Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
Bookings
A booking can be considered as confirmed once full payment and completed booking forms have been received by Peak Astronomy and we have issued you with a booking confirmation. This booking confirmation forms the contract between Peak Astronomy and the client(s) and comes into effect from the date the confirmation is issued.
Prior to the start of your activity you will be required to complete and sign a booking registration form providing details of emergency contacts and any medical conditions the leader needs to be aware of together with the declarations included at the end of this document.
Alterations
Peak Astronomy has a very flexible approach to bookings as described in our section on Flexibility & Weather which is also captures here:
For me, flexibility is key to planning a successful night under the stars.
For all outdoor bookings your booking is valid for 1 year from the time of purchase. You can book a date and then reschedule if the weather isn't suitable, unless you'd prefer to go ahead on the booked date with an indoor workshop or training session instead.
You can contact me whenever you are ready to discuss options for the content of your training, workshop or experience, either before or after purchasing your activity. We will also discuss potential locations for your activity, select a provisional date (if not already booked), or if you prefer you can just indicate roughly when you'd like it to take place.
I will regularly review weather forecasts, and keep you updated in the week leading up to your booking. There is also an option in the booking form to be added to a group where I will post about forecasts for clear skies and key astronomical events as you could decide to bring your booking forward. A final decision to go ahead will usually be taken within 24hrs of the booked date, although I'll take account of the level of flexibility you have, travel plans etc.
I always aim to be as flexible as I can in order to ensure you have the best chance of a successful night and I'm happy to discuss any plans or changes. If you're not located within easy reach of the area we can also discuss how best to make a booking work for you, such as booking accommodation that can be cancelled if we need to reschedule or having a backup plan for indoors.
Partly cloudy weather can still be good but forecasts of full cloud cover or rain will often require a reschedule or switch of location. We can also look at a variety of suitable locations when considering the weather as just relocating by 10 miles can sometimes have a big difference.
Peak Astronomy will always do their best to accommodate reasonable requests to alter your booking such as a change to the names of clients included in your booking or a change to the itinerary. If there are associated costs relating to such a change we reserve the right to discuss these costs with you and make an additional charge for them if the alteration is agreed.
If you are unable to attend due to Covid-19 you will be able to reschedule within a 12 month period.
Cancellations
We strongly recommend clients consider taking out appropriate cancellation insurance. In the event of a booking being cancelled by a client, Peak Astronomy will refund the client as follows:
Cancellations more than 30 days from the start of the activity will receive a 75% refund, excluding any additional costs incurred by Peak Astronomy for accommodation we have booked, or the option to change to an alternative date that we can accommodate.
Cancellations 30 days or less from the start of the activity will not be refunded but our flexible approach to rescheduling due to the weather still applies.
In exceptional circumstances Peak Astronomy may need to cancel your booking. If Peak Astronomy cancel your booking you will have a choice of receiving a full refund or changing your booking to an alternative date or activity of equal value. If you prefer to change to an activity of a higher value you will be required to pay the difference. We will not be liable for any additional costs or expenses incurred as a result of such a cancellation.
Bad Weather & Other External Factors
Activities will generally take place following final confirmation of a suitable forecast unless the leader considers that conditions have changed and could compromise the safety of the group. No refunds will be made if a client decides to cancel as a result of weather conditions changing once the final confirmation to go ahead has been agreed.
Other factors such as, but not limited to, landslides, flooding, road closures or rights of way restrictions can also impact the ability to undertake a planned activity. As a result, changes may need to be made at the leader’s discretion. We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary or to cancel the booking where appropriate or for safety reasons.
Leader Authority & Client Behaviour
When taking part in an activity you must abide by the authority of the leader. If you commit any illegal act or in the reasonable opinion of the leader your behaviour is likely to be disruptive, threatening, abusive, a danger to yourself or causing or likely to cause danger, distress, damage to property or annoyance to others or the leader, or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol then we may terminate your participation in the activity without any liability on our part.
This includes clients who fail to advise us of medical conditions or disabilities or have an insufficient level of fitness which prevents their participation in the activity or adversely impacts the ability of other clients to participate in the activity as planned. This also includes clients who, in the opinion of the leader, are not appropriately equipped or clothed to safely participate in the activity.
Parental Responsibility
Children under the age of 18 are only accepted by prior agreement on our activities. Any people under the age of 18 must be accompanied by THEIR parents or legal guardians who agree to take full responsibility for their actions and safety and supervision of them at all times. This means people under 18 being within sight and sound of their parent or legal guardian and under their control at all times.
For any child under 16 the information provided on our booking forms and the declarations below must be provided and signed for by the child’s parent or legal guardian. In providing and signing for this information you are confirming that the information is correct, that you will ensure that your child understands, as far as reasonably practicable, and is aware of the information provided, as well as the description and risks of the activity. You also confirm that your child has the relevant fitness and/or experience to participate in the activity and that you accept the risks for your child and give consent for them to take part.
Insurance, Risk and Liability
Peak Astronomy will take all reasonable measures to ensure your safety.
Please note however that activities including astronomy involve risk and have a danger of personal injury or death. Anyone taking part shall be aware of, and accept these risks, and agree to be responsible for their own actions and involvement and to raise any concerns or questions with the leader.
Peak Astronomy has full public and professional liability insurance, and we advise you to take out your own personal accident and liability insurance and appropriate cancellation insurance. If you already have insurance cover, please check that it covers you for the activity you are undertaking.
Our website, social media, emails and printed materials are to our best knowledge accurate and produced in good faith. Clients must have a good written and spoken understanding of English so as to understand the information and risks of their activity and information or guidance provided by the leader on the day. Peak Astronomy can't take responsibility for any misunderstandings resulting from a client not reading or understanding this information. Peak Astronomy can't accept responsibility for any loss or damage to your personal effects, property or vehicles during an activity.
Dogs
Peak Astronomy welcomes well behaved dogs on most activities but is not always able to accept dogs, other than registered assistance dogs at all locations. In some locations land owners have restrictions in place all year or there may be restrictions during ground nesting seasons. If you wish to bring a dog then please contact us prior to booking so we can ensure this can be accommodated.
Health and Fitness
Bookings are accepted on the understanding that you and those you are booking on behalf of are medically and physically fit for the activity to be undertaken and that you and those you are booking on behalf of have obtained medical advice about the suitability to undertake the activity where appropriate.
We ask clients to inform the activity leader if they suffer from any allergies, medical conditions, disabilities or injuries. If a client’s health and fitness situation changes after making the booking they should make us aware of such changes.
Allergies
If your booking includes food, please ensure that any food allergies and/or dietary requirements are clearly highlighted to Peak Astronomy at the time of booking so these details can be passed on to the business providing the food so they can see if they are able to adapt a dish to accommodate allergies or intolerances. These requirements must also be highlighted by the client to the activity leader at the start of the activity and to the business providing the food on arrival at their premises.
Complaints
Peak Astronomy takes pride in the service it provides to our clients. However, if you are unhappy, any complaint should first be made to your leader, as soon as possible, and ideally at the time. Your leader will endeavour to find a solution that is acceptable to you but must also consider the group as a whole. If for some reason the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction then you should put it in writing and send to our contact address or email us within 4 weeks of the end of your activity. All complaints will be fully investigated and we will keep you informed.
Declarations
Participation Statement
I and those I am booking on behalf of understand that activities including astronomy involve risk and have a danger of personal injury or death. Anyone taking part shall be aware of, and accept these risks, and agree to be responsible for their own actions and involvement and to raise any concerns or questions with the leader.
I and those I am booking on behalf of will participate in a responsible manner, conscious both of our own safety and of the impact of our conduct on the safety of others, and hold in mind our individual duty of care to all in our company.
Equipment & Clothing
I and those I am booking on behalf of have read the recommended equipment and clothing for the trip and confirm that I/we will come appropriately equipped and clothed for the weather on the day. If in doubt please contact us to discuss.
Medical disclaimer
I confirm that I and those I am booking on behalf of are medically and physically fit for the activity to be undertaken and that you and those you are booking on behalf of have obtained medical advice about the suitability to undertake the activity where appropriate.
I and those I am booking on behalf understand the importance of notifying the event leader of any medical conditions, disabilities, injuries, allergies or medications that will be carried that they should be aware of. This is in order that they can deal more effectively with any emergencies.
Covid-19 disclaimer
I confirm that prior to attending on the day I will ensure that I meet the current government guidance which I can find here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
In line with the continuing guidance I will not attend if I or anyone in my household have COVID-19.
I understand and accept that it is not possible to completely eliminate the risks associated with Covid-19.
Photographs
Photos of our clients may be used in Peak Astronomy publicity, on our website or on our Social Media. Please make the event leader aware at the start of the event if you or any member of your group are not happy for this to happen.
Agreement to Terms & Conditions
By making a booking I confirm that I agree that I have read and understood and accept the terms and conditions.