Fitness & Equipment

Our courses and activities require a reasonable level of fitness. Previous hill-walking experience is a plus. Please contact us, should you need any advice on this matter.

For day trips and courses, basic walking equipment is required:

• Walking boots with good ankle support
• Full waterproofs (jacket and over-trousers)
• Walking trousers - e.g. Ron Hills, tracky bottoms
• Layered warm clothing such as breathable tops, fleeces
• Gloves and warm hat
• Rucksack (plus waterproof cover or plastic liner)
• Packed lunch, water bottle and emergency rations
• Walking poles
• Whistle, (head)torch, and survival bag

On the majority of activities/courses, technical equipment will be provided, but clients are welcome to bring their own.

Bad Weather and Fitness Disclaimer

In the event of bad weather (yes, sometimes this does occur on Skye!), every effort will be made to continue with the planned itinerary. Clients must therefore be prepared to go out in cold, wet, windy (and midgey) conditions and carry/wear suitable clothing for such conditions.

However, if the weather conditions are deemed to jeopardise safety on any planned activity, an alternative will be offered. In the case of activities in the Cuillin, this may be in the form of a low-level walk or rock-climb elsewhere on the island. If conditions are so bad as to make any planned activity unsafe (or un-enjoyable) and no alternative is available, a full credit day will be offered.

If at any time the Guide feels that safety is a concern due to the fitness of a client, the activity may be amended to suit. This ensures that safety is preserved whilst maintaining enjoyment of the unique scenery of the Isle of Skye and North-West Scotland.

If you are in any doubt regarding fitness, equipment or general conditions, please do not hesitate to contact Darren at any time.

Insurance Cover

Safety is the primary concern of Hebridean Pathways throughout any activity. To ensure this, all clients agree to act upon any request or action that our leaders believe appropriate. Clients must accept that mountain activities are potentially hazardous and thereby acknowledge some risk. All under 18's must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
However, Hebridean Pathways accepts no liability for loss, personal injury, or accident caused by any person (or personal equipment) during our activities or resultant of them. We therefore strongly recommend you take out your own insurance cover for equipment, personal injury or cancellation. Please see our Links section.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not usually provided in the cost of activities (except Assynt, Knoydart and Outer Isles). However, there is a good range of accommodation avaialble on the Isle of Skye - ranging from campsites to B&Bs and hotels. Please check our Links section for accommodation available on the Isle of Skye or contact us and we will send you a full list as required.

Travelling Instructions

Hebridean Pathways is based in Broadford on the Isle of Skye.

By road: access from Fort William or Inverness over the Skye bridge.

By boat: ferry services provided by Caledonian MacBrayne from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye. During the Summer months, a privately run ferry operates between Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye.

By train: trains operate between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh and Fort William and Mallaig.

By coach: access by coach from Inverness and Fort William which have links to other parts of Scotland.