Need to Know
Please read the ‘Need to Know’ below. It sets out the Terms and Conditions which you, and those you are booking on behalf of, agree to be bound by when booking and participating in our activities. They should be read in conjunction with our Website Terms of Use. You will be asked to expressly agree to the terms when you place an order via our website.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Activity Terms & Conditions
What do I need?
For all guided walks:
A good, comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots
Comfortable outdoor clothing, including waterproofs in case of rain
A small rucksack for personal provisions, including extra clothing, snacks and water
Picnic lunch on full day walks, unless pub/cafe arranged
For all skills courses:
A course briefing and information pack, including what to bring with you, will be provided prior to the start of the course
The Weather
The weather in the south of England is relatively mild but can be changeable. We walk in all weathers unless we consider it is unsafe to do so. If we need to change our itinerary or walking routes due to weather conditions we will let you know. Please check the Met Office forecast before your walk, ensure that you wear suitable outdoor footwear and clothing and come prepared for whatever the weather! If you need advice, please get in touch.
Photographs
We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members.
We also like to take photos on our walks and may use them for promoting Pipsticks Walks activities, including on our website & social media. These photos may feature participants, although when we publish images we never include identifying information (unless you want us to). By signing up to this activity you agree to us taking and using such photos. If you do not wish to feature in our photos please inform us at the start of the activity.
For your enjoyment and safety
We endeavour to promote safe practice on our walks and activities, having regard to the conditions prevailing at any particular time. All participants also have an individual and collective responsibility to ensure this happens and you will be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by us. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences. We reserve the right to refuse to take a client whom we consider will be unable to complete the planned activity, is wearing unsuitable clothing, ignores direct safety instructions or whose behaviour falls below an acceptable standard that puts others within the group at risk.
When walking with us, please respect the Countryside Code.
Walk Grade
We do not attach a ‘grade’ to our walks and activities. The land where we walk is, in the main, classified as 'low level' terrain - generally below 300m / 985ft. However, it is not without its ‘ups and downs’. When exploring the hills our total ascent during a day walk can often be well over 300m / 985ft, and some climbs or descents may be steep (but not too long!). Other walks will have little significant ascent. We mostly follow good well-defined tracks and paths, although these can be rough in part, muddy in winter or after rain.
Please carefully read each walk description. It will include details of the walk duration, distance, terrain and likely ground conditions. It will also indicate whether the walk/activity is specifically intended for experienced walkers, beginners or families, for example.
You should be satisfied that you, and your group, have a reasonable and suitable level of ability and fitness for your chosen walk/activity. If you need any further information about a walk before booking, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Minimum Age
We operate a minimum age of 16 years on most of our group walks and activities (unless otherwise stated or agreed)
U18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who shall be responsible for them at all times
Walks advertised as a ‘Family Walk’ are suitable for younger children (please read the walk description)
There is no upper age limit
Dogs
We do not permitted dog our open walks or courses - see each walk description. If you wish to bring a well-behaved dog on a private guiding walk, please discuss this with us of this prior to booking. In all cases, you agree to abide by our Dog Policy.
Insurance
It is recommended that all clients have travel and personal insurance cover appropriate to their circumstances (normally, these policies cover cancellation, personal accident and personal liability).
Cancellation:
By Us: In the rare case that we must cancel and event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund or transfer to another walk or course.
By You: We require 21 days cancellation notice prior to the event, otherwise we will charge you a cancellation fee as below, less payment processing fees.
50% of the total paid minus any booking fee where cancellation takes place between 1 and 3 weeks prior to the day of the course; or
100% of the total course fee where cancellation takes place within the final week before the commencement of the course; or
We will accept reasonable requests to transfer to another programmed activity. Such requests must be made in writing at least 7 days prior to the booked activity and are subject to a £5 fee.
