Information for Walkers

Booking and Registration

For reasons of both safety and enjoyment, walks will have a maximum number of participants as indicated against individual walks. Higher level walks have smaller limits, due to distance or severity of terrain. Pre-booking for the walks, transport and evening events is essential to secure a place. Limits are clearly indicated in the Programme. If your selected walk is full, we will offer alternative walks on the same day wherever we can. Your email address will be used to acknowledge your booking.

Walk Confirmation

All walkers are asked to confirm walk bookings in person or by telephone at least 15 minutes prior to bus/walk departure or on the previous evening at the Festival HQ. If you do not confirm your booking you will not be permitted to join the walk. Registration is vitally important so that we have a record of who is on which walk, and so that the Walk Leader has a checklist to make sure no one is left behind.

Walk Fees

There is a charge for each walk detailed in the Notes section of the individual walks. This includes administration charge, cost of professional expertise and transport where provided.  Walkers can also register and book walks during the Festival.

Please enter the number of walkers in the box alongside each walk and also enter the number of seats you require for transport. Please also enter the number of tickets required in the box beside the evening events. Medical conditions and allergies are to aid walk leaders e.g. asthma.

Festival Headquarters

For information, registration and walk booking/confirmation during the Festival (including last chance booking for next day walks), the Festival Headquarters will be open between 08.00-14.00 and 16.00-17.30 in the Function Suite of the Cairngorm Hotel on Grampian Road, Aviemore, opposite the Railway Station.  The dedicated Festival Phoneline is 07974 890460.

Walk Leaders

All walks will have experienced leaders with high-level walks having qualified Mountain Leaders. Many leaders live and work locally and they will pass on interesting information about the landscape, its wildlife and history.

Walk Grading

Festival Walks have been graded so that you can select walks suitable for your level of fitness. The ascent is given where this is significant. Selecting suitable walks will enable you to get the most pleasure and satisfaction from the Festival - and leave you some energy to spare for the evening events. Please be aware that gym fitness does not necessarily transfer to mountain fitness where ascents, descents, rough terrain may be encountered whilst carrying a rucksack and maintaining a good pace are involved.

Cancellation

Walks may be altered or cancelled at short notice beyond the organisers’ control, including severe weather conditions, but alternatives will be offered, where possible

Accessibility

We have included routes on Tuesday and Wednesday that are suitable for scooters and wheelchair users.  A small number of scooters are available but these must be booked in advance.  Please telephone 07791 594 570.

Liability

Participants in the Aviemore Walking Festival take part at their own risk, and the organisers and sponsor bodies shall not be liable for any accident or injury, however caused. The event is covered by public liability insurance, but you are strongly advised to check that you have adequate personal accident insurance.

Equipment

Please ensure that you have suitable equipment.  Most walks require full hill walking gear including boots, waterproofs and windproof clothing. Full Summer Mountain gear should include, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, warm trousers, fleece, gloves or mitts, warm hat, gaiters, good boots, rucksack, map, compass, whistle, torch, bivvy bag, food, water, small first aid kit. There are several outdoor shops in Aviemore, including national chains, which will be able to kit you out with footwear, clothing, maps etc. Where stated, you should provide your own packed lunch which can be obtained either from your accommodation provider or local shops.

Dogs

For wildlife, this is a very sensitive time of year when ground nesting birds and very young animals may be encountered almost anywhere in the area covered by the Walking Festival.  In line with similar festivals, we no longer permit dogs on our walks.

Smoking

Please do not smoke while on a guided walk, both out of consideration for others and also to avoid any undue risk of fire.

Maps

The following Ordnance Survey Maps cover the main area of the walks programme
Landranger Series 1:50,000 scale - 35 Kingussie & Monaliath Mountains, 36 Grantown, Aviemore & Cairngorm, 42 Glengarry & Loch Rannoch
Explorer Series 1:25,00 scale - 393 BenAlder, 394 Atholl, 402 Badenoch & Upper Strathspey, 403 Cairngorm & Aviemore

Cancellation and Refunds

We recognise that under normal circumstances we may provide a refund for cancellations.  Unfortunately after April 1st this will not be possible as the various venues, transport bookings,  leader allocations, and other planning matters will have been made.  We apologise for any inconvenience with an alternative or distress this may cause.  Participants may request a transfer to another walk subject to space, and may also exchange a booking with someone else, as all of our bookings are transferable.  But please contact the organisers in advance and we will do our best to provide you.