- Fitness Required - if you
remember that the British use the word "walking" for what
North Americans would call "hiking"
it will help. On all holidays there is a
choice of walk (hike) each day. Usually there are three
choices of walks. Keep in mind that a route graded as an easy walk in a flat area will be easier
than the same grade of walk in a mountain area. Switching from one grade
level to another each day
is permitted, The guides will explain the walks the previous night.
- Who goes on these walks?
Many weeks the group consists of mostly British people with some
Americans and Canadians as well. Ususally it is a mix of singles
and couples. People of all
ages participate although most are 50+.
- Why is there a membership charge?
HF Holidays is a "not-for-profit" organization that is tax
exempt in Britain. Many British participants in the holidays are
members but for those who wish to participate there is a
"Associate Member" fee of 30 UK pounds per holiday.
- What will you see on the walks? It
varies. You will always see beautiful countryside but on some walks you
will see villages and historic sites than on others. The low level
walks often have more sightseeing than the high level walks.
- Does somebody meet me at the
airport? No - when you reserve a walking holiday we can assist you
with information on the best way to arrive at the location using
British Rail.
- Who are the guides? The walks are
operated by HF Holidays, Britain's largest and oldest walking tour
company. The guides are highly trained volunteers who know the area
well, in fact, HF have a pool of 700 walk leaders including teachers and National Park Wardens. Each one has taken
the HF Holidays leader training course and been tested in both their
hiking skills, leadership skills, safety training and local knowledge.
- What are the hotels like? HF
Holidays own and manage the hotels. They cater
exclusively to HF guests so the atmosphere is one of a private club. Rooms
are comfortable and have private bath. Upgraded "Premium" rooms are
sometimes available for a surcharge of 140 GBP per person per week.
These rooms are a little larger and may have a better view.
- What if I am a single?
Each hotel has a few small single rooms with one bed. There is no
supplement for these rooms but they are limited and tend to get booked
up early .
- How early should I book? If you book at the last minute you may not be able to get
your choice of location or room type. Many guests go on these walks
year after year and book early when bookings open in September
for the following year. Single rooms are in high demand so always sell
out early.
- Can I try the holidays for less than
a week? At most locations in Britain there are 3 and 4 night
packages as well as 7 night holidays.
- What meals are included.
Three hearty and healthy meals a day are included. Breakfast
is a large buffet with both hot and cold items. Lunch is a picnic which
you carry with you. Three course dinners are served family style and
always have a choice of four main dishes one of which will be
vegetarian.
- Are drinks included? Tea
and coffee are included with breakfast. Bottled water is available
for purchase. There is a bar where alcoholic beverages are sold in
the evenings.
- Who are Teachers' Travel? We
are an IATA travel agency in Toronto Canada and have been in business
since 1970. We started our business dealing only with teachers but
since then our business has expanded. Many teachers go on these tours but
also retired teachers and people from other professions.
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