frequently asked questions
...the only silly question is the one that's never asked...
Please find some of the more Frequently Asked Questions below, separated into categories to make it easier for you to find the answers you're looking for. If you have an unanswered question then, please don't hesitate to Get In Contact.
Expeditions, Activities and Courses:
- Why do you need to know about my medical and health conditions?
It is essential that you let me know about any medical or health conditions that you have when making any booking. This is to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment throughout any of the expeditions, activities or courses you are participating in, as well as to ensure the same for any other participants and the acting member/s of staff. This information will remain completely confidential. - How fit do I need to be?
This requirement will varying, depending on which of the expeditions, activities and/or courses you choose to participate in. To request a specific level of fitness from person to person is difficult, and therefore if you do feel there is a certain aspect of your fitness that deserves a mention, then please state it on your booking form. This information will remain completely confidential. If you are just not sure whether your fitness level is enough, then please Get In Contact and further clarity on your chosen Expedition, activity or course can be given. - Is previous experience required?
No, in a nutshell. However, previous relevant experience of any of the expeditions, activities or courses you wish to participate in will be useful. - Do I need to book my own flights for my expedition?
Yes. You will be required to book your own flights to/from the start/finish point of your Expedition. Please Get In Contact if you require a suggested flight, but please be aware that it is left up to you to arrange and book your own flights. - Can you arrange private expeditions, activities or courses for groups or individuals?
Absolutely. There are options available to book privately, either 1:1 or as a private group, for any of the expeditions, activities or courses offered. You can state your preferred dates when completing your booking form or Get In Contact to discuss your specific requirements. - What are the minimum numbers to ensure an expedition, activity or course runs?
This will largely depend on the Expedition, activity or course you wish to participate in and its relevant ratio for instructor:participants. Relevant minimum numbers will be provided at the bottom of each page containing activities and/or courses, and minimum numbers for expeditions are discussed on a case-by-case basis. - Is it possible to leave feedback?
Absolutely. Please visit the Testimonials page to provide your welcomed feedback. - How can I get my testimonial to be featured on the website?
When you leave feedback on the Testimonials page, please make it clear that you would like it featured on the website. There's only space for so many, however I will get back to you as soon as possible and let you know. - Where can I stay?
There is a variety of accommodation options listed at the bottom of each activity and courses page. Please Get In Contact if you need any more advice.
Kit:
- What kit do I need?
This will be specific to any of the expeditions, activities or courses you wish to participate in. A detailed itinerary and kit list for an Expedition will be sent out upon booking, and on the relevant activity's or course's page you will find a list of things you will require. You can expect all first aid and safety equipment to be provided, except for your own personal medication, which you will need to bring. If you have any doubt regarding what you need then please Get In Contact. - Do I need to bring along food & drink?
Yes, unless stated otherwise, you will need to bring along enough food and drink to be comfortable for the whole duration of the activity or course you are participating in. For expeditions, food and drink provision will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. - Can I hire kit?
Yes. There is a small amount of kit available to hire. Should there be anything else you require then I or any other member staff can help you. - Can I hire walking boots from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range of walking boots. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity or course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire a rucksack from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Rucksacks cost £20 per person, per day (per night for 'Canvas-lit Dinner'). A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I hire a sleeping bag from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Sleeping bags come with a cotton liner and cost £30 per person, per night. A deposit of £150 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I hire a sleeping mat from you?
Yes, please arrange this at the time of booking. Sleeping mats cost £15 per person, per night. A deposit of £75 to cover any damage or soiling of the materials is required. - Can I hire climbing shoes from you?
No, sorry. Because of vastly different shoe sizes from person to person, I do not stock a large range, either for indoors or outdoors. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity or course, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring a pair. - Can I hire boats or other specialist equipment from you?
No, sorry. I do not stock boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, or helmets etc. However, there are numerous shops and hire services available in the local area to your activity, or you can Get In Contact if you need any more help acquiring anything. - Can I bring along my own helmet, harness, ropes and climbing hardware to use or ask questions about?
Yes of course, however this equipment will be thoroughly checked by me or another member of staff before it is deemed suitable for use.
Prices:
- What is included in the price of an expedition?
All of the expeditions are priced on a 'land only' basis. Prices for expeditions will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, as all the expeditions I offer are for private groups only. Please see the Terms & Conditions page for more information. - What is included in the price of an activity or course?
This will largely depend on the activity or course you wish to participate in. What is included in the price is displayed on the activity's or course's relevant page. Please see the Terms & Conditions page for more information. - What is not included in the price of an expedition?
All of the expeditions are priced on a 'land only' basis. Prices for expeditions will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, as all the expeditions I offer are for private groups only. Please see the Terms & Conditions page for more information. - What is not included in the price of an activity or course?
This will largely depend on the activity or course you wish to participate in. What is not included in the price is displayed on the activity's or course's relevant page. Please see the Terms & Conditions page for more information. - Does the price of an expedition include any necessary flights?
No. All of the expeditions I offer are for private groups only, and therefore the price of the Expedition will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and not include flights, as all flights will need to be booked independently.
Staff:
- Do you use other staff?
Yes, where necessary I may bring in additional members of staff to facilitate any of the expeditions, activities or courses. These people will be good friends, fellow qualified outdoor professionals, and trusted colleagues, who share the same vision, values and passions for the outdoors as I do. - Are all of your staff qualified?
Yes, I keep a record of every member of staff and ensure they have the necessary qualifications to deliver any of the expeditions, activities or courses you are participating in. - Are all of your staff DBS checked?
Yes, every member of staff will have completed a recent DBS check. I also keeps this on record. - Who will lead my expedition?
Your Expedition will be led by me, Alexander Kay, unless stated otherwise. Upon occasion another member of staff may lead instead. If so, they will have been handpicked, be one of the very best in the industry and will have summited the mountain before. - What are the local staff on expedition like?
The local staff are some of the most hard-working, fun and friendly people you will ever meet. They will be there to provide un-paralleled support, ensuring your safety and seeing that all of your needs are met. They will encourage you up, down and throughout your Expedition. - Your additional member of staff was brilliant, how can I let them know?
I make a point of passing on all feedback that is received relating to any additional member of staff. If you wish to leave any feedback please do so on the Testimonials page. - Do you and any other staff hold insurance?
Yes, I and any other member of staff hold necessary public liability insurance.
Insurance:
- Do I need insurance for an expedition?
You must have insurance cover if you are participating in any Expedition. The policy must include suitable cover for cancellation, expenses, search and rescue (including repatriation) and emergency medical expenses. I strongly recommend that the policy also contains equipment loss or theft. The policy must cover the dates, areas and activities involved throughout. You must also provide a copy before you travel. A policy that includes cancellation insurance at point of booking may help you recoup costs if you incur cancellation charges. - Do I need insurance for an activity or course?
For an activity or course, of which will be located in the UK, insurance is not mandatory. However, I strongly recommend that you obtain a policy containing personal accident insurance, and which covers you for any cancellation on your behalf, as a minimum, just to be on the safe side. Such policies are available from the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) and British Canoeing (BC), along with lots of good advice. - Do you hold insurance?
Yes, I and any other member of staff hold necessary public liability insurance.
Booking:
- Where can I book an expedition, activity or course?
Visit the How To Book page, or click any 'Book Here' link and then follow the simple steps, or simply Get In Contact.
- Do you have an example booking form?
Yes, an example booking form can be found on the How To Book page as the first of 6 files, available to download. - What happens if I cannot complete a booking form?
If you cannot complete a booking form for any reason then please Get In Contact and together we can take the necessary steps to get it filled in. - Once I have sent my booking form, does that mean I am booked on?
No, not straight away. Once I have received your booking form you will receive an email with a request for payment and confirmation of your booking form. Once payment has been received you will receive a booking confirmation and any relevant information. For full payment details please see the Terms & Conditions page.
|
+44 (0) 7 7 0 2 0 4 1 9 9 0
|