Booking forms:

Each participant should complete and sign a booking form, or if under the age of 18, a form should be completed by parent or guardian on their behalf. Please also inform the leader of any medical history or allergies that might affect your ability to take part in the walk, this is particularly important for mountain walks and hikes that take place in remote locations. This information is treated in strict confidence but may be disclosed to medical professionals in the event of an emergency. The information you provide will be used for booking and administrative purposes but not shared or used for any other purpose unless you agree otherwise, or to comply with the law.

COVID-19 and participation.

You will be asked to self declare your fitness to take part. We regret deeply, that we are not able to offer activities for participants in the “shielding” category.
If you have tested positive for, or are displaying the symptoms of Covid-19 within the last 7 days, we kindly ask you to reschedule (if possible) or cancel your booking.
If a member of your household has tested positive for, or is displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (within the last 14 days), we kindly ask you to reschedule (if possible) or cancel your booking.
If you are subject to quarantine restrictions (eg 14 day Travel Quarantine or Track and Trace), we kindly ask you to reschedule (if possible) or cancel your booking.

Deposits:

Deposits are non refundable and should be paid by the agreed date to secure the booking. We may refund bookings for COVID related cancellations on a discretionary basis. For scheduled public events payment must be in full within a week of the activity.

Children:

Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

Dogs:

Are not permitted unless by prior arrangement.

Travel:

Unfortunately, due to the risk of transmission of COVID-19, we are not able to offer transport to the start of guided walks, but will arrange to meet you at a suitable parking spot.
We ask that participants respect Scottish Government guidance and the law regarding any travel and transport restrictions that are in place at the time.

Cancellation:

In the event of cancellation by the leader before the walk, a full refund will be given, or if possible, the walk rescheduled. Once the activity has begun, the leader may decide to alter or curtail the activity to ensure the safety or welfare of the group. Should the itinerary change or be curtailed once the activity has begun, on safety or welfare grounds, no refund will normally be given. The deposit is not refundable in the event of cancellation by the participants.

We strongly advise participants to take out travel insurance and to check that they are covered for Covid-19 related cancellations.

Safety:

Participants agree to follow the instructions of The Leader and to comply with any health and safety requirements as directed by the Leader. The Leader may alter the agreed itinerary if necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the group. The Leader may choose to exclude any participant from the activity who does not comply with health and safety instructions or on health grounds. Participants must not take part in guided walks and hikes under the influence of alcohol or drugs and anyone believed to be so will be excluded. The Leader carries as a minimum a mountain leader certificate from the relevant governing body (MTS) alongside an appropriate first aid qualification, operates under a set of standard operating procedures and carries out rigorous risk assessments for each activity. The Leader carries the necessary public liability insurance, and in addition participants are advised to take out their own travel and health insurance as appropriate.

Participants are aware that with the current limitations on mountain rescue, self-rescue will be the default position.
Participants agree to observe the mandatory kit list- which is there to ensure that as a group we are as safe, self sufficient and resilient as possible.
Participants recognise that whilst we will make every effort to observe social distancing and essential hygiene before, during and after the activity, taking part involves a slight increase in the risk of contracting coronavirus, when compared with not taking part.
Due to the need for safe social distancing, participants and leaders should be operating within their comfort zones at all times. The Leader reserves the right to change the itinerary to ensure that this occurs.

PARTICIPATION STATEMENT:

Mountaineering Scotland’s Participation Statement is as follows:

Climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions.

Whilst we don’t offer technical climbing as an activity our walks take place in wild and potentially hazardous environments. The Leader shall take every step to ensure the safety and welfare of the group and third parties but participants should be aware that our Mountain Hikes in particular will be in a remote places with normal mountain hazards, accept these risks, and be responsible for their own actions.

Many of the mountain walks and hikes are strenuous and require a minimum level of fitness to take part. If you are in any doubt about your health or ability to take part please consult your doctor.

Feedback and complaints:

Your opinion is very important and if you would like to let us know how you enjoyed your activity we would be pleased to hear from you. We are never complacent about the standard of service that we provide and are always looking for ways to improve service to our clients.