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We know that booking a mountain adventure can come with lots of questions — especially if you're trying something for the first time. Here are some of the things we're asked most often. If your question isn't here, just get in touch.
We're always happy to have a chat.
Before you book
Do I need any previous experience?
Not necessarily. Many of our adventures are designed for people who are completely new to climbing, scrambling, navigation or spending time in the mountains.
Where an activity does require previous experience, we'll make that clear before you book. The important thing is that you tell us honestly where you're starting from — we'll take it from there.
How fit do I need to be?
You don't need to be a mountain athlete!
Different adventures require different levels of fitness, and we'll always give you an idea of what to expect. Some days are gentle and exploratory; others involve longer distances, steeper ground or more sustained activity.
If you're unsure whether a particular day will suit you, talk to us. We'd much rather help you choose the right adventure than have you worrying about whether you'll be able to keep up.
I don't know which adventure is right for me. Can you help?
Absolutely. Tell us a little about what you've done before, what you'd like to experience and what you'd love to achieve. We can help you choose an existing BHW adventure or, where appropriate, create something more bespoke. Sometimes the best adventures start with, “I've always wanted to try…”
Can I come on my own?
Definitely. You don't need to find somebody to come with you before booking one of our group adventures. Lots of people arrive on their own, and part of the pleasure of a day in the mountains can be sharing it with people you hadn't met that morning.
Will I be expected to keep up with everyone else?
We're not interested in racing anyone up a mountain. We'll manage the day according to the group, the terrain, the conditions and the aims of the activity. We want you to have an adventure — not spend the whole day worrying that you're holding somebody up.
What if I'm nervous about heights, exposure or trying something new?
Tell us. Being a little nervous when you're stepping outside your comfort zone is completely normal. We won't suddenly put you somewhere frightening to see how you cope. Where appropriate, we'll build things progressively, giving you time to develop skills, confidence and trust in yourself.
Challenge is good. Terrified isn't the objective.
During your day
with us
What should I wear?
The mountains can produce several seasons in one day, so layers are your friend! You'll normally need suitable footwear, warm clothing and waterproofs, but exactly what you'll need will depend on the adventure you've booked. We'll send you a detailed kit list before your day so you know exactly what to bring.
Do I need my own climbing or technical equipment?
For activities requiring technical equipment, we'll tell you what is provided and what you'll need to bring. Depending on the activity, this may include things such as helmets and harnesses, but please don't worry about this as we can usually supply the equipment you need. Just chat to us once you know what day you would like to do. If you already own equipment and would like to use it, let us know beforehand.
What do I need to bring?
You'll receive joining information before your adventure, including a kit list specific to your activity.
As a general rule, expect to bring suitable outdoor clothing, waterproofs, food, water and any personal medication you may need.
And yes — snacks are important. Mountain days and snacks belong together.
Where will we meet?
Your joining information will tell you where and when to meet us. We sometimes need to choose or alter a venue according to weather, mountain conditions and the needs of the group. That's one of the reasons we don't always lock ourselves into one exact location too far in advance.
What is included in the price?
Your course or adventure description will explain what's included. This will normally include your instruction or guiding and, where specified, the technical equipment required for the activity.
Travel to the meeting point, accommodation, food and personal equipment are generally your responsibility unless we specifically say otherwise.
Weather and
Safety
What happens if the weather is bad?
We're mountaineers — if we cancelled every time it rained in North Wales, we'd have rather a lot of days off! Rain doesn't automatically mean your adventure can't go ahead. We continually consider the forecast, conditions, terrain and planned activity and may adapt the day or choose a different location.
If conditions mean we cannot safely provide the planned activity, we'll discuss the available options with you in accordance with our booking terms.
What if I want to challenge myself but I'm nervous?
That's a very good place to start. Adventure doesn't have to mean doing the scariest thing possible. It might mean your first summit, your first scramble, learning to navigate, climbing your first rock route or simply discovering that you're capable of more than you thought. We'll help you find the balance between challenge and enjoyment.
Can you accommodate disabilities, medical conditions or additional needs?
We want to make our adventures as accessible as we reasonably can. If you have a disability, medical condition, neurodivergence, mobility consideration or another additional need, please talk to us before booking. It doesn't automatically mean an activity isn't suitable. Having a conversation beforehand allows us to understand what you need, consider the terrain and activity, and work out together what may be possible.
Can children and young people take part?
Some of our activities are suitable for children and young people, while others may have minimum ages or particular requirements. Contact us before booking and tell us the age of the young person and what you're interested in doing. We'll advise you on the most appropriate options and any parent or guardian requirements.
Can I bring my dog?
Whether a dog can join us depends on the terrain, activity, group, livestock, seasonal restrictions and other practical considerations. Ask us before you bring your four-legged mountaineer along and we'll let you know what's possible.
Booking and
practical stuff
What happens after I book?
We'll make sure you know what happens next. You'll receive confirmation of your booking and information about payment, followed by the information we need from you and your joining instructions.
Before your adventure, we'll make sure you know where you're meeting us, what time to arrive, what equipment and clothing you'll need and anything else that's important for your particular day. Then all that's left is to turn up ready for an adventure.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
We understand that plans sometimes change. Our cancellation and amendment arrangements are set out in our booking terms and conditions, so please have a read before booking. If something does happen, contact us as soon as possible and we'll talk you through your options.
Do I need insurance?
BHW Mountaineering holds appropriate insurance for the activities we provide. However, you may also wish to consider your own personal insurance, particularly for cancellation, personal accident, travel or other circumstances that aren't covered by the provider's insurance. If you're unsure, please ask us before booking.
Can I book a private or bespoke day?
Yes — and we love these. Perhaps you have a particular mountain in mind, want to develop a specific skill, are preparing for a bigger objective or simply want a day designed around you and your group.
Tell us what you'd like to achieve and we'll talk through what's possible.
Do I need personal insurance?
We recommend that all participants consider arranging appropriate personal insurance for the activities they will be taking part in. Personal Accident and Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended.
If you choose to take out insurance, please check that your policy specifically covers the activity you have booked, such as hill walking, scrambling or rock climbing, as appropriate. You may also wish to consider cover for cancellation, personal accident and your personal belongings.
BHW Mountaineering holds appropriate professional insurance for the activities we provide, but this does not replace personal insurance for individual participants.
Still have questions?
Ask us!
There genuinely isn't such a thing as a silly question when you're preparing for a day in the mountains. If you're unsure about something, nervous about booking or just want to know a little more before deciding, get in touch.
Your adventure starts long before we put our boots on.
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