Frequently Asked Questions

Covid-19 business operations

We are open for bookings.

We are planning to start delivering our activities from the 3rd of July 2020. Please get in touch with us to book your days out in the hills.

In line with the Scottish governments plan to move out of lockdown we plan to start delivering our activities on 3rd July. This is when there is unlimited travel, multiple people can meet and accommodation can open.

We will be following the Governments guidelines to deliver our activities in accordance with social distancing and relevant safety measures to help prevent the potential spread of Covid-19. If you would like more information on this aspect then please let us know.

In the event that an activity cannot go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions or symptoms, our normal cancellation terms and conditions apply. Please see more info here.

Please check our Skye Munros page for course dates in September 2020 and 2021 if you would like something to look forward to. We also have our Winter 2021 course dates available as well.

What happens if the weather is really bad?

If an attempt has been made to complete the activity eg. summit Ben Nevis, then the weather is out of our control and The Highland Mountain Company is under no obligation to refund or re-arrange.

Or if it is apparent from the outset that the activity cannot be delivered due to the weather then The Highland Mountain Company will offer a similar alternative activity on the date booked.

If the customer cancels due to the weather, then no refund will be given.

What kit do I need to bring?

You need to bring all personal clothing, footwear, kit, food and water. Any additional technical equipment will be supplied. A kit list is sent upon booking.

Where do I need to meet?

The Highland Mountain Company will arrange an appropriate time and place that suits your needs upon booking.

What happens if after the 1st day of a 3 day course I cannot continue?

Although unfortunate, no re-fund shall be given.

How fit do I need to be for Ben Nevis?

It is worth noting that the best type of fitness for walking up mountains is to go walking. Many people summit each year, so the achievement is not out of reach for people who are not frequent hill goers. But being used to walking in the hills of roughly 4-5hours duration working up to your trip could make the difference between surviving the experience and enjoying it. The main way for getting fit for the hills is to train by doing long duration and low intensity activities, rather than working hard at the gym for an hour.

I'm not sure if I need to declare a medical condition?

If in doubt let us know. At The Highland Mountain Company we are not doctors but we are mountain 1st aiders and have taken lots of different people in to the mountains. It is advised that customers unsure of a historic or pre-standing condition, regarding their potential well being on activities, consult their GP prior to booking and include this on the booking form.

Can my children do the activities?

All under 18s can do any of the activities mentioned but must always be accompanied by an adult. With exception to the winter courses where previous hill experience and fitness will be taken into consideration on a case by case basis.

What is your cancellation policy?

If the customer cancels before 6 weeks of the booked activity a refund of the deposit will be made. If cancelled within 6 weeks no re-fund will be made. If The Highland Mountain Company cancels either a full refund will be made or another mutually agreed date will be re-arranged. Please see our full Terms and Conditions.

Do I need my own insurance?

The instructor/guide has public liability insurance. But it is strongly advised that customers take out their own insurance to protect against cancellation, personal injury, lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings etc.

It is worth noting that general travel insurance does not cover for adventure activities but short term insurance can be obtained via the British Mountaineering Council and is one of the benefits of membership.

How many people could be booked on?

In winter there is a maximum ratio of 1:6.

In summer walking the maximum ratio is 1:8 with navigation 1:6.

On climbing activities there is a maximum ratio of 1:2.

Intro to climbing having a ratio of 1:4 and the Glen Nevis adventure walk and abseiling having a ratio of 1:5.

What is the best time of year for summer activities?

The general season for all summer activities can be from early April through to the end of October. Past October the temperature is generally getting colder for rock climbing activities and the high mountains will have the first snows. Before April it is still full winter conditions on the high mountains but lower level 'summer' activities can still be delivered.

What is the best time of year for winter activities?

The main winter season runs from December to the end of March. However, there is generally enough snow around for all the winter courses to run from the beginning of December.