Hiking Terms and Conditions for DG Outdoor Adventures

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Please read these terms and conditions carefully.

These terms and conditions are designed to be clear and concise. If there is anything you don’t understand, please get in touch with us.

By proceeding with your booking with DG Outdoor Adventures (DGOA) via our website, by contacting us directly, through social media platforms, or by any other means, you agree to the following terms & conditions as outlined below.

On returning your completed booking form and payment, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.

1. Payments

All payments for our hiking adventures are to be paid in full prior to the event. This payment secures your booking on the date and for the event you have selected.

2. Event Variations

DGOA reserves the right to vary course instruction or events from the specifications set out in the Booking Confirmation. This is most likely to be a weather-dependent action. We will aim to keep an event as true to the booking as possible.

3. Client Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your booking, all cancellations must be in writing or by email as soon as possible. Once we are notified successfully, the following client cancellation policy applies:

If more than 14 days’ notice is given: we will transfer your monies to another event or offer a refund.

If less than 14 days’ notice is given, an alternative date will be offered, but you will not be eligible for a refund.

Cancellation within 1 week prior to the event, DGOA is not required to offer an alternative date and you will not be eligible for a refund.

If you have paid a deposit, this is non-refundable at any stage. We strongly recommend you take out the appropriate holiday insurance to cover you for your outdoor activities and any cancellations if it is a weekend/expedition.

4. Cancellation by Us

In the extremely unlikely event of a cancellation by us at DGOA, participants will be notified by telephone, in writing, or by e-mail as soon as practicable, and the following option will be offered: an alternative date for an alternative course equal to original monies paid, or a full refund unless the cancellation is due to force majeure. Examples of force majeure include, but are not limited to, war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity and its consequences, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, or unavoidable and unforeseeable technical problems beyond our control.

DGOA reserves the right to reject any Client as a member of their trip at any time. Reasons for this may include, but are not exclusive to, the Client not being adequately prepared or fit enough, illegal actions, or foolish behavior which endangers the Client, the guide, or any other participants. In this event, no refund will be made, and DGOA will not accept any further liability or responsibility to the Client.

5. Insurance

You are strongly advised to take out and hold valid relevant insurance to cover all eventualities such as all cancellations, medical expenses, travel delays, search and rescue, equipment loss or theft, and evacuation costs.

6. Other Costs

DGOA is not responsible for travel, accommodation, food and drink, clothing and equipment costs, vehicle hire, and any related costs or breakages. Our responsibility for you on the day of the event begins at the designated meet point on your event itinerary. DGOA takes no responsibility for getting the Client to the beginning of the event or for returning home at the end of the event.

7. Participation Policy 

The undertaking of an adventurous outdoor activity must be deemed to hold an element of risk to the participants. By choosing to take part in a hiking activity, all participants must consider the associated risks and accept responsibility for their own participation. The often ‘changeable’ weather of the British Isles can be particularly challenging, easily turning what was a walk on the hills into a life-threatening situation if not given due respect.

Risk Awareness

Hiking and related activities can be exciting, enjoyable, and highly motivating. The action of hiking and walking in a mountainous environment presents obvious risks, which can be largely negated by using good technique and following recognized methods of good practice. The Client should, as far as is reasonably practicable, take responsibility for ensuring that the activity and event offered suit their expectations, capabilities, and needs. That any distress or concern during, or resulting from the activity is brought to the immediate attention of the event leader. 

Participants’ actions must conform to any safety guidance given during the leadership, instruction, or supervision of any activity, course, or expedition. In the event of a participant disregarding safety instructions, or whose actions are judged to risk their own or others’ safety and wellbeing, they may be required to leave the activity.

Clients must be aware of the recognized risks and hazards associated with the activity and are prepared to accept them. Clients are advised that the equipment and clothing used must be suitable for the activity and worn as directed, with due regard given to the care of the environment and other users. Clients must remain in full view of the group leader or staff at all times; failure to do this by going off on your own will invalidate your participation.

Wearing of Headphones

In the interest of safety to the Client and group, DGOA does not permit the wearing of headphones or listening to music/podcasts during any of its group events.

Use of Smartphones & Cameras

DGOA recognizes we are living in a digital age where everything is 'Instagramable.' If you need to take photos, stop what you are doing at an appropriate and safe place to avoid accidents to yourself and the group. 

8. Trained Staff

All staff employed by DGOA are trained and appropriately qualified to run our events and will always proceed in a manner that limits the risk of injury. However, Clients need to accept that accidents and injuries can happen. By signing and returning the booking confirmation form, you accept this risk.

DATA PROTECTION DISCLAIMER

The personal information requested by DGOA at the time of booking, plus any subsequent information, is held on paper and digitally. This information is required to assist us in delivering the course and maintaining the company’s high standards of delivery. By providing us with your information to process your booking, you agree that this information can be kept and accessed by DGOA staff. Contact details will be used to advise you of future offers by post, email, SMS, or phone ONLY if you have given us your permission. If you have not given us permission to keep you updated regarding happenings at DGOA, we will be unable to contact you for this purpose.

By completing the booking, you consent to your contact information being held by us. This information will not be passed on to third parties. Your information, and that of your emergency contact, will be passed on to the appropriate DGOA staff member running the event. We will use your personal information to keep in touch via newsletters and emails if you have provided us consent to do so.

9. Use of Photographs and Other Media

By completing a booking, you consent to DGOA using any media (including photographs and/or video footage) made of you during the event which may encompass your intellectual property rights. These images may be used by DGOA for publicity and training purposes, including but not limited to websites, marketing material, and in the media. If you do not wish for your image to be used, you must inform us in writing before the event takes place.

10. Disclaimer

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have read and understood the following Disclaimer prior to booking your trip/event.

I confirm that I am over the age of 18.

I confirm that I have read and understood the terms and conditions (including risk awareness) above.

I agree to be bound by and obey these terms and conditions and all other rules, regulations, and conditions of DGOA and its officials, including those contained in this Disclaimer and any other applicable safety rules.

I acknowledge that I owe a duty to myself and others while engaging in any activity provided by DGOA to ensure I do not take any action or fail to do anything that would endanger my safety and/or the safety of others.

I confirm that I will not attempt to repair, modify, or tamper with any equipment provided to me for any purpose while engaging in any activity, and will comply with all instructions regarding the safe and proper use of such equipment.

I acknowledge that engaging in an activity provided by DGOA could be physically and mentally demanding and confirm that I am in good health and know of no reason, physical or mental, why I could be unable to engage in such activity.

I acknowledge that engaging in the activities provided by DGOA may be dangerous. Therefore, I recognize that participating in any activity is at my own risk. I confirm that DGOA is entitled at any time for whatever reason to deny me access to and/or engagement in any activity. I will not hold DGOA or any of its representatives responsible for any illness, loss, injury, or death sustained before, during, or after participation in activities provided by DGOA.

I confirm that I understand the need to take out appropriate insurance for the activity. The Client travels at their own risk, and except as expressly provided for in these conditions, DGOA shall not be liable to the Client by reason of any representation or implied warranty, condition or other terms, or any duty under common law, or under the express terms of the Contract, for any loss of profit or any indirect, special or consequential loss, damage, costs, expenses, or claims arising out of or in connection with the provision of the Service or their use by the Client.

Bring your furry friend along on our hiking adventures! Our dog-friendly hikes are designed for you and your four-legged companion to enjoy the great outdoors together through our exciting outdoor activities. DGOA is more than happy to welcome well-behaved dogs on our tours, provided the conditions are suitable. In cases where our four-legged friends need to be on a lead, we will specify this in the hike description. The same applies if it is not appropriate for our furry friends to join the event. Please be sure to review our client cancellation policy to ensure a smooth experience.