I gathered the answers to some frequently asked questions below. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please just get in touch with me.

Participation and Walks

How does the weather affect your walks? I offer walks year round and always carefully check the forecast on sites like MWIS and the Met office, to adjust all routs according to the weather conditions. The weather in the Highlands can change very quickly, and it is hugely different to urban weather conditions. In general, it may be much more extreme, especially in the hills, compared to down in the valleys, and it will usually be colder, wetter and windier the higher up we go. This is why you can find detailed information on the terrain for each walk and I reserve the right to adjust routes where necessary. Please also check out the section on walks in different weather conditions.

How can I prepare for the walk? Please read the walk descriptions and the information you are provided via email carefully and pack appropriately. I provide a suggested packing list on my website and am happy to answer questions in preparation of our walk. Particularly waterproofs and comfortable walking boots will be necessary on all our walks, as there are many boggy areas all year round. If your footwear or gear imposes a risk for your own health or our group, you will not be able to join the guided tour.

Will meals and water be provided on walks? All participants are expected to bring their own supplies for all walks.

Are there any safety concerns that I must be aware of? Being on foot in remote and / or rugged areas is potentially hazardous by its nature and participants must accept a certain element of risk. In the interest of safety, you must agree to abide by the decisions of your guide. As Landscape Lore has no control over weather conditions, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary accordingly.

Do any of my medical conditions affect my ability to participate on a guided walk with Landscape Lore? Please inform me, in confidence, of any conditions from which you suffer which may affect your safety in remote areas. These include vertigo and diabetes. Please consult your doctor if in any doubt.

What fitness level is required for the walks by Landscape Lore? For all walks you will require a moderate fitness level and stamina. You will need to be comfortable walking for the amount of time indicated for each walk, while wearing a daypack with all necessary supplies and gear and you need to be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces which may be wet and slippery.

General

How many people can join a tour? I keep group sizes low to keep it personal and give each member of the group as much attention as possible. This intimate size ensures that our group will not crowd your experience. Therefore, on most walks the maximum number of participants is 12, for certain terrains and weather conditions, the maximum group size will be lower, but this will always be clearly announced in the walk descriptions.

How will I be insured? Landscape Lore is covered by liability insurance. Participation in outdoor activities can involve a certain level of risk for accident and injury. You participate at these activities at your own risk and responsibility. You must have your own travel, and personal insurance. In addition you may wish to take out cancellation insurance in case you need to cancel due to medical reasons (including Covid), or unforeseen circumstances.

Is there an age limit for your tours? No, I will happily take along walkers of all ages, just get in touch If you wish to enquire about the physical demands of particular walks. However, children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Do you offer concession prices? Yes. Locals of Postcode areas 20 to 25, full-time students (anyone at school or university in the UK and internationally with valid proof), seniors over 60 receive a discount of 10% on group bookings and 20% on the regular ‘Echoing Heath’ walk.

What languages are the Landscape lore walks in? All of the regular ‘Echoing Heath’ walks are conducted in English, tours for private groups can be booked in English or German.

Will I have mobile reception everywhere I go on my tour? Landscape Lore walks will take you off the beaten track so you can experience the Highlands and their landscape’s stories at the best locations. This means that you may not have mobile reception on parts of the walks, which means that you can enjoy the landscapes without any distractions.

Booking

I have made an enquiry and have not heard back from you. First of all, thank you for getting in touch! I try to get back to each enquiry within 3 business days, however, to set proper expectations, it should be noted that during high season, response times will depend on volume of enquiries and bookings, as I typically conduct all my administrative duties during my off-hours in order to deliver the very best Landscape Lore experiences possible. I thank you for your patience and understanding during busy times.

How does the booking process work? The booking process is as follows: The regular ‘Echoing Heath’ walk can be booked and paid through eventbrite any time. For all other bookings it will be necessary to get in touch and discuss dates, routes and themes. There is room to change and develop plans throughout this stage. Once agreed, a final tour description and Invoice will be issued along with the Terms and Conditions. The dates and tour are not confirmed until payment is made in full.

Payments

Do I need to pay before attending the Landscape Lore walking tour? Yes, payment is made in full to secure your booking. This can be done via bank transfer, paypal, and in some cases where agreed, cash payments. All transaction fees will be covered by yourself.

Are my requested dates reserved, before I make the payment? Your requested dates will be reserved for 7 days after being sent the invoice via email. After 7 days the dates can no longer be guaranteed.

Which currencies can I use for payments? All PayPal and cash payments must be made in £-Sterling (GBP). Bank transfer can be done in £-Sterling (GBP), USD, EUR, AUD and CAD. If you need to make a payment in any other currency than £-Sterling (GBP), please ask for the conversion rate.

Will I receive a confirmation of payment? You will receive a confirmation e-mail with your receipt of payment which will secure and confirm your booking.

Cancellations & Changes

Can I cancel my booking with Landscape Lore? If you wish to cancel your booking after the booking confirmation has been issued, you will need to inform Landscape Lore in writing as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation by you, cancellation charges are applicable. Therefore, I urge you to get in touch as soon as you become aware of anything that may lead to a cancellation.

What charges apply for cancellations in case of a cancellation by me? If the cancellation date is more than 8 weeks before the Landscape Lore walk date: 100% will be refunded. If the cancellation date is within 8 weeks up to 4 weeks before the walk date: 25% of the total price will be charged (75% will be refunded). If the cancellation date is within 4 weeks up to 1 week before the walk date: 50% of the total price will be charged (50% will be refunded). Any cancellation within 1 week up to the date of the walk or a ‘no show’ on the date cannot be refunded.

Can I cancel due to bad weather? The weather in the Highlands can change from one moment to another and Landscape Lore cannot guarantee a dry walk or clear views. Cancellations due to severe weather are usually made upon amber or red weather warnings. In case of rain, wind or other weather conditions that do not severely impact the day, the walk will take place. A suggested packing list is provided by Landscape Lore to ensure that participants are prepared for all eventualities and your experienced guide will be able to make decisions and adjust the route according to the weather, wherever necessary.

What happens if Landscape Lore cancels my booked walk? In the event of circumstances outwith my control or that cause unmanageable risks to you (for example due to severe weather conditions), I reserve the right to cancel your tour. In this event, the full amount will be refunded.

Can I change the dates of my booking? Please get in touch as early as possible, to change the dates of your booking. Changes of the booked dates can be made at no extra charge up to 10 days before the booking, depending on availability. However, if the alternative dates are unavailable and the tour needs to be cancelled, the regular cancellation policy applies.

What happens if I show up late to my booked walk? You are responsible for being at the agreed meeting point at the time agreed in the confirmation email. Landscape Lore is unable to accept any responsibility for your failure to do so, nor any costs or expenses incurred by your failure to do so. No monies will be refunded for any missed walks. If you are experiencing any delays, please get in touch as soon as possible, to see if your guided walk can be adjusted or shortened in any agreeable way.