Cancellation and Changes Policy
Plans change, and we understand that. This page sets out exactly what happens if you need to cancel or change a booking, and what happens if we have to cancel a walk. The terms depend on the type of event: single-day walks and multi-day adventures are treated differently, because the costs we commit to on your behalf are very different.
Day walks
Multi-day adventures
Why the two are different
For a day walk, the only cost we carry is administrative, so almost everything comes back to you as long as you give us three days' notice.
A weekend trip or an expedition is another matter. The moment you book, we commit money on your behalf: mountain hut and accommodation reservations, permits, transfers and group transport. Most of those bookings are non-refundable to us, and many of them — alpine refuges in particular — cannot be resold or transferred once made. The deposit and the tiered refunds reflect what we have already paid out. They are not a penalty.
Single-day events
Cancelling a day walk
Email events@hikinginlondon.co.uk as early as you can.
Cancel more than 72 hours before the start time and you receive a full refund, minus a £5 administrative fee that covers processing costs.
Within 72 hours we are not able to offer a refund. Places are limited, the last-minute arrangements are already made, and someone else could have taken yours.
Giving your place to someone else
You can transfer your booking to another person up to 72 hours before the event, for a £5 administrative fee. This is usually the best option if you cannot make it but know someone who would love the walk.
Email us with the new participant's details and we will confirm the transfer.
Moving to a different date or walk
Ask at least 72 hours before your original event and we will do our best to move you. Changes depend on availability on the new date and may be subject to a £5 administrative fee.
The earlier you ask, the more options we have.
Weekend trips and adventures
Deposits and the balance
A non-refundable deposit is payable when you book. It covers the costs we commit immediately on your behalf: permits, accommodation and transport.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before the trip begins. If it is not paid by then, we may release your place to someone on the waiting list.
Cancelling a multi-day trip
More than 30 days before the start: a refund of 70% of the total paid, excluding the deposit.
Within 30 days of the start: a refund of 50% of the total paid, excluding the deposit.
No-shows are not refunded.
If you have to withdraw for reasons outside your control, tell us as soon as you can. We will do what we can, including trying to fill your place, but the terms above are what we are able to guarantee.
Travel insurance — please read this one
For any multi-day trip, and especially for expeditions abroad, we strongly recommend travel insurance that includes cancellation cover as well as mountain rescue and repatriation. It is the only way to recover your deposit and the non-refundable portion if you have to pull out.
For alpine objectives, check that your policy covers mountaineering and helicopter rescue at the altitude involved. Standard travel policies usually do not.
If we cancel or reschedule
Occasionally we are the ones who have to cancel. When that happens, you are never out of pocket.
- Severe weather or unsafe conditions. Your safety comes before everything else. If an event cannot go ahead safely, you choose between a full refund and a place on the next available date at no extra cost.
- Force majeure. Natural events, transport strikes, access closures, public health emergencies and anything else beyond our control are treated exactly the same way: full refund, or reschedule at no cost.
- Changes on the day. A guide may shorten or reroute a walk for safety reasons. This is not a cancellation, and we will always explain why.
- How we tell you. By email to the address you booked with, as early as we possibly can, and through our official channels.
How to cancel or make a change
- Email us at events@hikinginlondon.co.uk with your booking details, or call if it is urgent.
- Tell us what you need. A cancellation, a transfer to another person, or a move to a different date. For a transfer, include the new participant's name and contact details.
- We confirm in writing. You receive a confirmation email once your cancellation, transfer or change has been processed, along with any fee that applies.
Refunds and fees
Approved refunds are processed within 7 business days of the request being approved, and issued to the original payment method. Depending on your bank or card provider, it can take a few days longer to appear on your statement, so please keep your payment details up to date.
Non-refundable deposits and administrative fees are always stated clearly before you book. They cover the real costs of organising and running events.
Frequently asked questions
Which set of terms applies to my booking?
Can I get a refund if I am unwell before the event?
Can I transfer my reservation to a friend?
What if the weather looks bad but the walk still goes ahead?
Is the deposit on a multi-day trip ever refundable?
How will I know if an event changes or is cancelled?
How long do refunds take?
Contact us
If you have a question about a booking, or you need to cancel or change something, our team is here to help. Get in touch as early as you can and we will sort it out.
Need to cancel or change something?
Email us and we will take care of it. The sooner you tell us, the more we can do.
Hiking in London Club Ltd. These terms form part of your booking agreement and may be updated from time to time. The version published on this page at the time of your booking is the one that applies to it.
This article is proudly sponsored by AllTrails.
