FAQ

What does the trip involve?
We plan with you and your group a tailor-made trip into the outdoors in the UK to be guided and instructed in activities. Through our expertise and flexibility we aim to maximize your enjoyment in return for minimum time off work. The trip can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want.
Am I fit enough?
Yes. We will tailor a trip to the level of fitness of you and your group. We will discuss this, along with any previous experience, at the planning stage. And, see our booking form where we raise these points.
What kit will I need and can you rent?
To minimize time on organization and maximize activity time, our prime aim is that where possible you will arrive at your destination with your kit and be ready to go. At the planning stage we will discuss kit with you and in particular supply a list. We will arrange equipment, including rental equipment, if and when appropriate.
Where will we stay?
Excellent accommodation can be key to any trip especially when relaxing with friends. We use handpicked accommodation, anything from the best B&Bs through to luxury hotels and large private houses with full catering.
Which airport or rail station do we go too?
It is for you to decide as we are flexible. We want to get you close to your destination and meet you there. Guests often arrive late, leaving after a day at work. For the Peak District pick up usually at the rail stations at Chesterfield or Macclesfield; for North Wales at Llandudno; for the Lakes at the rail stations at Preston, Oxenholme or Carlisle and for Scotland at the airports at Glasgow or Inverness. We have excellent experience of using the sleeper trains to Scotland to maximize time away.
Who will meet us?
We will meet you in our transport. We will take you to your accommodation, stopping en route to eat if most convenient for you.
Can you cater for vegetarians?
Yes. All of our handpicked accommodation and any restaurants we recommend have vegetarian options.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. And this is your responsibility—see our booking form. Before taking out extra insurance do check your existing cover especially through work and/or your bank depending on the type of account you hold. Many policies will cover what you are doing. If not, try the BMC on www.thebmc.co.uk
Who else is on the trip and will I or they be a hindrance?
The trip will be specifically planned and tailored for you and your group so that before you go each person will know what is involved. Using our experience, it is our role to ensure that you and everyone in your group have an enjoyable time. We expect the vast majority of guests to repeat trips with us.
What time will the trip finish in order to catch my flight/train home?
Plenty of time will be allowed at the end of the trip. It will often be appropriate to give enough time also to enable you to shower and get changed if, to maximize time, you are travelling at end of a day’s activity. We will arrange this so far as we are able. We even make sure you have plastic bags(an item often forgotten!) to transport dirty boots or gear.
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About us
Alan Kimber photo

Alan Kimber

Alan is based on the West Coast of Scotland. Alan is a fully qualified Mountaineering Instructor and International Mountain Guide with massive experience of instructing mountain based skills to a wide variety of people, both young and not so young! Visits to the Alps (26 seasons), Mt McKinley, Mt Kenya, Baffin Island, the Atlas Mountains, the Andes, Labrador, the N.W. Territories, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Himalayas add breadth to the experience on which the activities are based. Alan is also a keen sea paddler and sailor, having explored much of the west coast and islands of Scotland. Alan has excellent contacts with the other guides and instructors with whom we work in the Peak District, North Wales and the Lake District.

Keith Gaines photo

Keith Gaines

Keith is based in central London, so complements Alan, and for part of his time in the Peak District. Keith worked in the City for 28 years and now wants to have fun sharing his passion for escaping to the outdoors and to wild places. Keith is a fully qualified Mountain Leader and a volunteer with the London Borough of Camden's Duke of Edinburgh Open Award Centre where he teaches climbing. Keith has walked and climbed extensively in the hills and mountains of the UK as well as in Corsica(the GR20), the Alps, the Himalaya, the Karakoram and South America. Keith is also a keen skier including completing the Haute Route and a not so competent but massively enthusiastic sea paddler!