UPDATED NOTE ON COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)
The Scottish Government is working towards gradually removing restrictions put in place due to Covid-19 in a four phase plan.
We are currently in phase 3 and will be able to offer guiding services again whilst following current guidance.
Travel will be allowed outside the local area and no longer restricted to the 5 mile vicinity, although some means of travel on public transport and ferries will still have restrictions in order to aid social distancing and ensure public safety, some accommodation and some restaurants and cafes will also be open.
If everything goes to plan, and there is no resurgence we will hopefully be able to continue phase 3 and reach the next phase in due course.
It is noted that not all of our walking tours may start straight away, some destinations we may give a little longer to prepare. Our Highlands & Islands are very welcoming and a favorite destination for locals and international visitors alike, but they are communities first and destinations second.
There are still concerns regarding the vulnerability within small communities with limited resources, and concerns for those individuals including the elderly who are vulnerable. Our elders, especially in the islands are tradition bearers of a dying culture, and history, stories, knowledge and language which risks dying with them. We will be taking note from our friends there when they are ready to welcome visitors again.
Please do still note your interest in tours here, and we can guide you further.
We can now start take bookings for tours (whilst following protocol) which are currently expected to resume from 15th July onwards.
We will be adhering to the respective government and public health guidance, and will continue to carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check that we have the required processes and protocols in place.
We will be happy to take your bookings for July 15th onwards and we will give a full refund if travel restrictions are still in place at that time, or if we see a resurgence of Covid19 or have concerns re that which may make your trip unsafe for you or us. We will always follow Scottish Government guidelines and advice from Mountaineering Scotland and our National Parks.
Everything depends on the relaxation of the lockdown going to plan, and the results we see during this. We can all help this by sticking to the rules.
For domestic bookings we have a Staycation discount to help families holiday at home in Scotland. It is important to get things moving again, but also to ensure that families get to still have their holiday experience, and the benefit of the outdoors.
We sadly are restricted regarding international bookings, however, please register interest and we will get back to you. We are looking forward to being able to book you in for Spring/Summer 2020 and will ensure that you have the best trip we can offer. Check back for special offers that we will have for our international friends returning.
If you or your family would like to go on a walking tour and get into the mountains safely after our lockdown and would like that extra reassurance of being with a qualified and experienced mountain leader and guide then please get in touch.
There are a few things you will be reminded of:
Do not attend a tour if you think you have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19.
Check for symptoms of Covid-19 in yourselves and other people in your household in the 14 days before your activity with us. These include a high temperature, a new or continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If symptoms occur, you must stay at home (or go home) and self-isolate for 14 days. This applies at any time before and during the activity.
Follow Scottish Government guidelines – www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance.
Your Mountain Leader will social distance at all times unless there is an emergency requiring first aid, where they will wear the required PPE.
Bring a face covering, hand gel, wipes and it may be useful to bring eye protection such as sun glasses.
You will be asked to meet your guide/leader at a car park or specific outdoor destination to avoid car sharing or gathering in crowded indoor spaces in order to maintain the ongoing social distancing.
Whilst the risk of transmission outdoors is lower, we must maintain 2m separation as much as possible in line with guidance. This ensures that you get to enjoy your trip safely,
Bring your own food and drink, sun cream, midge repellent, clothing and technical equipment where possible. If there is something that you do not have or you are unsure of what to bring, drop us a message and ask.
We will ask you to also accept that to stay separate from other people we might need to change plans, start from different car parks, alter routes, use different venues and reduce time spent on summits. However, we will go over this with you and ensure that you still have the experience that you booked for. It just adds to the adventure aspect.
You are in safe hands and we are First Aid Trained, but it is important to understand that where needed Mountain Rescue teams may be limited in responding to an accident or might be slower than normal to respond.
We will ask you about any serious health problems or allergies you have that we may need to know about, but you will have to take more ownership of personal medical problems due to the restrictions in place.
You must contact us if you become ill within 14 days of your activity with us.
All bookings and trips will be fully Covid-19 risk assessed. We accept no liability if someone in the group breaks social distancing rules or if you think you caught COVID-19 during one of our events.
Right now, continue to keep up to date on travel restrictions and self-isolation updates from the Scottish Government (which may change short notice lessening restrictions OR tightening restrictions) and follow Scot Gov guidance.
Try to holiday locally (those of us in the industry will be happy to work with you and make your trip at home just as much fun as any other holiday) until we can get traveling safely more freely again.
Know that we are looking forward to welcoming you all no matter where from, and guiding you on a tour as soon as logically and safely possible. Get in touch.