Navigation, Climbing, Caving, First Aid, Winter Skills, Expeditions & Group Events

Here are some of our frequently asked questions. We try to list as many as possible here as we are often out in the hills working and playing so we cannot always answer the phone to answer that urgent little niggling question.

How do I book?
Bookings can be made online or over the phone. If you have received a copy of our new brochure, they can also be made with the booking form. Payments can be made online by card, by BACS or by cheque.

What is the instructor:client ratio all about? 
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?

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions of your booking. 

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 lists 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. You may be surpirsed at the competitive rates we can offer

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.

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 and the Pure Outdoor minibus to get us around during the course.

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.