A special appeal for funds to buy the Longmynd Hotel in Shropshire is a huge success, says HF Holidays, with £326,000 so far donated by its share-holding members.

The walking and leisure activity holidays co-operative has been celebrating its 100th year throughout 2013, and among its many initiatives launched an appeal to buy outright the historic hotel above Church Stretton.

HF Holidays took out a lease 18 months ago and operates guided walking holidays and leisure activity breaks at the Longmynd.

"The location of the Longmynd in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is unsurpassed. Guests cannot say enough good things about the setting and the wonderful walks available from the front door," says HF Holidays Chief Executive Jim Forward.

"We announced the Longmynd appeal at the beginning of this, our Centenary year, and members have responded magnificently, with individual donations from £10 to £1000 coming in from members old and new."

The hotel was built in 1900 as a hydro-spa when Church Stretton was briefly fashionable as a health resort. HF Holidays has already refurbished the public areas and exterior and gardens, with plans to refurbish many of the 50 bedrooms once it acquires the freehold.

As well as guided walking, HF Holidays offers singing, dancing, 'mind and body' and bridge holidays at the Longmynd and - new for 2014 - guided cycling breaks.

Country house stays are offered to casual visitors, and the Longmynd also serves the local community as a restaurant, conference and wedding venue. 

For further information about HF Holidays visit www.hfholidays.co.uk/about-us

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Release issued by Shirley Robins at Beacon PR 01572 748 800

Editor's notes:

• Celebrating its centenary throughout 2013 (founded in 1913), HF Holidays is a co-operative society arranging walking, outdoor and leisure activity holidays for 50,000 people each year (for non-members, a £5 associate fee is payable per holiday).
• Options range from guided walking breaks in Britain to challenging ascents Worldwide. The leisure activities range includes art, music, literature and mind-and-body holidays.
• HF Holidays is the recommended walking holiday partner of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity (ramblers.org.uk), and supports the work of the Ramblers through membership initiatives and charitable donations.
• HF Holidays has 19 Country Houses in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays. 
• HF Holidays' walks leaders are passionate about walking and keen to share their experience with guests (after passing a rigorous selection course).
•  HF Holidays is committed to Responsible Tourism, contributing to environmental projects around the UK - such as footpath maintenance - through its Pathways Fund and supporting local Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue teams as well as charities in Kenya and South Africa.
• Voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2013, 2012, 2011 & 2010.
• In recent research carried out by Which?, HF Holidays achieved Recommended Provider Status for the second successive year.
• HF Holidays is a member of ABTOT and is ATOL protected.

For further information please contact:

Harriet Holland

Tel: +44 (0)20 8732 1236

Email: harrietholland@hfholidays.co.uk