This Friday is Earth Day and the 2022 theme is 'invest in our planet'. To help our customers minimise their carbon footprint, and do more to protect the countryside we love to explore, HF Holidays have developed the new Tread Lightly UK Guided Walking Holidays offering for 2022 – perfect for those looking for a holiday with a minimal carbon footprint.

We're all well versed in 'leave no trace' but as one of the UK's best loved walking and experience holiday companies we wanted to do more to protect the countryside we have all learnt to love and which many of us now want to explore further since finding our walking legs the last few years.

When you chose to tread lightly with HF Holidays, you'll stay at one of our own country houses, located in a prime walking area. All the walks will start and end right at your front door. With no vehicle transfers you can get walking straight away each day, which helps to maximise your walking time; this is particularly important in seasons where daylight hours are shorter. Having no vehicle to meet at the end of each walk means you'll have greater flexibility throughout your trip, so, if you and your group want to linger over lunch, or finish the day with a few drinks in a pub, you can! On our guided walking holidays we give you a choice of up to three guided walks each walking day from a shorter, easier option to a longer, harder option. Without transport constraints, it's also easier for walk leaders to adjust the pace to accommodate different abilities. We think that's a win win. All the houses within the 'Tread Lightly' offering are also within easy reach of public transport.

There are a number of Tread Lightly options – from Cornwall to the Cotswolds, The South Downs to the Southern Yorkshire Dales (see this link for details of all - https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/walking-holidays/uk-guided-walking/tread-lightly)

And for the next 7 days the HF Holidays Deal of the Week is the North York Moors 4-night Tread Lightly Guided Walking break, where for one week only you can save £80 per person or £160 per couple off the 4-night 17 June 2022 departure, subject to availability. Brimming with coastal charm, Whitby welcomes you with its handsome harbour, colourful fishing fleet and medieval streets lined with quaint cafes and curiosity shops. Packed with history, from Captain Cook to Dracula, and watched over by its atmospheric abbey, this enigmatic town packs a big punch. Combine this with the beauty of the North York Moors National Park and you have the perfect destination, a true walker's paradise.

HF Holidays has been arranging walking holidays for more than 100 years, so you'll have complete peace of mind too! Go to the link in the bio or online to find out more and to book, and read on to find out more about the walks you can go on to make the most of this lovely area.

The Exmoor break may also be of interest as there is 4-day break availability in July, August and September.

(Available July (11-15), August (15-19) & September (19-23). Priced from £565pp.)

Featuring a handpicked series of spectacular walks which do not use transport, reducing our carbon footprint while still exploring the best landscapes that Exmoor have to offer, guests of all walking abilities are able to enjoy the choice of three top-quality walks of different grades as well as the warm renowned welcome of a HF country house, all with the added peace of mind that you are doing your part in protecting our incredible British countryside.  The sweeping hills, wooded combes and glorious seascapes of the Exmoor National Park reward every footstep with an astonishing range of landscapes and moods to enjoy. Vibrant yellow gorse, purple heather, wild ponies and red deer meet a backdrop of huge blue skies and seas, adding a colourful variety to our Guided Walks.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

• Head out on guided walks to discover the varied beauty of Exmoor on foot
• Admire panoramic moorland views and expansive seascapes
• Let an experienced leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life
• Visit some of Somerset's most beautiful picture postcard villages
• Look out for wildlife, find secret corners and learn about the history of the moors and coastline
• Discover the clarity of the night sky in this International Dark Sky Reserve
• A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England's most beautiful walking areas
• Evenings in our country house where you share a drink and re-live the day's adventures

FOOD & DRINK

• As at all HF country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening's meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Food at Holnicote House is varied with a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal British produce. Our experienced chefs create each dish using only the freshest ingredients and, when in season, use home grown herbs and vegetables taken from our own gardens to give a true taste of the local area.

For more information about this or other Tread Lightly packages please contact:

Katharine Walsh

PR & Partnerships

07957 855102

katharinewalsh@hfholidays.co.uk

www.hfholidays.co.uk

Notes to editors:

• Founded in 1913, HF Holidays has been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years.
• HF Holidays are suitable for all fit and active adults including solo travellers, couples or small groups. There are also some dedicated UK holidays for families with children. Guests travel as part of larger group, making them a great way to meet and socialise with new people. Larger groups (8 or more people) such as groups of friends, large family groups, members of clubs /societies can enjoy special savings. Guests do not need to be a member of the HF Holidays co-operative in order to join their holidays; all are welcome.
• The HF Holidays Pathways Fund provides assisted holidays to those who could not otherwise afford one. In addition, since 1998, the fund has helped to protect and improve the countryside where HF Holidays' guests walk. This is achieved through generous donations from HF Holidays' members and guests.
• HF Holidays has 17 country houses in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays.
• HF Holidays has a host of accolades under its belt including: Which? Number one Recommended Holiday Provider 2019, Silver Travel Awards Best Activity Tour Operator 2019, Feefo Gold Service Award in 2019, Which? Recommended Provider status for 2012 - 2017; voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2010-2014; and Best Large Short Break Operator 2011-2014.
• HF Holidays is committed to responsible tourism and is a member of ABTOT and ATOL protected.
• Follow @hfholidays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram