[2] Hughes worked as a teacher, before taking a job as a Bike It Officer at the travel charity Sustrans in 2009.
[2][3][4] She then worked as a freelance cycle instructor and bike doctor in London before becoming the director of the Flight Free UK campaign.
[17] As director of the campaign Hughes has criticised the idea of lowering of the Air Passenger Duty Tax and continued development of long haul flight routes.
[18] She has also called on organisers of Stag and Hen dos to find alternative ways to travel, such as trains, and criticised the UK Government under Boris Johnson for "fundamental lack of understanding" of climate issues.
[19][20] Hughes also advocates for sustainable forms of travel in her roles as an ambassador for the clothing company BAM, a Berghaus Everyday Adventurer, and a Get Outside Champion for the Ordnance Survey.