Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the questions clients frequently ask but if there is something you want to know that we haven’t covered, please call or email us – that’s what we’re here for!
What equipment is provided?
We can supply all technical equipment except climbing shoes. For navigation and hill walking courses we just ask you to supply your own map and compass. Check out our online kit list and get in touch if you aren’t able to get any other equipment you need.
Do I need my own insurance?
We have professional indemnity insurance but would always recommend that you purchase your own personal accident insurance (including cancellation insurance) for all U.K. based courses. It’s a small cost to give peace of mind! For all overseas courses, you must purchase specialist rescue, medical and repatriation insurance and details of your insurance policy must be sent to us by the final payment date. The following companies provide appropriate mountaineering insurance:
British Mountaineering Council www.thebmc.co.uk 0870 010 4878
Snowcard Insurance Services www.snowcard.co.uk 01327 262 805
What if I have a specific objective or want to learn things not offered on one of your courses?
That’s what we specialise in! Get in touch and we will tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements.
What about under 18s?
Under 18s are welcome as long as they are accompanied for the duration of the course by a parent or guardian. We can easily arrange family days with children as young as nine. Just get in touch to have a chat.
Will you give my details to other people?
All information supplied to us on your booking form remains completely confidential.
Why is the instructor to client ratio so important?
You will get more out of your time with us if you work in a group where the numbers suit the activity. We favour small instructor to client ratios so that you benefit from quality time and instruction, where you have time to ask all the questions you want, the routes chosen can be tailored to suit you, and we can take plenty of time to show you specific techniques and skills. By the end of our courses we want you to be as safe and independent as possible.
Why don't you provide accommodation for all your courses?
We organise both residential and non-residential courses. If we think the course will benefit from us all staying somewhere together we'll make it a residential course. For others we ask you to arrange your own accommodation since some people will want to stay in luxury accommodation, others will opt for a B&B and others will be happy to camp (we’ve even had a few people sleeping in their cars!). If you need help with accommodation on our non-residential courses get in touch and we’ll try to help out or try the recommendations on our links page.
What if I need to cancel a course booking?
If you cancel over 26 weeks in advance of a course start date we refund all the money you have paid us so far. If you cancel within 26 weeks of a course start date, you forfeit the deposit, but we refund any other money you may have paid. If you cancel within 8 weeks of the course start date you forfeit the full amount unless we are able to resell your place. See the Terms and Conditions page for more detailed information. To cover this eventuality we recommend you take out an insurance policy that includes cancellation of your trip or holiday.
How do I book?
Just Get in Touch, we will discuss your requirements, then we simply ask you to send us a booking form and 50% deposit (or 100% if booking within 8 weeks of the start date). Please note that it is your deposit that secures your place and just sending in the booking form won’t allow us to keep it for you as our courses are small and fill quickly.
Can you guarantee good conditions?
Unfortunately,we can’t control the weather but we do always try to plan areas and routes that should be appropriate and in good condition. One of the advantages of being in small groups with flexible itineraries is that we can make the best of the conditions on the day. This does mean that we reserve the right to change the itinerary for safety reasons if required. Please follow the kit lists and be prepared for all the ‘interesting’ weather the U.K. and overseas has to offer. If you are in any doubt about what to bring please get in touch to discuss it before the start of the course.
What is the timetable for courses?
For residential courses accommodation will be provided for the night before the course starts. Then we will meet after breakfast the following morning at 9.00am and be finished at 4:30 pm on the last day. For non-residential courses we will meet somewhere convenient on the first morning of the course and a typical day lasts from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
What about transport arrangements?
We ask you to provide your own transport to and from venues although we can quite often organise car sharing to minimise environmental impact and reduce fuel costs. Once we are there we will try to use car sharing to get us around during the course.
What about food arrangements?
On our residential coursesbreakfast and lunch is provided. After a day on the hill we usually go out together for evening meals but that's not included in the price. On non-residential courses please make your own arrangements for food.
How do you try to reduce your environmental impact?
Please read our environment page.
How fit do I need to be?
It goes without saying that arriving fit and well is important if you want to get the most out of your course and is essential for succeeding on many of our objectives. Because of our personal approach we are able to discuss your experience and fitness levels with you. From this we will be able to advise you on suitable objectives – or a fitness regime!
Do you need to know about medical conditions?
It is essential that you let us know about any medical condition or injury when booking and that you also let your instructor know on the starting day of your course.This information will remain completely confidential but is essential to allow us to tailor our activities to suit you and to ensure the safety of other group members.
