Frequently Asked Questions


Walking, Cycling and Activity Tours: How fit do I have to be?

Walking, Cycling and Activity Tours: How fit do I have to be? Scotland is a rugged country and clients participating in these tour categories should have at least have an average level of fitness commensurate with a physically active life and suitable for the activity contemplated. For walking and cycling tours of one day or longer clients should be comfortable with five to seven hours per day of activity.

  back to top


What do I have to bring?

Scotland's climate can be harsh in winter and subject to sudden changes through all seasons. Therefore, clients are strongly advised to err to the cautious and bring attire appropriate to the season and location including waterproofs at all times.

Strong footwear is recommended. For distance walking quality walking boots are recommended and when such are newly purchased they should be "worn in" well in advance in order to avoid discomfort and possible ruination of the holiday.

For outdoor activities clients are advised to bring a rucksack with provision for food, water, dry clothing and waterproofs.

  back to top


How much are Catswhiskers tours?

Because of their customised nature the tours are not pre-priced. Upon receipt of enquiry, including preferred accommodation status, we will do our best to provide an indicative total cost which normally comprise:

  • Estimate of payments due to hotels/accommodation providers
  • Estimate of payments due to third parties, e.g. entrance fees, activity providers' charges and transport other than provided by Catswhiskers.
  • Payment due to Catswhiskers.
We can also endeavour to design a bespoke tour to suit a pre-determined budget.

  back to top


Where do the tours start and finish?

Being Glasgow based, Catswhiskers can collect at the local railway stations, airports (including Prestwick and Edinburgh) and hotels. For Hadrian's Wall tours it may be possible to connect with air and rail links at Newcastle upon Tyne.

Commensurate with their bespoke nature, tours can be designed to finish at commencement point or other locations by mutual agreement.

  back to top


How are activity providers (e.g. whitewater rafting, canoeing, off-roading etc.) selected?

Whenever possible from official Tourist Board publications.

  back to top


Can the itinerary be changed?

Catswhiskers will try to assist on a best endeavours basis. Additional costs may be incurred

  back to top


What are the arrangements for accommodation?

  • Whenever possible accommodation will be arranged to match specified requirements, e.g. 2, 3, 4 or 5 star hotels, hostel, Guest House or Bed and Breakfast. Preference will be given to Tourist Board accredited establishments.
  • Single room supplements may be levied.
  • Clients will be responsible for direct settlement of accommodation bills.
  • Catswhiskers will act as agent for clients in reserving accommodation, a process which may entail provision of credit card details for reserving rooms.

  back to top


What if I have special dietary requirements?

Clients should advise in advance of any special dietary requirements and we will do our best to assist.

  back to top


What are the arrangements for children?

Normally children (who must be accompanied by appropriate adults) must be of sufficient age and size to use an adult car passenger seat. Clients with younger children are requested to contact Catswhiskers for advice.

  back to top


What are the arrangements for booking tours?

How to book:

Complete the booking form here (click here for detailed instructions). A deposit of £75 (seventy five pounds sterling or equivalent) per person is required to secure your booking for tours involving at least one overnight stay. If you are booking within eight weeks (56 days) of the start of the holiday, the total price will be due upon confirmation of your tour.

For within the day tours a deposit of £50 per group is required with balance payable in full at commencement of the tour.

Indicate your preferred method of payment (cheque or electronic) and complete necessary details. If paying by electronic means pleased submit the online booking form.

If paying by cheque, please print off the completed booking form, sign it and enclose with your cheque, noting that booking will be provisional until your cheque has been received and cleared.

  back to top


Is it safe to book online?

Catswhiskers uses secure electronic payment facilities provided by Barclays Bank PLC.

  back to top


Can I provisionally book?

Yes. A provisional booking will reserve a tour for ten days until Catswhiskers receives a deposit or full payment.

  back to top


When do I pay the balance?

All tours must be paid for in full 56 days (8 weeks) prior to the start date of the tour. If a booking is made within 56 days of the start date then full payment must be made at the time of booking.

  back to top


When will I receive confirmation of tour booking?

On receipt of full payment for the relevant tour.

  back to top


Can a booking be changed?

Catswhiskers will do its best to assist whilst reserving the right to charge an amendment fee of minimum GBP25 per person. Cancellation charges may apply if changing within 56 days of tour start date.

  back to top


Can I cancel?

Yes-subject to notice in writing. Cancellation charges will apply as set out in the separate Booking Conditions section.

  back to top


Can you arrange flights?

Upon request we will endeavour to provide flight information on the understanding that clients proceed to book tickets direct. Clients are reminded that local airports are well served by the principal budget airlines.

  back to top


What are the arrangements regarding insurance?

Catswhiskers strongly recommends that clients avail of holiday insurance appropriate for the type of tour/activity contemplated and valid for the entire tour. The booking form contains a warranty from the client that such insurance is held and effective

  back to top


How secure is my booking?

Catswhiskerstours Limited is a Scottish (U.K.) registered company, no 274945.

The company vehicle is covered by standard Hire and Reward insurance. In addition the company, Catswhiskerstours Limited, holds appropriate corporate insurances.

The company is registered with the Travel Trust Association (www.traveltrust.co.uk) under a scheme whereby client funds are protected through a Trust Account operated by an independent trustee. Client funds remain in this account and cannot be released to Catswhiskers without consent of the Trustee which cannot be given until the relevant tour is completed and applicable financial procedures followed.

  back to top


What happens if I need to cancel?

If you cancel a tour booking prior to departure then any funds due will be refunded from the trust account minus any cancellation charges.

  back to top


Does the Travel Trust Account avoid the need for travel insurance?

No.

  back to top