It is integral to our work to ensure that the mountain landscape is protected and preserved for future generations. To gain the International Mountain Leader qualification, we had to undergo a lengthy examination process with a strong emphasis on understanding and protecting the mountain environment. We strive to protect it and aim to reduce our impact while increasing your appreciation and understanding of the precious environment around us.
While in the mountains
- We work with small groups, and if there are larger groups we stagger set-off times with guides wherever possible
- We promote healthy lifestyles and staying active in the outdoors
- We require that you do not leave litter
- We pick up litter that has been left by others on the trail
- We appreciate that at refuges it can be hard to deal with non-compostable waste, so we ask you to take out your waste and this is often a refuge rule anyway
- We discourage shortcuts, which can cause path erosion
- We explain why you should not take souvenirs, such as flowers, from nature
- We ask you not to pollute water sources when washing or choosing a site to answer the call of nature. Your guide will discuss any wild camp or local national park rules
- We discourage plastic pollution asking that you bring a water bottle which can be used indefinitely
- We will endeavour to understand the local environment together and how wild animals interact with humans and other wild animals
Running our trips
- We support communities, and use family-run hotels whenever possible. We also value getting to know the people we work with
- We encourage home working among our staff or contractor team
- We use local providers for any extra activities requested by our guests
- We use the local train and bus networks whenever possible
- We encourage our guests to share transport to our trip meeting points for single point pick-ups
- When possible we buy locally produced food for packed lunches
- We encourage drink/food stops at remote facilities to support the local community
Environmentally aware trip itineraries
- We think carefully about our routes and, where possible, promote ‘less travelled’ trails
- We ensure our guides understand our environmental policy and promote it
- Where possible, we book accommodation with providers who truly share our love of the environment and who understand the historical context of our routes
- If we need to include transport, we strive to use local buses and trains, but recognise that this is not always possible