Walking Wonderland

Bridget McGrouther enjoys the great outdoors and some homely hospitality in Cumbria

- BRIDGET MCGROUTHER

On a recent walking holiday to picturesque Sedbergh, Cumbria, I quickly realised my friend Lynn and I were in the minority. Checking into the HF Holidays Country House, the first guest we sat next to for afternoon tea had been on 30 previous trips. Repeat visitors soon became a common theme - we were unusual because it was our first experience of the homely hospitality offered to keen walkers of all levels.

We began by indicating what we wanted for our three-course dinner that evening and for our packed lunch the following day.

We were impressed by the quantity and variety, with something to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

A pre-dinner talk from the guides described the choice of three walks: we selected the easiest option-seven miles felt long enough for our first foray into the Howgill Fells and surrounding patchwork of farmland, woodland and riverside trails.

Looking a little ominous weatherwise the next morning, we packed waterproofs along with our flasks and picnics, but as we strolled along the River Clough, the sun broke through, illuminating the vivid green countryside.

Our guide, John, pointed out plants, wildlife and landmarks of interest, from the breed of sheep waiting to be sheared to holly bushes, which I'd never noticed don't have prickly leaves on top.

Some of the walkers chose to self-navigate but, as beginners, we appreciated being led without the need of maps, compasses or apps, while we enjoyed chatting to like-minded walkers, mainly women aged 55+, in our small group of around 10.

The holiday attracted solos to couples and groups of friends who'd actually met on a previous HF Holiday, and although most were British, a couple came from Germany and Japan.