OUR FREEDOM TRAIL TREKS POLICY
It is integral to our work to ensure 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 an 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, which 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 take a water bottle which can be used indefinitely
We will endeavour to understand together the local environment and how wild animals interact with humans and other wild animals
Running our trips
We support communities by using family run hotels whenever possible and really like to know the people we work with
We encourage home working amongst 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 where possible 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 isn’t always possible