Essential Information
Deposits and balance payments
For bookings made more than six weeks before the start of your holiday, a deposit of £100 per person is payable at the time of booking. In these cases the balance of the holiday charge is payable not later than six weeks before the intended date of departure.
Where bookings are six weeks or less before the intended date of departure the whole of the holiday charge is payable at the time of booking.
Payments may be made by debit card, credit card or by cheque. Please note that a charge of up to 2.1% is made for all payments excluding deposits paid by credit card.
All payments must be made in Sterling unless by prior arrangement with us.
What we will send you
Once we have received your deposit, we will send you:
- a 'Confirmation of Booking' invoice.
- The final payment amount and its due date will be shown on your invoice. As we do not usually issue receipts, please advise us if you require one.
- a summary of the day to day walking programme
- A copy of our booking conditions which form the basis of your contract with Ramblers Holidays Ltd trading as Load Off Your Back.
Should there be any significant changes to your holiday from the advertised arrangements, we will advise you either upon booking or as soon as possible thereafter.
Approximately four weeks before the start of your holiday your Tour Pack will be sent to you containing:
- a detailed guidebook and map pack
- listings of the accommodation booked for you along the route with address, contact details and maps highlighting their location.
- details of the baggage transportation service to take your bags from one accommodation to the next (self guided walks only).
- baggage tags
- a suggested packing list
- a feedback form so that you can let us know how you got on!
What's included in the price
- walker friendly accommodation along the route
- delicious breakfasts
- baggage transfer - one bag per person up to 20kg (44lbs)
- any necessary transportation between your overnight accommodation and the route
- a detailed written guide of the long distance path chosen
- advice on safety and equipment needed
- advice on how to travel to the start and finish of a walk
- support and planning in implementing your trip
- full information pack
- an amazing experience and friendly service!
- For guided holidays only: the services of a Load Off Your Back tour leader
What's not included
- Transportation to the start of your holiday or from the final night's accommodation
- Any parking costs for the duration of your holiday
- Lunches en route
- Dinners (or any travel costs in getting to nearby pubs or restaurants)
Your accommodation
We go to great lengths to ensure that your holiday accommodation will be of a good standard and provide precisely the kind of room you have booked. We try to secure rooms with private facilities wherever possible, and these will have either a bath and wc or a shower and wc.
We pride ourselves on sourcing the quality country inns, hotels, B&Bs and guest houses all of which offer excellent accommodation. They offer a friendly welcome and individual style enabling the walker to get the best rest and relaxation before starting the walk each day. Many come with gorgeous views and all offer good standards and pleasant touches.
Your night’s accommodation will include a breakfast which is usually a delicious English breakfast that will set you up for the days walk ahead. Vegetarian and lighter options are available throughout. Booking in advance of the summer season enables us to seek the best quality accommodation that offers proximity to the path, great rooms and good service.
Your accommodation will often be right on the trail, but where it’s a short distance away, we arrange transportation for you between your overnight accommodation and the trailheads.
For guided walking holidays or larger groups, due to the limited accommodation available at some overnight stops, the party may be split between several small accommodations a short distance apart.
Check-in / check-out times
You may generally check in to your accommodation for the day after 2pm. You are responsible for ensuring that you reach your overnight accommodation at a reasonable time, and we cannot be held liable for any loss or expense suffered if you arrive late. Particularly in the case of smaller accommodations, you might like to contact them during the day to let them know anticipated arrival time. On the morning of departure, you are generally requested to vacate your room by 10am.
Before departing your accommodation for your day’s walk, please ensure that your bag is properly labelled and in the designated area for pick-up and delivery to your next overnight stop.
Meals
Breakfasts are included in the holiday charge. You can either obtain a packed lunch from your accommodation, stop off at an enticing café along the way, or pick up supplies when passing local shops. Dinners can be taken at local pub or restaurant at your overnight stop.
Special requests
Where you specify a preference for either a bath or a shower, or twin or double beds, we will make every effort to accommodate your request. If you specifically request single occupancy of a twin or double room an additional supplement may be incurred.
If you have any other special requests, please advise us at the time of booking. We will pass these on to the accommodation providers concerned but we cannot guarantee that all special requests will be fulfilled.
Getting to and from your holiday location
Car parking: We can provide details relating to car parking at the start or end of your holiday itinerary and can check availability when your booking is confirmed. Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee the availability of parking spaces either at or near your overnight accommodations and nor can we accept responsibility for any parking charges that you may incur. Nor can we accept any responsibility for the loss or damage to your vehicle and/or its contents whilst parked at your accommodation.
Return transport back to you car at the end of the holiday is not included, however is often available by public transport or taxi.
Rail timetables, fare and route information can be found at:
www.nationalrail.co.uk
or by calling National Rail Enquiries on:
08457 484950
Coach travel information is available at:
www.nationalexpress.com
or by calling National Express on:
08717 818181
Route planning to your holiday location
The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed online route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find your way to and from your holiday location. Details can be found at:
www.theaa.co.uk
www.rac.co.uk
Extending your holiday
We can offer extra nights’ accommodation at the start or end of your walking holiday. We can also often include a rest day or time for something extra that you will want to see or experience whilst on your walking holiday. Please contact us for details.
Daily walking distances
All walking holidays include advice on the number of miles to be walked each day and the grading of each section. Our walking holiday routes are all different and offer a range of walks for different levels of walkers. They can range from 5 miles up to 21 miles and terrains can differ from hills and vales to flat seascapes.
All our itineraries are walkable; no technical skills are required. You should however consider the reality of walking for longer distances and times than you would perhaps normally walk, and walking them on consecutive days and in perhaps less advantageous weather than you’d hoped for!
The number of miles planned for each day can be altered to your personal requirements and rest days can be incorporated if required. Please do not hesitate to contact for changes when making your booking.
Fitness
All our holidays are designed for active people although the demands of the itineraries and holiday durations can vary considerably. It is recommended that you do some walking or exercise in the weeks prior to departure.
Do also ensure that your walking boots are broken in and comfortable, and you might like to try walking with a heavier daypack than you intend to carry on your holiday.
Although the attraction of a continuous walking holiday is the sense of achievement in completing a long distance trail, although it’s great to stretch yourself, do not book a holiday beyond your ability!
Insurance
Although optional for UK citizens, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations or injury or loss whilst on holiday. Non UK citizens must have adequate travel insurance to participate in these holidays. Please read the information on our specialist policy and paragraph 13 of our Terms & Conditions.
Foreign visitors from the EU should remember to carry their European Health Insurance Card to demonstrate entitlement to necessary medical treatment under the UK National Health Service during their visit. Please note however that an EHIC is no substitute for an adequate travel insurance policy.
Under 16s and over 75s
We don’t generally consider our holidays suitable for the under 16s, although our Family Adventures (www.ramblersfamilyadventures.co.uk) are open to all ages. At the other end of the scale, if you are 75 or over we strongly recommend that you have a medical examination before booking, to ascertain your personal fitness to join a walking holiday. For insurance and safety reasons we may ask you to sign a declaration stating that you are fit to undertake your chosen holiday.
What to pack
You will need comfortable walking shoes or boots with good ankle support and a ribbed sole. (See our walking grades for the footwear that’s recommended for your walking holiday level).
- A waterproof jacket and trousers
- A warm hat and gloves
- A waterproof daypack for your guidebook and map, a picnic lunch, spare clothing, a camera and other personal effects
- A water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity – you might want to carry two to ensure you’ll be properly hydrated on a warm day).
- A little determination and a sense of humour!
You might like also to consider
- Walking poles can make the going easier on all grades of walk; they assist with balance, take the strain off your legs and are useful when hopping over streams
- A foam mat to sit on can make lunch stops more comfortable
- A small first aid kit is useful for minor abrasions and the occasional insect bite.
Consumer Protection
Load Off Your Back, being a trading name of Ramblers Holidays Ltd, is bonded with or regulated by the following travel authorities, which ensure you get a holiday you can trust.
ABTA: Ramblers Holidays Ltd is a Member of ABTA with membership number V5094. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 30, Park Street, London SE1 9EQ Tel: 020 3117 0500 or www.abta.com. The above applies only to services supplied by Ramblers Holidays Ltd and does not apply to services featured in this brochure that are provided by Fortis Insurance Ltd or any other company.
AITO: Ramblers Holidays Ltd is also a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO represents some of Britain's best specialist tour operators and members are independent companies, most of them owner-managed, specialising in particular destinations or types of holidays.
The common aim of all AITO members is to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction by concentrating on three main pillars: Choice, Quality and Service, enshrined in the association's Quality Charter. Companies admitted to AITO are all vetted and fully bonded for client's protection, in compliance with UK and European regulations. Members are also bound by AITO's own Code of Business Practice.
We abide by the association’s Code of Business Practice and adhere to the AITO Quality charter, which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more or call 020 8744 9280.
We are also registered under the Data Protection Act.
Passports and visas
Holders of non-EU passports may well be subject to varying visa requirements to enter the UK and you should check either with your travel agent or with the British embassy or consulate to ascertain any visa requirements
Safety on holiday
You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst mountains, hills and even in cities does involve an element of risk. For example, weather can deteriorate unexpectedly and may cause paths to become slippery. Terrain underfoot can also vary and be different from what you’re used to. Walking poles can be a great aid to mobility over uneven ground, and they take some strain off the knees.
You should expect to walk on icy or snowy terrain if the weather is cold, in wind and rain and on muddy paths if it’s wet. Please ensure that you bring proper outdoor clothing appropriate to the nature of the holiday and likely weather conditions.
You should be prepared to make a reasonable assessment of the safety of the trail ahead and be prepared to make deviations from the route indicated on your map or described in the guidebook if you are in any doubt as to the prudence of proceeding along the described route. We cannot be held liable for disruption to your itinerary due to adverse weather or other situations beyond our control.
Terms and Conditions
Please also ensure that you read our Terms and Conditions.
Additional small-group guided holidays
Exceptional holidays
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