FAQ
Lots of information is included in the Joining Instructions for your event. These all have a detailed ‘What to bring’ section and recommended reading to help you either prepare yourself or revise what we cover afterwards. What follows is a generic list for all events. If it’s not covered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Does the event include accommodation ?
It depends! We prefer to let you choose where you will be most comfortable. This may be in a tent or in a luxury hotel. Unless the webpage for the event specifically states that accommodation is included such as our guided walking programs it won’t be.
In the Peak District we work out of the The Sir William hotel. This is a comfortable Inn with stunning views over the Hope valley and it also serves great food (try the game pie if it’s on!). We recommend that you stay here as they offer a discount to BtE clients and are well versed in looking after walkers and climbers. Additionally it’s a 30 second commute from the breakfast table to our meeting room!
If this doesn’t suit you for whatever reason further accommodation options can be found here.
For bespoke courses and events we can arrange whatever you desire from a bivouac under the stars to a spa hotel.
How do I book ?
The best way is via the website. Choose the event and the date from the options on the website and then submit your booking and pay.
For bespoke events get in touch first so we can check diaries and give you a quote. Get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us.
Can you invoice my school / company ?
Yes. We do this a lot! You can book online and use the Pay by Invoice button. Please make sure the billing details on the booking form are who you want the invoice to go to. Alternatively get in touch by either calling the office on 01142 631 155 or emailing us. If we need a Purchase Order number, its great if you can let us know what this is when you contact us.
Can I book for Children ?
Yes. We are certified by the Adventurous Activities Licencing Authority so we can in theory take children of any age. In fact, our Family Adventure days and Adventure Camps are designed specifically for children. However for everyones enjoyment we offer the following guidelines. We emphasise guidelines, as we are well aware a mature and sensible 11 year old is better than an immature 12 year old. If you need a slight amendment to the guidelines to keep friends or brothers / sisters together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Under 11 – Can attend privately booked days normally with a Parent or family friend, or our bespoke Adventure Camps (non residential) for their relevant age group.
- 11-17 – A private instructor / s can be booked for private groups (E.G. Scouts, Youth Groups, Schools). Can attend one of our Adventure Camps (non residential or residential) designed for younger people.
- 15 years and upwards. Participants are able to book onto our standard summer Skills Courses and Adventures. Leadership courses each have specific age requirements for registration and attendance on training. This needs to be checked separately.
- Participants need to be 18 or over to be able to book onto open Winter Skills Courses and Winter Adventures.
Can I book the course / event privately ?
Yes. We do a lot of private bookings. Wether it’s a bespoke navigation, climbing course or a trip to the Himalaya. We have taken people all over the world, so it’s no problem to offer you a standard course or event or design something specifically for you. More details can be found here.
Do you run women’s only courses ?
Yes. In 2024 approximately 15% of Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors (MCIs) are female, so there is a gender gap in the outdoor industry.
We recognise that some women are more able to thrive and develop their skills and knowledge in an environment that is oriented around their experience at the crags and in hills and mountains. We also recognise that instructors play an important role as role models and in shaping your outdoor experience.
For there to be more female MCIs, there need to be more women climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering full stop. So to play our own small role in addressing the imbalance, we offer women the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by other women in the outdoors. We are very happy to offer bespoke events run by one of our team of female instructors.
What happens if it rains or zombie apocalyptic cats attack ?
Living in the UK means we get rain. We can usually manage this without much trouble. If we are walking, we pop on our waterproofs and carry on. If we are climbing, we will probably have made a plan so we are covering some theory in a dry place (probably having a coffee) when it’s at its worst. We also are blessed with a massive range of climbing venues so can normally find somewhere relatively dry.
If it’s biblical floods, the zombie cats actually find where we have been hiding, or we need to use skis just to get out of the hotel we will reschedule the day or days. In the last five years we have only had to reschedule 5 or 6 courses / events due to weather.
Can I park my car/van/spaceship at the meeting place ?
Yes. For courses starting in the Peak District at The Sir William hotel, there is ample free parking.
You can also park your camper van in the Sir William carpark overnight if you are on a course with us. We just ask that you eat at the Sir William with us (well worth it…) or pay £15 for the use of the facilities.
In Wales, we move around a bit more, but we will endeavour to always start at a location with ample free parking.
In the Lake District you will probably be on a residential package or a bespoke course /event so it should not be an issue.
In Scotland it’s never an issue.
Can I bring my dog along ?
Alas no. We love dogs, but some people have allergies and some don’t like them, so it is only fair we have courses accessible to everyone. We are happy to have dogs on bespoke courses where everybody knows beforehand that the day will be brightened by a four legged friend.
What happens if it’s cancelled due to COVID ?
If BtE cancels the course as a result of Government guidance a refund or reschedule will be immediately available.