- How large are the groups?
There may be up to 50 walkers staying at the hotel. Most of the guests
will be walkers. The guests divide themselves into groups according to
fitness. The average group is about 15 people walking together. Each day each
walker decides which walk he would like that day - easy, medium or
challenging.
- What is the difference between a
CLASSIC WALKING HOLIDAY and a TRAIL HOLIDAY? On a TRAIL
holiday we walk on a continuous path. Sometimes the group returns to
the same hotel at night and sometimes
moves from hotel to hotel.
There is one leader and everyone walks together. On a CLASSIC
walking holiday the walks are on varied terrain and sample some of the
best walks of the region. They return to the same hotel each
night. Classic holidays offer two and sometimes three levels of walking each day, each with its own leader. If you are unsure of
your fitness level, this is the walking holiday with which to start.
- Fitness Required - if you
remember that the British use the word "walking" for what
North Americans would call "hiking"
it will give you a better idea. Walking on flat sidewalks in the city
is very different from walking (hiking) on rocky trails with
occasional hills.
- Who goes on these walks?
Many weeks the group consists of mostly British people with some
Americans and Canadians as well. Many are singles. People of all
ages participate.
- 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 5 UK pounds per holiday.
- How difficult are the walks? It
varies. If you choose a walking holiday in the mountains obviously it is
more difficult than an area where the terrain is flatter. Each day there
is a choice - you can participate in the high level walk if you are
quite fit or you can try an easy one. (The exception to this are
"Classic Trails" long distance walks where there is no choice). The brochure outlines the daily
distances and ascent and you should read this carefully.
- What do we see on the walks? It
varies. You will always see beautiful countryside but on some walks you
will see more villages and historic sites than on others. The low level
walks usually have more sightseeing than the high level walks.
- Does somebody meet me at the
airport? In Britain, no - when you reserve a walking holiday we assist you
with information on the best way to arrive at the location using
British Rail. In Europe it is possible to be met at an airport at an exact time
(at additional cost) - otherwise you make your own way the
hotel.
- 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 from all walks of
life including teachers and National Park Wardens. Each one has taken
the HF Holidays leader training course and been tested in both their
hiking skills and local historical knowledge.
- What are the hotels like? HF
Holidays own and manage the hotels in Britain. They cater
exclusively to HF guests so the atmosphere is one of a private club.
All are in scenic, rural walking locations. Rooms
are comfortable and most have private bath. Rooms do not have phone or
TV. For more details on the various hotels click on the walking
locations or ask us to mail you a brochure. In Europe HF do not
own the hotels but they use the same hotels year after year and select
them carefully.
- What if I am a single?
Each hotel has a few small single rooms with one bed. There is a
supplement of 7 UK pounds per night for these rooms and they always
book early. If you are willing to share a twin bedded room there is no
additional charge. If you would like a double room for your own use
there is a charge of 36.00 UK pounds per night.
Some weeks are allocated "Especially For Singles" -
ask for a brochure for the details.
- How early should I book? The
cut-off time for European holidays is usually six weeks prior to the
start. In Britain there are often spaces available until closer to the
start but 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 the brochure comes out in October
for the following year.
- Can I try the holidays for less than
a week? At some locations in Britain there are 3 and 4 night
walking holidays. The European holidays are always for a week. Ask for
a brochure for details.
- Can I stay for two weeks? If you
stay for two weeks the walks will not be the same the second week - or
you can try a different location for the second week.
- Do I need a brochure? Yes. If you
have not been on an HF walking holiday in the past you need a brochure
to determine which holidays will suit your ability level. You also need
to read the terms and conditions of the holiday.
- 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. We are the North American
representative for HF Holidays. Many teachers go on these tours but
also retired teachers and people from other professions.
|