PATHWINDS OUTDOORS
Terms and Conditions 

1) Bookings, payments, deposits and outstanding balances

• A place on a skills workshop or guided walk is confirmed once payment has been received, complete with participant waiver and medical form. For our GPDR terms this is found under our private policy.
• Bookings may be secured either by full payment or by a non-refundable deposit, payable via BACS or through an online booking platform provided by a third party.
• Deposits are non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the participant, regardless of the payment method or booking platform used.
• Where a deposit has been paid, the remaining balance must be paid in full by the date specified at the time of booking. This will be outlined within the booking system or confirmation email.
• Failure to pay the outstanding balance by the due date may result in the participant's place being cancelled and re-allocated. In such cases, any deposit paid will be retained.

Pathwinds Outdoors reserves the right to refuse participation where full payment has not been received prior to the activity.

2) Minimum Numbers

Activities require a minimum number of participants to run. If this number is not reached, Pathwinds Outdoors reserves the right to reschedule or cancel the event. In this case, participants will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

3) Cancellations by Participants

If you cancel your place:

• More than 14 days before the event – Full refund, excluding the non-refundable booking deposit.
• 3–14 days before the event – 25% refund
• Less than 24 hours before the event – No refund

4) Cancellation by Pathwinds Outdoors

Pathwinds Outdoors reserves the right to cancel or postpone any activity due to severe weather, safety considerations, or other unforeseen circumstances that may affect safe delivery.

In the event of cancellation, participants will be offered either a transfer to an alternative date or a full refund of all payments made.

5) Participant Conduct, Compliance and Safety Instructions

• Participants are required to follow all safety instructions, guidance, and decisions given by the activity leader at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, instructions relating to route choice, pace, use of equipment, environmental hazards, and group management.
• The activity leader's decisions are final and are made in the interest of the safety and wellbeing of all participants and the wider environment. Outdoor activities take place in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments, and participants must accept that plans may change at short notice in response to conditions.
• Participants are expected to behave in a responsible, cooperative, and respectful manner towards the leader, other group members, and the natural environment. This includes maintaining appropriate group cohesion, staying within agreed boundaries, and communicating any concerns, illness, injuries, or concerns promptly.

6)  Clothing, equipment, medication and personal belongings

• Participants are responsible for ensuring they bring suitable clothing, footwear, and equipment appropriate to the activity and prevailing outdoor conditions. Detailed guidance and recommendations will be provided in the joining information issued at the time of booking. It remains the participant's responsibility to review this information in advance and prepare accordingly.
• Failure to arrive with appropriate equipment may impact the participant's ability to take part safely. In such circumstances, the activity leader may, at their discretion, refuse participation where it is considered unsafe or impractical for the individual to continue.
• Participants are responsible for all personal belongings brought to an activity, including clothing, equipment, electronics, and valuables. Pathwinds Outdoors accepts no liability for loss, damage, or theft of personal items during the activity.
• Participants must also ensure they bring any required personal medication and are responsible for its safe storage, accessibility, and use throughout the activity.
• It is the participant's responsibility to disclose in advance any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or medication requirements that may affect their ability to participate safely. Failure to provide accurate and complete information may limit the leader's ability to manage risk effectively.

Where necessary, the activity leader may request clarification regarding medical conditions or medication management before or during the activity to ensure participant safety.

7) Right to Refuse Participation

Pathwinds Outdoors reserves the right to deny participation or remove any individual from an activity if their behaviour endangers safety or the wellbeing of the group. Non-compliance with safety instructions, or conduct that in the leader’s reasonable judgment, puts the participant or others at risk may result in removal from the activity. In such cases, no refund will be provided and the participant may be responsible for arranging their own return where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

8a) Insurance and liability

Pathwinds Outdoors holds appropriate public liability insurance and personal indemnity for guided outdoor activities and all skill workshops .

8b)Limitation of Liability
The Pathwinds Outdoors will take all reasonable measures and precautions to safeguard your safety throughout the activity. However, the companies liability for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property is strictly limited to the amount paid for participation in the activity. Pathwinds Outdoors shall not be held responsible for any indirect or consequential losses.

9) Changes to Activities

Routes, timings, and locations may be altered if necessary due to weather, safety considerations, or group ability.

10) Photography

Occasionally photographs may be taken during activities for promotional purposes. Participants may opt out if they prefer not to appear in images.

11 ) Force Majeure

Pathwinds Outdoors shall not be held responsible for any inability to fulfill obligations under these terms and conditions arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, civil unrest, acts of God, or other unforeseen events. We will not be liable for any travel or accommodation expenses incurred as a result of cancellations.

In the event of a Force Majeure, Pathwinds Outdoors will make reasonable efforts to contact participants and either

• Reschedule the activity to a suitable alternative date, or

• Issue a credit note or full refund of the booking fee

 12) Non-Fitness / Injury Disclaimer

Participants acknowledge that participation in outdoor activities involves inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, or exposure to weather conditions and free roaming livestock.  By booking with Pathwinds Outdoors, participants confirm that:

• You are physically and mentally fit to take part in the activity.
• You have no medical condition that would prevent safe participation, or you have informed the leader in advance on your booking form or in person.
• You participate voluntarily and accept all responsibility for any injury, loss, or accident that may occur, except where caused by the proven negligence of Pathwinds Outdoors.
• You agree to follow all safety instructions and guidance provided by the activity leader.

Pathwinds Outdoors recommends that participants have appropriate personal insurance to cover personal injury, medical expenses, and loss of equipment.

13) Alcohol and drugs

The consumption of alcohol or drugs before or during the activity is strictly prohibited. Any participant found to be under the influence will be removed from the activity without eligibility for a refund.

14) Late Arrival

Participants are expected to arrive on time at the agreed meeting point.

If a participant arrives late:

• The activity may begin without them
• It may not be possible to join the group once the activity has started, particularly in remote or off-path locations

No refunds will be given for missed activities due to late arrival.

If you anticipate being late, please contact Pathwinds Outdoors as soon as possible. While we will make reasonable efforts to assist, this cannot be guaranteed.

15)Rescheduling
If you need to reschedule an activity, Pathwinds Outdoors will do our best to accommodate your request. Rescheduling is subject to availability and must be requested at least 10 days before the original activity date. Additional charges may apply depending on availability and costs. 

PATHWINDS OUTDOORS
Participant Acknowledgement of Risk & Responsibility

Outdoor activities such as walking and navigation training take place in natural environments where conditions can change and hazards may exist.

By attending a Pathwinds Outdoors activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Understanding of Risk
   I understand that walking and navigation training on Dartmoor involves inherent risks, including but not limited to uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, slips, trips, falls, and remoteness from immediate assistance.

2. Personal Responsibility
   I accept responsibility for my own safety and wellbeing during the activity. I agree to follow the instructions and safety guidance given by the leader at all times.

3. Health and Fitness
   I confirm that I am reasonably fit and able to take part in the activity. I will inform the leader of any medical condition, injury, or concern that could affect my participation.

4. Equipment and Clothing
   I agree to bring suitable clothing and equipment as advised before the activity. This includes waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear, and any other essential items specified.

5. Weather and Environmental Conditions
   I understand that activities may be altered, shortened, or cancelled if weather or environmental conditions make it unsafe to proceed.

6. Emergency Situations
   I understand that while the leader is trained in outdoor safety and first aid, remote environments may mean delays in emergency response.

7. Voluntary Participation
   I participate voluntarily and accept the normal risks associated with outdoor walking activities.