  long-standing route, which is invariably well received by guests. Smardale Gill Viaduct is an important feature along the way. Both Field Advisors, Alan and Ian, have said that they are delighted to learn that the Pathways Fund will provide £9k of support for the safety improvements at Smardale Gill Viaduct. A plaque and notice at the entrance to the viaduct will commemorate the donation.