TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with inherent risks of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of these risks and accept them before agreeing to take part in the activity, and be responsible for the effects of their own actions on themselves and on others.
In the event of booking a course and signing the relevant participation form, a contract between the client (you) and the instructor (Andy Moles) is agreed upon to protect the interests of all parties.
OVERVIEW
The instructor will arrange instruction and guiding as requested by the client for walking, climbing and mountaineering related activities. High levels of uncertainty and potential risk are inherent in these activities, and the instructor’s primary duty is to provide safety throughout the activity. As such, successful ascents of specific routes or peaks cannot be guaranteed. The instructor will always deliver instructing and guiding within the remit for which he is qualified, insured and experienced. A client choosing to act in contravention of the instructor’s decisions or advice during the activity will forfeit all professional protection and duty of care from the instructor.
SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
Medical Conditions: The client agrees to provide an honest and current declaration of any conditions that affect their wellbeing during the activity. If unsure about the relevance of a condition, the client should ask the instructor’s advice. This information will be kept strictly confidential and in most cases will not affect the client’s ability to take part in the activity. However the instructor withholds the right to refuse to undertake the activity if there is reason to believe a medical condition may affect the safety of any parties involved, and can take no responsibility for pre-existing conditions.
Weather: UK weather is highly unpredictable, particularly in the mountains. Because not all objectives can be undertaken safely in all weather conditions, this may mean that plans have to be compromised at short notice. It is part of the instructor’s responsibility to select suitable routes and activities for the conditions. The instructor will not cancel a day outright because of weather conditions, unless requested by the client. Every effort will be made to provide the best quality day that conditions allow. An alternative route or activity will be offered in adverse weather conditions. If the client chooses not to take part on the day, no refund will be given. The client should be suitably dressed and prepared for poor weather.
Clothing and Equipment: Advice on suitable clothing is freely available from the instructor, and the client is encouraged to ask where in any doubt about an item’s suitability. The outdoor environment can be extremely harsh at any time of year. The instructor reserves the right to refuse guiding/instruction to anyone inappropriately dressed or poorly equipped for the activity. The use of harness, helmet and other technical climbing equipment is included in the price of the booking. The client is welcome to use their own items if the instructor is content with the condition they are in, but no price reduction is given if the client does so. The client is required to have suitable clothing, footwear and rucksack for the activity. Where necessary and depending on the course, certain items are available to borrow.
Accommodation and Transport: Accommodation and transport are not included in the booking fee, an no arrangements of these are normally made by the instructor. Recommendations can however be offered on request. If the client(s) and instructor share lifts on the day of the activity for practical reasons, the client does so at their own risk.
Age Restrictions: The instructor’s services are available to anyone of suitable fitness. Clients under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
INSURANCE
The client is advised to consider taking out insurance to cover third party liability and any transport or accommodation related costs incurred. The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) offers this service to members.
The instructor’s professional insurance is effected through Lockton Companies LLP as a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. This can be viewed as a pdf on request.
BOOKING AND FEES
Booking forms and other relevant documents will be sent by email on request.
A deposit of £50 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due for payment six weeks before the date of the activity, or immediately if the booking is made within six weeks of the activity.
CANCELLATION
The client should contact the instructor immediately if it is necessary to cancel the booking, and confirm the cancellation in writing. Only the deposit will be forfeited for cancellations made over six weeks in advance. Alternatively, if postponement to a mutually agreeable date is possible, this can be arranged without penalty. Cancellation of a booking in the six week period before the activity is liable to full payment.
If the instructor is unavailable due to illness, injury or personal circumstances all efforts will be made to rearrange a date. If this is not possible or agreeable with the client, then a full refund including the deposit will be given.