Tour prices include transport and the services of a driver-guide only, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Published itineraries are indicative only and may be altered at any time due to weather, safety concerns, local conditions, or operational requirements. MacBackpackers reserves the right to change routes, timings, accommodation, and vehicle type without notice.

A booking is not confirmed until written confirmation has been issued by MacBackpackers and full payment has been received.

A 25% non-refundable deposit may be paid to secure a space on a tour. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 28 days prior to departure. Failure to pay the balance by this deadline may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of the deposit.

Discount codes apply only to the original full tour price, cannot be applied retrospectively, and may not be combined with other offers unless explicitly stated.

It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure all booking details are correct and that confirmation has been received. If confirmation is not received within 24 hours, you must contact us at info@macbackpackers.com.

Accommodation is reserved for passengers but is not included in the tour price. Accommodation must be paid for separately either online or on arrival at the accommodation. Prices vary seasonally and are confirmed at the time of booking. Accommodation is provided in shared dormitory-style in award-winning independent hostels throughout the Highlands and Islands.

A valid passport (original document only) is required for hostel check-in. Failure to present acceptable identification may result in refusal of accommodation, for which MacBackpackers accepts no responsibility.

MacBackpackers acts as an agent for third-party suppliers, including accommodation providers, and cannot be held liable for their actions, omissions, or failures. We accept no responsibility for personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged during the tour, regardless of circumstances. Where items are recovered, return postage costs will be charged to the customer.

Luggage space on our vehicles is limited. Passengers are restricted to one cabin-sized bag and one small backpack/ personal item. Large suitcases or excessive luggage may be refused carriage. Storage may be available at the departure hostel but must be arranged independently and in advance at castlerock@scotlandstophostels.com. We accept no responsibility for personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged during the tour, regardless of circumstances. Where items are recovered, return postage costs will be charged to the customer.

Passengers must arrive on time for departure. Tour departure times vary seasonally in line with UK daylight saving time. Tours depart at 8:00am during UK winter time (autumn to spring) and at 9:00am during British Summer Time (spring to autumn). Please check your booking confirmation for your exact departure time. Tours will not be delayed for late arrivals. Where possible, we may assist passengers in re-joining a tour later (e.g. from Inverness); however, all additional costs incurred are the passenger’s responsibility.

Return times are approximate and subject to change due to factors beyond our control, including weather, traffic, roadworks, or mechanical issues. MacBackpackers accepts no liability for missed onward travel arrangements and strongly advises passengers to remain in Edinburgh on the night of return.

All cancellation and amendment requests must be made in writing by the lead passenger on the booking to info@macbackpackers.com. Deposits are non-refundable under all circumstances.

Customer Cancellations (Full Payment Made):

• More than 14 days prior to departure:
  75% refund issued, or free transfer to a tour of equal or lower value (price difference payable for higher-value tours).

• 2–14 days prior to departure:
  No refund. Transfer permitted subject to a £10 administration fee.

• Within 48 hours of departure:
  No refund. Transfers subject to a £50 administration fee.

All transferred bookings are non-refundable, subject to availability, and may only be transferred once unless otherwise agreed. No refunds will be issued where a transferred tour is of lesser value, unless transferred more than 28 days prior to departure.

Cancellations made by the customer due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to travel disruptions or natural disasters, must be supported by appropriate evidence and will be considered at the sole discretion of MacBackpackers.

Cancellations by MacBackpackers

In the unlikely event that MacBackpackers cancels a tour, customers will receive a pro-rata refund up to the full amount paid for the tour and any accommodation (booked directly through our website) paid in advance. This will be the maximum liability of MacBackpackers.

MacBackpackers is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by customers, including travel to/from departure points or accommodation booked independently.

MacBackpackers holds public liability insurance with Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited Charities and Voluntary Sector Insurance, underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. MacBackpackers accepts liability for proven negligence by its employees that results in direct physical injury.

We accept no liability for:

• Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings

• Illness, injury, or death not caused by our negligence

• Accidents, delays, strikes, mechanical failure, acts of government, police, customs, or force majeure events

By booking, you acknowledge that adventure travel involves inherent risks and agree to participate at your own risk.

Personal travel insurance is not included in the price of the tour. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must include medical cover, personal accident, cancellation, and baggage protection. The company strongly recommends you take out comprehensive travel insurance cover before you travel.

At MacBackpackers, we value your privacy. To ensure your travel arrangements run smoothly, we need some personal information such as your name, address, contact details, any special requirements, etc. We are required to pass this information on to third parties, including the hostels and other providers relevant to your booking. We won’t release your information to anyone who isn’t directly involved in providing or arranging any product or service related to your booking.

If you decide to opt-in to special offers and promotions, we use your information to keep you updated about our products and services from time to time. Your contact details will not be passed onto any third parties, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Photos and videos may be taken during tours for promotional purposes. By booking, you consent to the use of your image in marketing materials unless you notify us in writing prior to travel.

We use TourCMS to securely handle our bookings and WorldPay to securely process the payments. You can find WorldPay’s Privacy Notice here.

MacBackpackers Ltd – Registered in Scotland No SC169936

MacBackpackers is committed to operating responsibly and minimising our environmental impact. As a professional tour operator, we take extensive measures to meet and, where possible, exceed current environmental standards across our operations.

We maintain an ongoing vehicle replacement programme, ensuring our coaches are renewed every four to five years. Our modern fleet meets Euro 6 emissions standards, is rigorously maintained to maximise fuel efficiency, and has achieved EcoStars recognition. Vehicles are fitted with real-time telematics, allowing us to monitor performance and provide constructive feedback, training, and ongoing mentorship to our driver-guides.

Waste generated during tours is collected and recycled wherever possible, feeding into our hostel network’s recycling systems at the end of each trip. Across our hostels and offices, we actively work to reduce waste, increase recycling, use water efficiently, and minimise energy consumption.

MacBackpackers is a member of the Green Tourism Scheme and has been awarded Bronze status. We are committed to sustainable tourism, regularly reviewing and improving our environmental policies and practices.

In addition, MacBackpackers owns 100 hectares of woodland in the Scottish Highlands, which is being replanted with 100% native Scottish tree species as part of our long-term approach to reducing our carbon footprint.

We encourage all guests to travel responsibly: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.