Safety & Numbers
For safety and logistical reasons, walk places are limited to a maximum of 30 people per walk and some walks will have fewer places available. Booking is therefore essential to ensure a place on the walks of your choice.
We are committed to running the Scottish Borders Walking Festival safely and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. Your leaders’ duty is to the group and they may refuse to accept a walker whose clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. If you choose to leave the group at any time, your leader is no longer responsible for you. Please have consideration for other people and keep mobile phone use to a minimum.
Your Health
If you have a particular health condition that you think is relevant, please advise us at the time of booking and make the leaders aware of this prior to each walk. The Scottish Borders Walking Festival and leaders will treat any information provided of this nature in the strictest confidence. Germs from animals can cause human illness. Stay safe when out in the countryside by following these simple tips:
• Wash your hands with soap and water (or use wet wipes) after visiting the toilet, after activities and before handling and eating food
• Take care to avoid spreading animal faeces on footwear
• Avoid camping or having a picnic on land which has recently been used for grazing animals
• Do not drink untreated water from rivers, streams and lochs
• Avoid tick bites by covering arms and legs when walking through long vegetation. Examine yourself for ticks at the end of the day and visit a doctor if you experience a red rash spreading from a bite.
Dogs/Smoking
Dogs are not allowed on the Festival walks, many of which go through livestock areas. This rule is strictly applied. It does not apply to guide dogs accompanying registered blind walkers.
We also ask all walkers not to smoke while on guided walks, out of consideration to others and to avoid undue risk of fire.