Covid-19 (Coronavirus): Latest holiday advice and information
We are intending to run a full programme of guided walking holidays in 2022.
However, given the situation with Covid-19 we understand that you will have lots of questions about our tours, and how we can operate them safely. We hope the following information is helpful and answers most of your queries. If you are unsure about any aspect of our tours just contact us at info@hiddenhebrides.co.uk and we will do our best to help.
What if I intend to travel from abroad?
If you intend to visit us from outside the UK you must check the following section of the Scottish Government's website for any restrictions or quarantine requirements before you travel:
www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/pages/overview/
We strongly recommend that you also check your own government's website for any restrictions they may have imposed on international travel.
Will my tour go ahead?
Yes, if at all possible. However, we all know how quickly things can change with Covid so please be aware that some things may be outside of our control. We always follow Scottish Government guidance so it is possible that we may have to cancel trips at short notice if new restrictions are suddenly introduced. In these circumstances we will rearrange your trip for later in the season or refund you any money you have paid - the choice is yours.
Please be aware that if we have to cancel a trip due to Covid (e.g. through government restrictions being introduced, clients or guides falling ill or having to self-isolate) we will not be able to refund you any additional expenses you may have incurred. Please make sure you take out travel insurance which includes cancellation costs due to Covid at the time of booking or as soon as possible. Further information on travel insurers is provided below.
What safety precautions will you be taking?
The safety of our clients and staff has always been our number one priority on our holidays. Whilst all our clients and staff will have been vaccinated, Covid is still likely to be present in Scotland in summer 2022 and we will all have a responsibility not to pass the virus on to others, especially the remote island communities we will be visiting.
During our tours we will therefore be putting in place a range of measures to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and we ask that you follow any safety guidance given by your guide. Our safety procedures will be informed by guidance from the Scottish Government and tourism industry groups. Specific measures that we are taking this summer include the following:
What happens if I develop Covid, have to self-isolate or need to care for close relatives with Covid before the start of the trip?
In these circumstances you will not be allowed to join the tour. We will, however, allow you to reschedule to another tour later in the season or in 2023 free of charge. Alternatively, you may cancel your booking and receive a full refund.
What happens if I develop Covid symptoms during the tour?
In these circumstances you will need to self isolate for 10 days. Please note that in these unlikely circumstances you will not be able to leave whichever island you are on until the end of the isolation period. You may need to move to separate accommodation away from the rest of the group and will not be able to take part in any group walks or meals. We, and the relevant island health board, will help you with these arrangements.
You will also be unable to travel back to the mainland with the rest of the group so will need to return separately once your isolation period has ended. In these circumstances we will assist you with your arrangements but you will need to cover any additional costs you may incur. Please make sure your travel insurance covers such additional costs.
Will I need to wear a face mask?
At the present time it is too early to say whether masks will be required on our tours next year. We will provide updates nearer the time when we have more guidance from the Scottish Government.
However, given the situation with Covid-19 we understand that you will have lots of questions about our tours, and how we can operate them safely. We hope the following information is helpful and answers most of your queries. If you are unsure about any aspect of our tours just contact us at info@hiddenhebrides.co.uk and we will do our best to help.
What if I intend to travel from abroad?
If you intend to visit us from outside the UK you must check the following section of the Scottish Government's website for any restrictions or quarantine requirements before you travel:
www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-health-checks-at-borders/pages/overview/
We strongly recommend that you also check your own government's website for any restrictions they may have imposed on international travel.
Will my tour go ahead?
Yes, if at all possible. However, we all know how quickly things can change with Covid so please be aware that some things may be outside of our control. We always follow Scottish Government guidance so it is possible that we may have to cancel trips at short notice if new restrictions are suddenly introduced. In these circumstances we will rearrange your trip for later in the season or refund you any money you have paid - the choice is yours.
Please be aware that if we have to cancel a trip due to Covid (e.g. through government restrictions being introduced, clients or guides falling ill or having to self-isolate) we will not be able to refund you any additional expenses you may have incurred. Please make sure you take out travel insurance which includes cancellation costs due to Covid at the time of booking or as soon as possible. Further information on travel insurers is provided below.
What safety precautions will you be taking?
The safety of our clients and staff has always been our number one priority on our holidays. Whilst all our clients and staff will have been vaccinated, Covid is still likely to be present in Scotland in summer 2022 and we will all have a responsibility not to pass the virus on to others, especially the remote island communities we will be visiting.
During our tours we will therefore be putting in place a range of measures to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and we ask that you follow any safety guidance given by your guide. Our safety procedures will be informed by guidance from the Scottish Government and tourism industry groups. Specific measures that we are taking this summer include the following:
What happens if I develop Covid, have to self-isolate or need to care for close relatives with Covid before the start of the trip?
In these circumstances you will not be allowed to join the tour. We will, however, allow you to reschedule to another tour later in the season or in 2023 free of charge. Alternatively, you may cancel your booking and receive a full refund.
What happens if I develop Covid symptoms during the tour?
In these circumstances you will need to self isolate for 10 days. Please note that in these unlikely circumstances you will not be able to leave whichever island you are on until the end of the isolation period. You may need to move to separate accommodation away from the rest of the group and will not be able to take part in any group walks or meals. We, and the relevant island health board, will help you with these arrangements.
You will also be unable to travel back to the mainland with the rest of the group so will need to return separately once your isolation period has ended. In these circumstances we will assist you with your arrangements but you will need to cover any additional costs you may incur. Please make sure your travel insurance covers such additional costs.
Will I need to wear a face mask?
At the present time it is too early to say whether masks will be required on our tours next year. We will provide updates nearer the time when we have more guidance from the Scottish Government.