Acknowledgement of Environmental Impacts and Leave No Trace.

At Highland Summits we are passionate about the outdoors and recognise we have an effect on these areas. We therefore, need to look after the outdoors and to enable us to do this, we follow the 7 principals of Leave No Trace. Endeavouring to prevent the avoidable and minimizing the unavoidable.

I shall:

• plan and prepare ahead of any journey into the areas we visit
• use established paths, tracks and campsites and minimize our affects where these facilities do not exist
• minimize and dispose of any waste that I or my customers create in a responsible way
• we will leave all as we find it ensuring that it will not be harmed or removed by our presence. “We will take photos and leave only footprints”
• always make it our aim to promote the use of camp stoves whenever we need to boil water and cook food
• use only campfires where necessary and use existing fire rings where present
• discourage the feeding and leaving of food for wildlife
• give due consideration to other visitors at all times

Highland Summits would like to draw your attention to hazards you may encounter while taking part in any of our activities.

In identifying them you would expect Highland Summits to take all the necessary steps to reduce the likelihood of an injury or fall for example.

• Weather: Check the forecast for the day by viewing the Mountain Weather Information Site. Change the plan if necessary. What might we require to protect ourselves in sunshine, wind or rain.
• Steep or broken ground: Consideration given to the ascending route, choosing the most appropriate line or maybe zig zagging. Be aware of any wet vegetation or rock, boulder fields, loose rocks or scree, in particular when descending.
• Burns, rivers and streams: We should try to avoid a river crossing and if this is not possible the route should include a bridge so that a crossing can be completed safely. If it becomes unavoidable then we should look for the most appropriate place to make a safe crossing possible. There are a number of steps we can take to ensure this, remove socks and wear boots, backpack hip and chest straps undone, make good use of walking poles.
• Careful consideration should also be given to mountain ridges, very exhilarating places to be however due regard should be given to the steep and precipitous drops on either side. The strength of the wind should also be a factor when looking to walk on a ridge.
• Bog or marshy ground: Find a way around them or if the need arises, use walking poles (with baskets) and take your time while crossing.
• Insect bites, think about wearing long sleeved tops, full length trousers tucked into socks or wear gaiters. If you carry a personal first aid pack, do you have elastoplast, insect repellent, or tick removal tool or fine tipped tweezers?

Before undertaking any outing with Highland Summits you’ll need to download, print and sign this form. 

For a good day in the mountains or on the trail having the most appropriate equipment is essential by keeping you dry and helps make a good day great! Let’s consider the following items.

• Base layer; avoid cotton products as once they are damp or wet from sweating provide no insulation properties and when taking a rest/break can quickly have a chilling effect and can lead to hypothermia in extreme cases. So, for base layers go for synthetic or fine fibred merino wool products this includes underwear and socks as they have an ability to transport moisture away from the skin.
• Mid layer; this is an insulating layer and has or may have wind proofing properties. Starting off with thin lining or fleece gloves and a hat for keeping the sun off the head and face and swap it for a warm hat/beanie or balaclava as you ascend the mountain.
• Fleece top or jacket especially if fitted with zips to aid ventilation as they can become warm and when wet can retain some heat. There are synthetic products available which are probably more effective. Bring along a spare too, you might need it.
• Walking trousers should be easy to find and it’s very much a case of what you like however corduroy or denim materials are not advisable as once wet they stay wet, become heavier and wet your skin. Bear in mind that getting cold and wet are the main causes of hypothermia.
• Outer layer; these should be waterproof and windproof and can include waterproof jacket and trousers, gaiters and gloves.
• Boots; ensure they are suitable for the activity that you are taking part in. Your boots fit well and are “broken in”. If your boots don’t fit and are uncomfortable they can ruin your day.
• Spare items; socks, gloves and spare layers (several thin layers are better than one that’s thick. We recommend putting them into drybags or strong rubbish bags.
• Food and drink (water or juice).
• Basic 1^st aid pack and any personal medication.
• Rucksack to pack it all into (30 – 45 litre).
• Other items to consider; flask (hot drink), map and compass, midge repellent, sun cream, sunglasses and walking poles.
• Oh and don’t forget the camera!

Download this checklist

Terms and Conditions

• Once Highland Summits have agreed a booking with a customer, the customer enters into a contract with Highland Summits.
• Under 18’s shall be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throughout the activity provided by us.
• Payment; a booking is secured with a minimum deposit of 20%. The balance due shall be paid prior to the activity in cash or online via BACS; 7 days in advance.
• Cancellation, by you; after booking you have 5 working days in which to cancel your booking. You will receive a full refund. Following that period we may only provide a maximum refund of 50%. With 7 days or less before the planned activity you will be liable for the full cost of the contract. Refunds due will be payable in pounds sterling. We strongly recommend that you take out cancellation insurance.

By us; should it be necessary that we must cancel an activity before the planned date you will receive a full refund or we will seek out a similar activity on a different date. We will not be held responsible for other losses incurred by you and again, for this reason we would recommend that you take out holiday and travel insurance.

• Highland Summits reserves the right to modify the activity or the route planned. The reasons for this would be for events out with our control i.e. adverse weather conditions however we will aim to ensure to keep the activity as close to the original booking.
• All bookings are made on the basis that customers understand that the Instructor/Leader’s word is final. You will follow safety instructions by Highland Summits staff. To ignore these instructions will be at your own risk.
• Highland Summits reserve the right to exclude customers from an activity if they do not have adequate clothing and equipment, are not fit enough to undertake the planned activity, are under the influence of alcohol/drugs or their conduct will endanger their own or others safety. We will also exclude a customer if their behaviour is deemed aggressive or offensive. This will be treated as a cancellation by you. If a customer decides to leave part way through an activity, you and the instructor/leader are happy with the action, Highland Summits duty of care over you ends at that point.
• Highland Summits accepts no responsibility for customers personal property, lost or damaged during an activity.
• Participation in adventurous activities is not without risk. The following is a statement from Mountaineering Scotland.

Mountaineering Scotland recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

• Highland Summits staff are trained and appropriately qualified and will ensure that risk of injury to customers is minimised. To take part in an activity you are required to read our Participation form.
• Insurance cover: we recommend that the customer takes out appropriate insurance cover for the activity planned in the event of cancellation, curtailment, death, injury, loss or damage to personal equipment, accommodation, fuel costs, food etc.
• Meeting up: Highland Summits responsibility for you begins at the designated meeting point by the agreed time. Please contact us if you are behind time and we will endeavour to delay the start time however we wish to minimise any inconvenience to other customers.  It is your responsibility for getting to the planned activity.
• Photographs and video footage; by completing a booking you consent to Highland Summits using any photos and or video footage taken during the planned activity on its website for publicity, training purposes, or for marketing material. If you do not wish your image to be used please inform us prior to the event.
• Your Information; by completing the booking form you consent to your contact information being held by us. This information will not be passed on to third parties. Your information and your emergency contact will however be passed on to the Instructor/Leader running the activity.
• Confirmation of booking; by confirming a booking you are agreeing to the above Terms and Conditions.