Terms & Conditions
1. About Us
HELVETII Hikes Ltd ("we", "us", "our") organises social outdoor experiences, events, retreats, and multi-day experiences across the UK.
Our events are designed to bring people together in outdoor environments and are not sold or advertised as guided mountain leadership unless explicitly stated.
HELVETII Hikes Ltd acts as the organiser of the experiences described on our website. This means we are responsible for the proper performance of all services included within a booking, including accommodation, activities, and any additional services where stated.
By booking or attending any HELVETII event, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
2. Nature of Our Events
2.1 HELVETII events are organised group walks and outdoor social experiences, not formal guided or instructed mountaineering activities.
2.2 Participants acknowledge that outdoor activities carry inherent risks and remain responsible for their own decisions, conduct, pace, fitness, and personal safety, except where liability cannot be excluded by law.
2.3 On certain higher-risk or more technical routes, HELVETII may employ qualified Mountain Leaders or external professionals. Where this applies, it will be clearly stated in the event description.
2.4 The presence of HELVETII staff, founders, regional leads, or contractors does not remove personal responsibility from participants.
2.5 Package Experiences
Some HELVETII events (including Hikeaways, Coastventures, and multi-day experiences) are sold as a combined package of services. These may include accommodation, food, and activities delivered by HELVETII or third-party providers.
By booking these experiences, you acknowledge that HELVETII acts as the organiser of these services.
2.6 Unless expressly stated otherwise, travel to and from the event start point, accommodation, or activity location is not included in the booking and remains the participant's sole responsibility.
3. Accommodation
3.1 Where accommodation is shared, room allocations are made at HELVETII's discretion unless otherwise stated. We will aim to accommodate preferences where reasonably possible but cannot guarantee private rooms, specific rooming arrangements, or single-sex accommodation unless expressly confirmed.
4. Bookings & Payment
4.1 All bookings must be made via our website or approved booking platforms.
4.2 Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise stated.
4.3 A booking is only confirmed once payment has been received and confirmation issued.
4.4 Financial Protection
HELVETII Hikes Ltd operates responsible financial management practices in relation to customer payments and will comply with applicable legal requirements relating to financial protection where relevant.
4.5 Participants are responsible for ensuring that all information supplied at the time of booking is accurate and kept up to date, including contact details, emergency contact details, medical information, and any relevant participation information.
5. Cancellation & Refunds
5.1 All bookings are subject to our Cancellation Policy, which forms part of these Terms & Conditions.
5.2 By booking an event, you confirm that you have read and accepted the cancellation policy.
5.3 No refund, credit, or price reduction will be due where a participant chooses not to use part of the booked services, arrives late, leaves early, or is unable to participate due to their own fitness, equipment, conduct, or failure to follow instructions, unless required by law.
6. Participant Responsibility & Suitability
6.1 Participants must be aged 18 or over unless expressly stated otherwise in the event description.
6.2 Participants are responsible for assessing whether an event is suitable for their fitness level, experience, and ability.
6.3 Event descriptions include information on distance, terrain, and difficulty to support informed decision-making.
6.4 If you are unsure whether an event is suitable, you must contact us before booking.
6.5 HELVETII reserves the right to refuse participation if a participant is deemed unprepared, unsuitable, or inadequately equipped.
7. Health & Medical Conditions
7.1 Participants must disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, or health concerns that may affect participation.
7.2 You are responsible for managing your own medical needs, including carrying required medication.
7.3 HELVETII accepts no responsibility for issues arising from undisclosed medical conditions.
7.4 Participants are responsible for notifying HELVETII of any dietary requirements or allergies prior to the event.
8. Equipment & Clothing
8.1 Participants are responsible for bringing suitable clothing, footwear, food, water, and equipment as outlined in event information. Please note, food essentials will be provided on our Hikeaways and Campventures.
8.2 Participants who arrive inadequately equipped may be refused participation without refund.
9. Safety & Risk Acknowledgement
9.1 Outdoor activities carry inherent risks, including uneven terrain, weather changes, slips, trips, and physical exertion.
9.2 By attending a HELVETII event, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.
9.3 Participants agree to act responsibly and consider their own safety and that of others at all times.
9.4 You will be required to sign a participation form before the event starts. If someone doesn't sign the form, they may be refused participation without refund.
10. Behaviour & Conduct
10.1 HELVETII aims to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment.
10.2 We reserve the right to remove any participant whose behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate.
10.3 No refund will be issued if a participant is removed due to behaviour.
11. Alcohol & Substances
11.1 Some events may include social alcohol consumption.
11.2 Alcohol consumption must be moderate and responsible at all times.
11.3 Alcohol must not compromise safety, judgement, or the experience of others.
11.4 Illegal substances are strictly prohibited.
11.5 HELVETII reserves the right to remove participants who breach this policy without refund.
12. Staff, Contractors & Delivery
12.1 Events may be facilitated by HELVETII founders, regional leads, contractors, or third-party professionals.
12.2 Where qualified Mountain Leaders or external professionals are used, this will be stated clearly in event descriptions.
12.3 All facilitators operate under HELVETII standards, processes, and safety expectations.
12.4 Third-Party Providers
Some activities and services included within an event may be delivered by independent third-party providers. Such providers are responsible for the delivery, safety, operation, and conduct of their own services and may require participants to accept additional terms, waivers, or safety requirements. HELVETII Hikes Ltd is not responsible for the acts or omissions of independent third-party providers except to the extent required by applicable law.
By booking an event, you agree to comply with any reasonable requirements set by these providers.
13. Photography & Media
13.1 Photos and videos may be taken during events for marketing and promotional purposes.
13.2 If you do not wish to be photographed or videoed, please inform a member of staff before the event.
14. Weather Conditions
14.1 Events operate in a variety of weather conditions and are not cancelled due to normal or expected weather.
14.2 HELVETII may modify routes, activities, or cancel events if conditions are deemed unsafe.
15. Event Changes & Cancellations by HELVETII
15.1 HELVETII reserves the right to amend event details where necessary.
15.2 If an event is cancelled by HELVETII, participants will be offered:
- A full refund, or
- The option to transfer to an alternative event
Where a significant change is made to an event, participants will be informed as soon as reasonably possible and offered suitable alternatives where appropriate.
15.3 Routes, accommodation arrangements, timings, providers, meal arrangements, and activities may be amended where reasonably necessary for safety, weather, operational, or supplier-related reasons. Equivalent alternatives may be used where appropriate.
15.4 HELVETII Hikes Ltd shall not be liable for cancellation, delay, amendment, or failure in performance caused by events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural events, transport disruption, illness outbreaks, government restrictions, venue closure, or supplier failure.
15.5 No compensation will be payable for minor changes or alterations.
16. Liability
16.1 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence where liability cannot be excluded under UK law.
16.2 Subject to the above, HELVETII shall not be liable for:
- Loss or damage to personal belongings
- Participant negligence or failure to follow reasonable instructions
- Indirect or consequential loss
17. Personal Belongings
17.1 Participants are responsible for their own belongings.
17.2 HELVETII accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage.
18. Data Protection
18.1 Personal data is processed in accordance with UK data protection law.
18.2 Further details are available in our Privacy Policy.
19. Governing Law
19.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
19.2 Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
20. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
20.1 By booking and/or attending an event, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms & Conditions.