Become a HF Leader

Local walk leader guides national magazine editor to summit of Snowdon                                                                                    

Buckley resident Dai Rowlands recently took up the challenge of introducing Country Walking magazine editor, Mark Sutcliffe, to Snowdon, as part of an article to be run in the magazine next spring.

Mark had approached Guided Walking specialists, HF Holidays, to assist by providing a guide to lead him to the summit of the 3560ft peak, and they knew that Dai was just the man for the job.

Dai has been a volunteer walk leader with HF Holidays since 1997 and helps plan walks for their holidays in Snowdonia. He spends several weeks each year guiding walks in Wales, sharing his passion for walking and for the Welsh culture, history, landscape and beauty to visitors from the UK and all over the world. 

“You meet some fascinating people and get to know them over the week, they trust you to lead them safely and you are able to really inspire them. I love introducing them to the rich heritage and wildlife that Wales has to offer. Being asked to take a journalist up Snowdon wasn’t daunting; it was the perfect opportunity to promote our fantastic countryside even more.”

The idea behind the magazine feature is to review four different routes to the top of Snowdon: the PYG track; Crib Goch; Snowdon Ranger path and the Watkin Path. Four journalists were given the task of taking a different route to the top of the highest summit in Wales and to review and compare their experience.

HF Holidays, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, operates guided walking holidays from three locations in Wales, as well as 19 others throughout the UK. Laura Sims, Head of Sales & Marketing, said the company were delighted to be able to assist with the venture and promote some of the best countryside in Snowdonia. “Our guests love walking in the Welsh countryside, especially with a leader as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as Dai, so we’re confident that Mark will have had a great day out”.

The journalists were able to take full advantage of the welsh hospitality by extending their visit to include a stay at Craflwyn Hall, Beddgelert, a property HF Holidays lease from the National Trust and use as their base for guided walking holidays in north Wales. 

HF Holidays are currently recruiting more guided walks leaders and have assessment courses in October and November. For more information visit: www.hfholidays.co.uk/leaders. 

Jane Chapman

Sales and Communications Manager

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