-
Travellers with Existing Bookings
Read More
-
As the Scottish Government guidance updated on the 15th July, we are now operational and running our full range of small group tours, private tours and tailor-made holidays. If you are currently booked on a trip with us, you can plan on your trip going ahead unless you hear from us to the contrary.
Please be aware that we are working to Government guidelines, as well as with local suppliers, and as such things are subject to change at short notice. Due to the changing nature of the guidelines any trips we run over the next few months may well look different to trips run in the past, however, all inclusions will still be a part of the trip and therefore any changes do not equate to a “significant change” as defined by the package tour regulations.
Due to the current uncertainty around travel, if you are currently booked on a trip we are allowing postponement to a future trip up to 35 days before the trip starts. However, if you have to cancel your place on the trip after this deadline, then it will not be possible to postpone your place and your trip payments will be forfeited.
In some cases, we may be in touch with you to say the trip cannot be confirmed until closer to travel time. If this is the case then you have the option of staying on the trip until we can confirm if the trip is running, or postponing your trip to a future date.
As with any travel we strongly recommend that you have trip/travel insurance. This should cover any last-minute trip cancellation as well as any travel undertaken to get to and from the trip.
The UK and Scottish governments have advised that lockdown restrictions could be reinstated if necessary. If this is the case we will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss these changes and your options.
We are still awaiting industry-specific advice from the Irish government, which should be forthcoming soon.
-
New Bookings
Read More
-
We are welcoming new bookings for 2020 and 2021.
We have plenty of private adventures (perfect for your bubble) on hand. If your clients want something customised, our friendly team is available to chat through options.
Please note that any new booking will only be accepted on the provision that if the trip is unable to go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions, the trip will be suspended. Trip payments will be held indefinitely and can be put towards any Wilderness Scotland or Wilderness Ireland trip in the future.
-
Must Read - Traveller Responsibility
Read More
-
1. We request that all travellers bring a minimum of 2 reusable masks so you can wash one each evening and leave the other to dry.
2. That clients declare to us if they have had Covid or Covid-like symptoms.
3. That clients self-health check regularly and declare to the guide as soon as possible if they do feel any Covid symptoms. It would be beneficial if you would bring a thermometer to keep track of your temperature.
4. That clients do not travel if feeling unwell or are symptomatic before the trip.
5. That each client agree in good grace to follow all guidelines and procedures set out by the Wilderness guide and any suppliers we use.
-
Current Situation in the UK
Read More
-
The Scottish Government guidance allowed tourism businesses, including hotels, restaurants and pubs to reopen from the 15th July.
For more info, visit:
ABTA, of which we are members and provide our customers with 100% financial security, provide a broad set of Q & A that is useful for all, including inbound travellers from international locations.
Finally we recommend reading the WHO situation reports, which are updated daily and provide an ‘in numbers’ view of the virus.
-
Current Situation in Ireland
Read More
-
The Irish Government has created a Roadmap to reopening, though we are still awaiting tourism industry-specific info.
For more info, visit:
The government has introduced a structured, phased reopening plan summarised as follows:
- May 18th – Outdoor and heritage sites, including beaches and mountain trails reopen as well as some non-essential retail
- June 8th – Workplaces begin to reopen, small social gatherings and outdoor sports allowed
- June 15th – Retail centres reopen
- June 29th – Hotels, museums, galleries and restaurants reopen
- July 20th – Larger social gatherings allowed, all other workplaces open
- Aug 31st – Pubs and hotel bars are set to reopen, gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and 500 outdoors will be permissible
-
Travel Advisories and Inbound Health Measures
Read More
-
If you are travelling from outside the UK then you must review the contents of this section of the Scottish Government guidance before considering travel to Scotland.
Travel advice for travellers visiting the UK from common locations.
United States | Canada | Australia
We recommend you check your own government advice with regards travel to the UK and Scotland.
Travel advise for travellers visiting Ireland from common locations.
United States | Canada | Australia | United Kingdom
We recommend you check your own government advice with regards to travel to Ireland.
-
Pre-Trip Information
Read More
-
Be sure to remind clients to read through all pre-trip information for new Covid-19 details and requirements, such as bringing your own face masks, and being aware rules which apply in Scotland but may be different to rules where your clients live.
We recommend you and your clients also check with airline/train companies for specific requirements they may have in place.
We genuinely sweat the details so that you can rest at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands and there’ll be no unwanted surprises. Raise any questions with us ahead of your clients trip – we’re delighted to help.
-
Reassure Your Clients They're Still on Holiday
Read More
-
It may be a bit different to your clients’ last holiday. But spending time in nature is healthy for the body and for the soul.
The info on this page and in your clients pre-trip pack will help to prepare your clients on what to expect and feel confident about travelling.
Standing on top of a hill or cresting a climb on your bike will feel as amazing as it always has. As you soak in the views and relish the feeling of personal achievement, it will feel like a holiday!
And one thing is for sure – many of us need a break after the past few months. So come and enjoy the space, freedom, wild landscapes and fresh air which Scotland and Ireland are famous for.
-
Will clients need to wear a mask?
Read More
-
All travellers will need to wear a mask while travelling in our vehicles and in other locations specified by Government regulations (e.g. shops).
There may be occasions when travellers will need to put a mask on briefly – for example, if your guide is assisting you with some equipment.
But you can reassure your clients they will not need a mask during the day’s activities – so they can hike, cycle or paddle breathing in the fresh Highland air and enjoying unencumbered views.
-
Will we be socially distancing while on a trip?
Read More
-
Yes.
As we are all already social distancing, it should simply be a continuation of normal practice and respect for fellow travellers.
It’s fortunate that in the wild and remote places we visit, social distancing is easy to adopt. The guide will be available to explain any local practices or requirements.
-
Can my clients bring my own car instead of travelling in your vehicle?
Read More
-
Yes.
Where it is practical to do so, your clients are welcome to use their own vehicle throughout the trip.
There will be no reduction in price as we will still be operating our vehicle on the trip. Trips which involve ferry crossings may be more challenging to arrange due to limited capacity on some ferries.
If your clients are planning to bring their own vehicle, you must let us know as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly.
-
Will the locals be welcoming?
Read More
-
We’ve run trips in Scotland for 20 years and in Ireland for 6 years, so are extremely well-connected in communities across the country.
While there will always be some who disagree, the overwhelming feeling, and our own experience, is that communities across the UK and Ireland are really looking forward to welcoming visitors once again.
-
Insurance
Read More
-
As always, it is important to have adequate travel insurance which covers your clients specific needs, including any known medical conditions or activities they plan to do.
It is also worth checking the detail of the policy around travel disruption including delays or cancellations as policies do vary.
The Association of British Insurers has a Q & A that is more relevant for travellers from the UK but raises useful questions to put to your clients’ own insurer.