Terms & Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern bookings and participation in courses provided by North West Mountaineering (“we,” “us,” “our”). By booking a course, you (“the participant,” “the customer”) confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.
If you have any questions, please contact us before completing your booking.
1. Bookings & Payment
1.1 To secure your place, full payment of the course fee is required at the time of booking. Once a booking is confirmed, our cancellation policy applies.
1.2 Participants in UK-based courses must have travel insurance that includes cancellation and curtailment coverage.
1.3 Participants in international courses must have travel insurance that includes cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses, and emergency rescue services.
2. Customer Cancellations
2.1 More than 3 months before the course start date – 75% refund.
2.2 Between 3 months and 6 weeks before the course start date – 50% refund.
2.3 Less than 6 weeks before the course start date – no refund.
2.4 Course dates, schedules, and guiding/instruction days are fixed upon booking and cannot be altered due to weather conditions or participant preference.
3. Cancellations by North West Mountaineering
3.1 If we cancel a course, you will be offered:
• A full refund of all payments made, or
• The option to reschedule to a future course within one year, subject to availability.
3.2 If cancellation is due to circumstances beyond our control—such as natural disasters, industrial action, war, terrorism, epidemics, or other force majeure events—we will make every effort to reschedule but cannot guarantee refunds. Participants should ensure their travel insurance covers such situations.
4. Assumption of Risk & Safety
4.1 Mountaineering, climbing, and outdoor activities carry inherent risks. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own safety and decision-making in the mountain environment.
4.2 While our instructors uphold the highest safety and professional standards, all participants must understand that outdoor activities involve unpredictable hazards.
4.3 Course objectives are subject to environmental conditions. Safety will always take precedence over achieving a particular summit, route, or goal.
4.4 Despite our strong safety record, adventure activities inherently carry the risk of injury. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
4.5 Participation is voluntary, and it is your responsibility to assess your own fitness, medical conditions, and abilities before engaging in activities.
4.6 Participants must have insurance covering personal injury or damages incurred during activities. We do not provide accident, health, or personal injury insurance.
4.7 All participants must complete a Safety and Medical Questionnaire before their course. If this form is not returned despite reminders, we will assume that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms.
5. Insurance Requirements
5.1 We hold full public liability insurance covering all activities we provide, up to £5,000,000.
5.2 Participants must have suitable personal insurance:
• UK-based courses: Insurance must include cancellation and curtailment.
• International courses: Insurance must cover medical expenses, emergency rescue, and travel disruptions. We recommend policies through the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) (www.thebmc.co.uk).
5.3 Proof of insurance may be required before attending a course.
6. Instruction & Conduct
6.1 Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced, ensuring the highest standards of safety and instruction.
6.2 We reserve the right to exclude any participant if their health, fitness, acclimatisation, or technical ability poses a safety risk to themselves or the group. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
6.3 Participants who disregard safety guidance or engage in activities beyond the course scope do so at their own risk and forfeit any duty of care from our instructors.
7. Course Objectives & Weather Conditions
7.1 While we aim to achieve the stated course objectives, adverse weather and environmental conditions may require adjustments to the itinerary. Safety is always our top priority.
7.2 If conditions prevent us from following the planned itinerary, we will adapt the course to ensure a valuable and engaging outdoor experience.
8. Cuillin Ridge Traverse
8.1 The full Cuillin Ridge Traverse is highly weather-dependent. We will use the allocated three days flexibly, selecting the best two days for an attempt if conditions allow.
8.2 If conditions are unsuitable for a full traverse, we will focus on alternative routes, scrambles, or climbs tailored to the conditions while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety.
9. Data Protection & Privacy
9.1 We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and all relevant data protection laws.
9.2 We do not sell, rent, or share customer data with third parties.
9.3 With participant consent, we may use photographs or videos taken during courses for promotional purposes on our website and social media platforms.
10. General Terms
10.1 Courses are open to individuals who meet the required experience, fitness, and health criteria. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
10.2 We reserve the right to decline participation if a participant’s skill level, fitness, or health does not align with course demands.
10.3 While we strive for accuracy in course descriptions and website information, we cannot be held responsible for errors or subsequent changes beyond our control.
10.4 If you have a complaint or concern, please inform us as soon as possible so we can address it promptly.
10.5 By booking with North West Mountaineering, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.