33,500 share-holding members of HF Holidays are stepping forward to support Britain on Foot, a new national campaign designed to get more people active in the outdoors.

Britain on Foot was launched yesterday morning in London by James Berresford (chief executive of Visit England) and Benedict Southworth, (chief executive of Ramblers), in the presence of representatives of the National Trust, and a host of organisations involved in promoting Britain's great outdoors.

Britain on Foot is led by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA is the outdoor trade body), backed by a powerful combination of consumer organisations, outdoor companies, influential individuals and public bodies. The Government is also getting behind the campaign, and ministers from the Department of Health and Department of Culture Media & Sport have voiced their support.

Ultimately, Britain on Foot aims to get one million more people in Britain participating in outdoor activities, bringing significant benefits to the health of the nation and boosting domestic tourism in the process.  Wherever people live, they don't have to travel far to discover beautiful scenery or enjoy outdoor adventures.  Crucially, access to the countryside and outdoor activities is easy and relatively inexpensive - apart from anything else, the venue is often free.

HF Holidays is a co-operative society, and the UK's largest walking holidays organisation, welcoming 50,000 people - not only its members - on walking holidays each year. 

When HF Holidays was founded in 1913 - the organisation celebrates its Centenary this year - its mission was "to promote the healthy enjoyment of leisure, to encourage the love of the open air and to promote social and international fellowship and to cater for all ages, abilities, cultures and nationalities".

"Those guiding principles still underpin HF Holidays in 2013, which is why we are giving our full support to this initiative," says HF Holidays' chief executive Brian Smith, who spoke at the launch today.

"The nation's health; employment and prosperity; social, active enjoyment of our beautiful country - and people together outdoors: what is there not to like about this national campaign?  HF Holidays is honoured to be part of Britain on Foot."

Britain on Foot is teaming up with the Department of Health's healthy living initiative, Change4Life, which will run an activity based campaign throughout the summer. A calendar of outdoor activities and events is being created on the BoF, and both social media, and people who already walk and enjoy the outdoors, will be significant in spreading the campaign message.

To find out more about Britain on Foot visit www.britainonfoot.co.uk

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

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Background - HF Holidays

• Founded in 1913, HF Holidays is a co-operative society arranging walking, outdoor and leisure activity holidays for over 50,000 people each year.  
• HF Holidays has 19 Country Houses, many of them in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• HF Holidays is the preferred holiday partner of the Ramblers (the UK's walking charity). 
• The holiday range includes a huge choice of Guided Walking in UK and overseas plus Freedom Breaks, Leisure Activities (including art, music, bridge), Family Holidays, Cycling Holidays, Singles Holidays.
• HF Holidays' walks leaders are volunteers who have to pass a rigorous selection course: they are passionate about walking and keen to share their experience with guests.
• HF Holidays is committed to a Responsible Tourism policy, contributes to environmental projects around the country - such as footpath maintenance - through its Pathways Fund and supports local Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue teams as well as charities in Kenya and South Africa.
• HF Holidays is a member of ABTOT and is ATOL protected.

For further information please contact:
Joan Pearson
Tel: 01572 748800
Email: beacon@beaconpr.co.uk