Terms of service

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

Hill & Mountain environment – hill and mountain walking are adventurous activities with a risk of personal discomfort, accident, injury or even death. Part of the attraction of valley, hill and mountain walking is the challenge of tackling different terrains, landscapes and weather conditions; indeed, risk is often an integral part of the activity. Every effort is made to minimise potential risks & hazards; however, the very nature of valley, hill and mountain walking involves a certain level of inherent and unavoidable risk. The most common accident and/or injury in the outdoors include slips, trips and falls, as well as personal injury such as blisters, strained muscles, scratches & stings, sunburn, getting cold and varying degrees of personal discomfort due to weather/ground conditions (these are just examples and is not an exhaustive list). Of course, more serious accidents/injuries can occur due to the natural environment (steep, uneven, rocky, wet, slippery ground), personal health issues and extreme weather conditions. By taking part in this activity, you are aware of and accept these risks.
Terrain: All walks will involve a varying degree of uneven and rough terrain, muddy/rocky/wet ground, fields, riverside, woodland, remote open country, high ground, hills, moorland and mountainous terrain, steep ground, stiles, stream crossings, roads and lanes, farms and livestock as well as a number of ascents/descents, some of which may be steep and sustained. We may also encounter adverse weather conditions on the walk, as well as darkness and/or poor visibility.
Potentially Strenuous: Walking and outdoor activities can be strenuous. Never underestimate the strenuous nature of walking particularly when this is combined with the natural environment, hill and mountainous terrain and the elements. 
Personal responsibility: Mind Over Mountains accepts no responsibility for personal accidents or injury or for loss or damage to personal effects unless caused by their negligence as Walk Leaders. We strongly recommend you have adequate personal insurance cover for accident or injury, as well as travel insurance in case of cancellation.  
Safety: All participants must take heed of any safety information, guidance or hazard warnings given by the Walk Leader during the pre-walk briefing or whilst on the walk.
Non Participation: The Walk Leader reserves the right to refuse to accept a participant on a walk or, if the walk has commenced, to terminate the walk for a participant (‘non participation’) for one or more of the following reasons: the participant refuses to complete a Consent Form; the Walk Leader considers that they will be unable to complete the planned activity; their pre-existing medical condition(s) and/or fitness makes it unsafe to take part or continue; they are wearing unsuitable clothing or footwear; they ignore direct safety instructions from the Walk Leader or their language and/or behaviour falls below an acceptable standard that causes offence to other group members or puts others within the group at risk. If the Walk Leader terminates a walk for a participant and the walk has already commenced then the Walk Leader will ensure that the participant reaches a place of safety off the hill, such as a track, road, pub/cafe, village, their car etc before continuing the walk with the remaining group. If a participant chooses to leave the organised group at any time during the walking activity and makes it clear or obvious that they are leaving the organised group, then the Walk Leader ceases to have any responsibility or liability for that participant with immediate effect. The decision to refuse to accept a participant or terminate the walk for a participant lies solely with the Walk Leader. There are no transfer or refunds for non participation. 
Fitness and Experience – None of our walks require previous hill-walking experience as full guidance will be given, however, a reasonable level of fitness and ability is required as the natural environment can be demanding at times. The Walk Leader will always strive to adapt walks as much as is reasonably possible to match the fitness and ability of group members through adaptive and dynamic route choice and risk assessments.
Consent Form: All participants must complete a Consent Form prior to the event taking place; this must be done by each participant individually and can not be done on behalf of someone else. We will not accept a participant onto an event unless they have completed a Consent Form. All participants must provide full, complete and accurate information as part of their booking, including any medical conditions, special requirements, allergies and/or recent illnesses; participants must inform the Walk Leader of any changes to their personal information (including medical information) that have occurred between signing their Consent Form and the day of the walk.
Equipment and Footwear: All participants must be properly equipped, in line with the required kit list.  
Dogs: Dogs, other than registered assistance dogs, are not permitted on our events given the potential negative impact on other participants.
Cancellation by Participant: All cancellation requests must be sent by email to info@mindovermountains.org.uk. Our current cancellation policy is outlined on our website at https://mindovermountains.org.uk/cancellation-policy.
Cancellation by Mind Over Mountains: Whilst every attempt is made to ensure that planned events take place as scheduled, Mind Over Mountains will notify you of cancellation as soon as possible if it is necessary due to dangerous and/or unsuitable conditions for the event activity. As a charity we require a minimum number of participants per event to be feasible, so we reserve the right to reschedule an event no less than 1 week before, with a full refund or free transfer to another event provided. All our events are reviewed a minimum of 2 weeks in advance when you will be notified if we are considering viability. Mind Over Mountains cannot be held liable for any accommodation / travelling costs due to cancellation.
Walk Alterations: While every reasonable effort will be made to run walks and retreats as planned, Mind Over Mountains reserves the right to make changes to the event due to weather conditions, participant fitness or as a result of risk assessments on the day. All participants should be aware that minor alterations to routes or timings may sometimes be necessary. No refund will be issued if the event or retreat is adapted or changed due to any of the above circumstances.
Over 18s: All participants must be aged 18 years or over.

These Terms and Conditions must be read in conjunction with the Consent Form, relevant webpage on our website, and/or Walk or Course Overview, which gives more details of the chosen activity. Together the Consent Form, Terms & Conditions, webpage and/or Walk or Course Overview form the contract between us.

Please note that any agreement between us will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and, by booking a walk with us, you agree to this and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.