Eating, hiking and making new friends - life with hf holidays!

Last weekend I took myself off on a little adventure.  A walking trip in the Lakes, organised by hf holidays.  It was my first time on a holiday alone for a very long time, so I have to admit to nerves kicking in a little.  It didn't help that wind and rain were virtually horizontal as I drove over (and forecast for the whole weekend!) so it didn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm at the thought of hiking through bogs in the pouring rain.  I honestly did not know what to expect from hf holidays. 

On arrival at Monk Coniston, a lovely old property in the heart of the Lakes, I was greeted warmly by John the manager.  I was shown my room (very nice!), told the format for the rest of the day ('cream tea in half an hour' - they know how to win us over; three course meal at 7.00, talk on walks and quiz at 8.00).  It all had the feel of a very well run operation.  And it wasn't just John who knew the ropes.  Most people seemed to have enjoyed  hf holidays many times before, and as each venue appears to work to a similar format, everyone knew that you had to tick your meal choices, tick your sandwich choices, tick your walk choices, put your wet gear in the drying room...

There were about 20 of us in all on the guided walking break, as well as a few others 'doing their own thing' or learning the ropes of 'night navigation' in order to become leaders themselves.

The majority of holiday makers were in the older age bracket ie 50+, many retired and enjoying the freedom of trips away.  And one thing was obvious - they loved to hike, they loved to travel - both the main topics of conversation throughout the weekend.  And they were so friendly.  On the walks themselves, at dinner, breakfast, in the lounge, everyone was happy to chat about their day and their lives in general.  Many of them were serious walkers, walking 10 miles or so each week with their local walking group.

The walks themselves were well thought out and gave us the opportunity to walk at our own level.  There is nothing worse than being forced to join a walk that is too easy or difficult for you.  Each day we were offered an easy, medium or hard walk, ranging from a five mile flattish walk to a 12 mile hike over major peaks.   I chose a medium walk of 7 miles over local fells and dales, but a few hardy souls braved the hike up the 'Old Man' of Coniston, in spite of the bleak weather forecast.

There were just four of us on my walk, so we got to know each other well.  Elwyn the leader had led many walks with hf holidays before so I felt in good hands and was delighted that he included us in the route planning,  regularly stopping to show us the map, pointing out where we had been and where we were going to.  As a lover of maps, I do like to know where I am heading, so this type of leadership was ideal for me.

hf holidays feels like a special community experience.  The company pride themselves on looking after their guests and certainly offered this in abundance.  It offers the type of holiday that you can get hooked on.

hf holidays offer an ideal break for those who love to walk but either have no one to go with, or enjoy the confidence of the walks being led by experienced guides.  You feel that you are in good hands.  If you are not confident in going it alone and would prefer to join a group, hf holidays could be just the thing for you.  

Would I go again with hf holidays?  Without a doubt, and Whitby is next on my hf holidays list!

And if you would like to go on a hf holidays trip, and would prefer to go with a companion, why not search for a walking buddy on togetherfriends!