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    Got A Question?

    We have FAQs for You

    Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions. Please remember to request a trip dossier from us if you can’t find the information you are looking for on the website. If you have any other questions, do let us know as we are happy to help. We will continue to update this page with new information so it will be a useful resource for you.

    1. Planning Your Trip

    2. Solo Travellers

    3. Booking Your Trip

    4. Between Booking and Travelling

    5. Starting a Trip and on a Trip

    6. Payments and Tipping

    Planning Your Trip


    I want to chat to a person, what are your opening hours and how do I get in touch?
    Read More

    Great, we want to chat to you too! Our office hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–17:30 UK time. You can reach our Adventure Consultants on +44(0)1479 420 020 option 1.

    If you are calling from North American we have a toll free number: 866-740-3890 option 1. We are in the Highlands so our UK office hours apply but you can drop us an email anytime on [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.


    How can I find out if places are still available on a trip?
    Read More

    Please click on the trip you are interested in, then, on that trip page, scroll down to view prices and availability. Next, to the departure date and price, you can see how many places are still available, and a note to confirm if a trip is confirmed to run or not. We confirm trips with just two clients, meaning you can book with confidence.


    How many people can join a group trip?
    Read More

    We try to keep our group sizes small. Our trips generally have a maximum of 8 people but our Knoydart Peninsula and West Highland Way walking trips can have up to 10 people.


    How many people does it take to confirm a trip?
    Read More

    A trip is normally confirmed when two people book but like any good rule, there are exceptions. Some of our road cycling and mountain biking trips confirm with 3 people and our sailing trips confirm with 4. Don’t be afraid to book on to an unconfirmed trip – it’s our experience that when one person books it encourages more people to join.


    The trip I want to book is fully booked – is there a waiting list?
    Read More

    Of course, just drop us a line on the phone or by email with the departure you’d like to join and we’ll make a note to contact you if space becomes available.


    There is only one space left but we’re a couple can we squeeze in?
    Read More

    Unfortunately not. Our group sizes are planned in advance taking in to account our guiding ratio and spaces in our vehicles. We can either pop your names on the waiting list for this departure or we can help you have a look for another trip or departure that might work for you.


    How challenging are the trips?
    Read More

    This is hard to answer because it is all relative, what’s challenging for one person might be easy for another. However, we’ve designed and graded our trips so there should be something for everyone. Please do remember that all our trips are activity based so you will need a fair level of fitness. Our grading works on a scale – Green 1- 3 are easy trips, Blue 4 – 6 are moderate trips and challenging trips are Red 7 – 9. To understand this practical sense we suggest watching our grading videos. If you are still unsure give us a call and we’ll help find the right trip for you.


    Can I book a single room?
    Read More

    Single rooms are offered on most of our trips but these are limited so are allocated on a first come first served basis. It’s no problem to book a single room as long as there is one available. Most single rooms do incur a single supplement, which you can find in the trip dossier.


    I want to book a trip, how do I do this?
    Read More

    Fantastic! You can book our small group trips, private departures or long distance trails online or by telephone. If you are interested in a customised itinerary then drop us an email or give us a call and our Adventure Consultants will chat through the process with you. Once you have booked any trip please wait for confirmation from the team before making any travel arrangements.


    Are there any age restrictions on the trips?
    Read More

    You do have to be at least 16 to join our scheduled trips and be accompanied by an adult if you are under 18. We have no upper age limit so as long as your fit, happy and able to join in the activities on the trip then we’d love to have you travel with us!


    Can I bring my dog?
    Read More

    It really depends on the type of trip you’d like to do. If you are joining a group holiday then it’s not possible to bring your dog. We can sometimes accommodate dogs on a custom or private tour depending on the availability of accommodation. Give us a call if you want to bring your pooch.


    How much of a deposit do I need to pay and when is the balance due?
    Read More

    A 25% deposit will confirm your place on your trip and the balance is due 10 weeks before departure.


    Your trips sound amazing, are they really as good as they look?
    Read More

    Yes! But don’t just take our word for it, check out the reviews from previous travellers.


    Can I book a day trip with you?
    Read More

    Unfortunately, day trips are not something we arrange. We’d recommend contacting Visit Scotland for advice.


    What type of clothing and equipment will I need?
    Read More

    This is a great question, it’s really important to have proper outdoor gear because our weather can be changeable. We’ll send you a comprehensive equipment list but if you have any question about any gear please just give us a call and we’ll be happy to chat through it. We will provide any specialised equipment you need for sea kayaking or canoeing.


    I have dietary requirements can you cater for me?
    Read More

    Absolutely. Please do let us know on booking: it helps if you are specific and provide as much detail as possible. If you have an allergy please let us know how severe it is, do you carry an Epi-Pen? If you are gluten-free please do clarify if you just avoid wheat or if you are coeliac and mustn’t eat anything that has come into contact with wheat. It’s really helpful for us to know this up front so we can alert the restaurants we visit. Vegetarian or vegan? No worries, but please be aware that you may have limited choices. We can usually cater for all dietary requirements except on our sailing trips because the limited kitchen space makes it impossible to cook different meals for each traveller. If you have any questions or want to chat through a requirement then get in touch.


    I’ve heard about midges, give me the low down?
    Read More

    Ah, midges, it’s amazing that these tiny wee creatures are the cause of so much worry, however, the stories about them are generally much worse than the reality! Yes, they can be annoying but we’re lucky they don’t carry any diseases so the worst case scenario is an itchy red bite. The best thing is to just be prepared with some preventative measures. We recommend Smidge insect repellant, this is DEET-free and was developed in Scotland particularly for these little beasties. It’s also a good idea to have long sleeves and trousers so you can cover up and if you are camping it’s worth having a midge headnet just in case. Midges are much smaller than mosquitos so it must be a midge net otherwise they can fly right through.

    If you usually react badly to bites make sure you have a supply of antihistamine. If you are looking for extra reassurance check out our reviews, hardly any of them even mention midges! Midges really shouldn’t have a big impact on your time in Scotland and you certainly shouldn’t worry about planning a trip to try and avoid them but do give us a call if you would like to chat about it further. If you want to know more about midges then have a wee look at our midge video.


    I only have a few days free so can I just join part of the trip?
    Read More

    Not usually as our itineraries are carefully planned. Occasionally clients may join the first few days of a trip but pay for the full trip. It is not possible to join a trip midway through.


    I’m flying to Scotland, what are the best airports?
    Read More

    Edinburgh and Glasgow are Scotland’s biggest airports. Both cities have good train connections to Inverness and other trip start points. Inverness airport has good connections via London, Manchester and Amsterdam. Check out our travel to Scotland section or give us a call.


    What will the weather be like?
    Read More

    One of the great things about Scotland is that you never know what you are going to wake up to. On a typical week, you may encounter some showers but some beautiful sunshine as well. We will keep all our fingers and toes crossed for sun throughout your trip but Scotland can be just as beautiful in the rain, thousands of little waterfalls cascading down the mountains and lush green plants that you just wouldn’t experience without rain. You just have to be prepared for any weather and we’ll provide you with a helpful equipment list when you book. After all, there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothes! Follow this link to view a blog of excellent weather links covering general, mountain and marine forecasts.


    What is the typical age of people on your trips?
    Read More

    On average our travellers are aged 45 to 70. However, it varies from departure to departure and lots of younger and older people travel with us too. For details of a specific departure give us a call.


    Do you supply bikes for biking trips?
    Read More

    Yes – you can hire bikes from us. We don’t include bike hire in the trip price as some guests like to bring their own. Check out the trip dossier for details of the bikes we offer and let us know if you have any questions.


    Do I really need walking boots or are trail shoes enough?
    Read More

    Although it does depend on the trip the answer is usually yes. Even our green graded trips will require you to walk on rough, sometimes boggy ground. Your shoes will need to provide you with good ankle support and be waterproof. Gaiters are also an essential bit of kit to keep you dry. We’ll send you a full equipment list when you book or let us know if you would like us to send it to you beforehand. It’s also a good idea to have a look at our grading videos so you can get an idea of the type of terrain you will be hiking. Check out our blog posts on footwear for hiking or sea kayaking/canoeing.


    Ok so you can’t predict the weather but what’s the best time to travel to Scotland?
    Read More

    We love Scotland all year round! May and June are a great time for wildflowers and plants bursting into life after the winter, it’s also a good time to see lots of different bird life. July and August are great months to see a variety of different wildlife including marine animals; these also tend to be the warmest months and August is the month for breath-taking purple heather. The weather in September and October is generally pretty settled, and the light is beautiful, particularly as the leaves and bracken are starting to turn golden. There is also the chance of hearing the eerie roars of the rutting stags echoing through the glens. There is something special about every month so you really just need to decide when works best for you.


    Can I book my travel?
    Read More

    Please wait until we have confirmed your trip before booking any travel. If in doubt please do give us a wee call.


    Do you send out e-newsletters?
    Read More

    Yes we do and you can sign up for them by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom right. You can also view our e-newsletter archive for inspiration.


    I can’t see my question here, how can I get an answer?
    Read More

    Just drop us an email on [email protected] or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you. You’ll find our telephone number in the footer of the website.

    Solo Travellers


    I’m a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?
    Read More

    No problem at all. There is no supplement for solo travellers as long as you are happy to share a room with someone of the same gender. If you’d prefer to have your own room there will be a charge.


    Can I book a single room?
    Read More

    Single rooms are offered on most of our trips but these are limited so are allocated on a first come first served basis. It’s no problem to book a single room as long as there is one available. Most single rooms do incur a single supplement, which you can find in the trip dossier.


    Will, there be other solo travellers in the group?
    Read More

    It’s impossible to know in advance what the make-up of a particular trip will be but the majority of people that join our trips are solo travellers. This means that for the most part, you will have at least a few solo travellers on each trip. If you have questions about who you will be travelling with then give us a call and we can give you a quick overview.


    I’m a solo traveller can I book on a self-guided or self-drive trip?
    Read More

    Unfortunately not. For safety reasons, we don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. We have lots of solo-travellers on our small group trips though and you’d be more than welcome you join one of those.

    Booking Your Trip


    I want to book a trip, how do I do this?
    Read More

    Fantastic! You can book our small group trips, private departures or long distance trails online or by telephone. If you are interested in a customised itinerary then drop us an email or give us a call and our Adventure Consultants will chat through the process with you. Once you have booked any trip please wait for confirmation from the team before making any travel arrangements.


    The trip I want to book is fully booked – is there a waiting list?
    Read More

    Of course, just drop us a line on the phone or by email with the departure you’d like to join and we’ll make a note to contact you if space becomes available.


    What is the Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund?
    Read More

    Last year donations from our Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund totalled £5,625.

    Each year we channel these donations towards charities and community initiatives that we truly care about and that genuinely make a difference in the wild places our trips visit.

    For instance, an allocation of this year’s contribution has been used for path restoration on Skye and also for habitat restoration and tree planting in partnership with the John Muir Trust.

    We appreciate every donation and to learn more about the Wilderness Conservation and Community Fund, these projects and how they contributed to us winning World’s Best Green Tour Operator twice.


    Can I book a single room?
    Read More

    Single rooms are offered on most of our trips but these are limited so are allocated on a first come first served basis. It’s no problem to book a single room as long as there is one available. Most single rooms do incur a single supplement, which you can find in the trip dossier.


    Can I book a day trip with you?
    Read More

    Unfortunately, day trips are not something we arrange. We’d recommend contacting Visit Scotland for advice.


    Can I book my travel?
    Read More

    Please wait until we have confirmed your trip before booking any travel. If in doubt please do give us a wee call.

    Between Booking and Travelling


    I have booked a Self-Guided, Discovery Journey or Tailor Made trip. What now?
    Read More

    Chances are if you are booking one of these trips you have already chatted with one of our team. However, once we have taken your deposit, we’ll get to work booking the accommodations and any guides and activities. Once that has been done we’ll let you know so you can make any travel arrangements.


    What if my trip is unconfirmed and the start date is nearing?
    Read More

    It’s unusual for our trips to still be unconfirmed as we near the trip start date but occasionally we may cancel an unconfirmed trip 4 weeks before the trip is due to start. In the rare instance we have to cancel a trip then we will offer you an alternative trip. Of course, if nothing else suits we offer you a full refund. If your trip is unconfirmed and due to depart within a couple of months then do give us a call and we’ll chat through the options.


    Do I really need travel insurance?
    Read More

    Yes! We don’t ask to see proof of this but we strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It should cover last minute trip cancellation, repatriation or unexpected charges if flights are delayed or cancelled. Once you have booked a trip we will provide details of our recommended insurance company but they are not the only suitable provider and we encourage you to do your own research. Please note that we are not insurance agents and cannot advise you on travel insurance or the level of cover you require. Please contact your preferred insurance company for any questions or advice.


    I need to spend the night in Inverness or elsewhere before my trip, do you have any hotel recommendations?
    Read More

    Yes, just drop us an email and we’ll send them across.


    What kind of luggage can I bring and what happens to it while I’m on the trip?
    Read More

    If you can pack a soft duffle bag it makes life easier packing up our vans. Please avoid hard suitcases. Size-wise, if you can check it on a plane with no extra fees it will be fine! During your trip, your luggage will either be kept at your accommodation or if you are moving on that night stored in the van. You will need a small day sack for your lunch, water and extra layers.


    I can’t see my question here, how can I get an answer?
    Read More

    Just drop us an email on [email protected] or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you. You’ll find our telephone number in the footer of the website.

    Starting a Trip and on a Trip


    Do I really need travel insurance?
    Read More

    Yes! We don’t ask to see proof of this but we strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It should cover last minute trip cancellation, repatriation or unexpected charges if flights are delayed or cancelled. Once you have booked a trip we will provide details of our recommended insurance company but they are not the only suitable provider and we encourage you to do your own research. Please note that we are not insurance agents and cannot advise you on travel insurance or the level of cover you require. Please contact your preferred insurance company for any questions or advice.


    How do I get to the start of my trip?
    Read More

    Most of our trips start and finish at train stations to make it easy for you. Check out our Travel to Scotland section for more details or give us a call.


    Will, there be a phone signal and WIFI?
    Read More

    Generally yes, although both signal and WIFI can be spotty and a bit slow in places. Some accommodations will offer WIFI in public areas but not in individual rooms.


    Which meals are included in the trip?
    Read More

    Most meals are included in our trips but you can see the full list of what’s included in your trip dossier. The meals that are included are recorded against each day as follows B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.


    I can see that dinner is included on some days but not others. Do we have to fend for ourselves?
    Read More

    We don’t always include dinner each night to give the group a bit more flexibility over the menu. When dinner isn’t included we’ll still book restaurants for dinner each evening for the group. Generally, the group eats together but if you want to go somewhere else speak to your guide about options. Please be aware that in more remote places there may be very few other options!


    I’m on a self-guided trip, how do meals work on this?
    Read More

    Breakfast is included every day on our self-guided trips. You can either order a packed lunch from your accommodation, eat in a local café or pick up some lunch from a local shop. If you are ordering a packed lunch please do this the night before so the accommodations have time to make it up for you. Dinner can be taken either in your accommodation or in a local restaurant. We are happy to provide you with some suggestions for dinner.


    What kind of luggage can I bring and what happens to it while I’m on the trip?
    Read More

    If you can pack a soft duffle bag it makes life easier packing up our vans. Please avoid hard suitcases. Size-wise, if you can check it on a plane with no extra fees it will be fine! During your trip, your luggage will either be kept at your accommodation or if you are moving on that night stored in the van. You will need a small day sack for your lunch, water and extra layers.


    How can my family get in touch with me while I am on the trip?
    Read More

    There should be enough phone signal or WIFI to stay in touch but we can provide accommodation details to pass on to them as well as our office number and email. We have a 24-hour emergency number. This is reserved for important and urgent calls but sometimes families do need to get in touch. Our guides carry special DeLorme inReach devices so there are always able to reach the support team no matter the circumstances.


    Do I have to eat Haggis?
    Read More

    Of course not, but it’s delicious and you should try it!


    I can’t see my question here, how can I get an answer?
    Read More

    Just drop us an email on [email protected] or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you. You’ll find our telephone number in the footer of the website.

    Payments and Tipping


    How much of a deposit do I need to pay and when is the balance due?
    Read More

    A 25% deposit will confirm your place on your trip and the balance is due 10 weeks before departure.


    I have booked a trip and can no longer travel. How do I cancel and what are the terms?
    Read More

    Oh no, we’re really sorry to hear that.
    Please see point 4 in our booking conditions for more information


    What about tipping in Scotland?
    Read More

    Tipping in Scotland is never expected but always appreciated! It is a lovely way to show you really enjoyed your experience. Unlike some destinations, our guides receive a fair wage so tips are seen as a bonus rather than making up part of their wage. If you want to thank you guides for outstanding service they will welcome any monetary gift at the end of a trip. Gratuity for hospitality services is normally 10-15% of the bill and it is usual to tip in restaurants, hotels. It is also usual to tip local guides. Taxi drivers, bartenders and baggage carriers do not expect tips.


    Can I pay by card or should I bring cash with me as well?
    Read More

    Most places in the Highlands do take Visa or Master Card although there may be a minimum spend of £5 to £10 to take a card payment so it’s worth having some cash on you as well. It is unusual for small cafes or restaurants to take American Express. If you are travelling from abroad please alert your card company that you are travelling to Scotland.


    Do I really need travel insurance?
    Read More

    Yes! We don’t ask to see proof of this but we strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It should cover last minute trip cancellation, repatriation or unexpected charges if flights are delayed or cancelled. Once you have booked a trip we will provide details of our recommended insurance company but they are not the only suitable provider and we encourage you to do your own research. Please note that we are not insurance agents and cannot advise you on travel insurance or the level of cover you require. Please contact your preferred insurance company for any questions or advice.


    I can’t see my question here, how can I get an answer?
    Read More

    Just drop us an email on [email protected] or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you. Our number is in the footer of the website.

    Our holidays reviewed
    in your own words

    My trip to Shetland met and exceeded all my expectations as my earlier trips with Wilderness Scotland have.
    The advantage of such beautiful places is added to by W.S.'s commitment and expertise.

    Mary C Hahessy
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles
    Reviewed on 29/07/2019

    Rated 4.89 out of 5 based on 6,621 reviews

    Read More Reviews

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