Frequently Asked Questions About Guided Walks

Thinking about joining a guided walk, booking a private walk or working with me in Herefordshire, Bannau Brycheiniog or South Wales?

Here are answers to the questions people often ask before they book. Whether you are wondering about fitness, pace, dogs, weather, cancellations or what happens on the day, this page should help you decide whether the walk is right for you.

Before You Book

What type of guided walks do you offer?

Sarah Price Hiking offers group walks, private or bespoke guided walks, and walking collaborations with other businesses and organisations. Walks may take place in areas including Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, Herefordshire and South Wales, depending on the service or event.

How do I know which walk is right for me?

Start by looking at the distance, terrain, pace and description of the walk. If you are unsure, get in touch before booking and explain your walking experience, fitness level and any concerns. It is always better to ask first than to book a walk that may not be right for you.

The Group Walks are graded to make things easier. Here is the grading information.

Can I book if I am coming on my own?

Yes, solo walkers often join group walks. A guided walk can be a sociable way to enjoy the outdoors without needing to organise the route yourself. If you feel nervous about arriving alone, it can help to message in advance so you know what to expect.

Do I need previous hiking experience?

Not always. Some walks may be suitable for people with limited experience, while others will need more confidence, fitness or hillwalking experience. Each walk should be chosen carefully. If you are unsure whether a particular walk is suitable, ask before booking.

Are your walks suitable for complete beginners?

Some guided walks may be suitable for beginners, depending on the route, distance, terrain and weather conditions. A beginner on a gentle walk is very different from a beginner on a long mountain route, so it is important to check the individual walk details.

Do I need to be able to read a map?

No. On a guided walk, route planning and navigation are led by Sarah. However, you are still responsible for arriving prepared, wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and being honest about your fitness, health and experience.

Fitness, Pace and Confidence

Will I be fit enough?

That depends on the walk. Before booking, check the walk distance, ascent, terrain and expected pace. If you can walk the distance on similar ground and are comfortable being outside for the length of the walk, it may be suitable. If in doubt, contact Sarah before booking.

Most group walks are graded to help you decide. Have a look here.

Will I get left behind?

A guided group walk should not feel like a race. The pace will usually be managed with the group in mind, but you do need to choose a walk that matches your ability. If you are worried about pace, ask before booking so Sarah can advise honestly.

What if I am slower than everyone else?

If you are concerned about being slower, say so before booking. It may be that the walk is still suitable, or Sarah may suggest a different group walk or a private guided walk where the pace can be planned around you.

What if I need lots of stops?

Breaks are a normal part of walking, especially on longer or hillier routes. However, the number and length of stops will depend on the group, the route, daylight, weather and safety considerations. If you know you will need frequent stops, ask before booking.

I am nervous about joining a group. Is that normal?

It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before joining a new group. You are welcome to ask questions before booking, and it is much better to share any worries in advance so Sarah can help you choose the right walk.

What if I find the walk too difficult on the day?

You should contact Sarah before booking if you are unsure about your ability. On the day, route decisions may need to be made for the safety and wellbeing of the group. This could include changing the route, slowing the pace where appropriate, or turning back if needed.

Can I leave the walk part way through?

Please do not plan to leave a walk part way through unless this has been discussed and agreed with me in advance. In some locations it may not be safe or practical to separate from the group, especially in remote areas, poor weather or on routes where there is no easy return.

On the rare occasion that I agree someone may leave a walk part way through, this will be on the clear understanding that, from the point they leave the group, they are fully responsible for themselves, their route, their safety, their onward travel and any decisions they make.

If you are unsure whether you will be able to complete the full route, please contact me before booking so we can decide whether the walk is right for you.

Group Walks

How many people are usually on a group walk?

Group size depends on the walk, location and event. Places may be limited so the walk can be managed safely and enjoyably. Usually the maximum size is 14 people, but may be less.

Where do group walks start?

A general location may be shown on the event information, so you have an idea of the area before you book. I will then email everyone who has booked a few days before the walk with the finer details, including the exact meeting point, parking information and directions for getting there.

Please check this email carefully before travelling, and allow plenty of time for parking, toilets if available, and getting yourself ready before the walk begins.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive in good time so you are ready to start at the advertised walk time. This helps the group set off promptly and avoids keeping other walkers waiting.

What happens if I am late?

If you are late, Sarah may not be able to delay the start of the walk for you. Please plan your journey carefully and allow extra time for traffic, parking and finding the meeting point. Late arrivals may not be able to join once the group has started.

Sarah will try and contact you if you are a few minutes late, but generally, if you are more than 10 minutes late, the walk will commence without you. Please note that sometimes remote locations mean its difficult to obtain a phone signal.

Can children join a group walk?

Some walks may be suitable for young people and others may not be. The young person needs to be able to complete the walk and have the right ability to do so safely. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please check the individual walk details and contact Sarah before booking a place if you would like to bring a child in a sling, or a backpack.

Can I bring a friend who has not booked?

No. Everyone attending must have a confirmed booking. This helps with safety, group size, insurance and planning.

Can I turn up and pay on the day?

Please book in advance rather than turning up on the day. This ensures your place is confirmed and that Sarah has the information needed before the walk.

Will there be toilets on the route?

Toilet facilities vary by route and location. Please check the walk information and come prepared, as some rural or upland routes may have limited or no facilities once the walk has started.

Will there be somewhere to buy food or drink?

Not usually. Please bring enough food, water and snacks for the walk, unless the event information clearly says otherwise.

Private Guided Walks

What is a private guided walk?

A private guided walk is planned for you or your group rather than being part of a public group event. It can be a good option if you want a particular location, a different pace, a more personal experience or support with confidence outdoors.

Who books private guided walks?

Private guided walks can work well for individuals, couples, families, friends, community groups, visitors to Wales, and businesses looking for a guided outdoor experience.

Can you plan a route for my ability?

Yes, that is one of the advantages of booking a private walk. Sarah can discuss your experience, fitness, interests and preferred location before suggesting a route. The final route will still need to be suitable for the weather, conditions and group. Get in touch.

Can I choose where we walk?

You can share where you would like to walk, or the kind of landscape you are interested in. Sarah can then advise what is realistic, safe and suitable for your group.

How far in advance should I enquire?

Please enquire as early as you can, especially if you have a particular date, location or type of walk in mind. Availability can vary, and private walks need time for discussion and planning.

How much does a private guided walk cost?

The cost depends on the type of walk, location, planning involved and group requirements. Please contact Sarah with your preferred date, location, group size and what you have in mind, and she can advise. A rough guide to pricing is on the 'Bespoke Private Guided Walks' page.

What information do you need from me?

When enquiring about a private walk, please include:

your preferred date or date range
number of people
preferred area or type of landscape
walking experience and fitness level
any health, mobility or confidence considerations
whether dogs or children may be joining
what you would like from the day

Can you guide a walk for a special occasion?

Yes, private walks definitely can be suitable for special occasions, such as birthdays, retreats, girls' weekends away, anniversaries, etc. depending on the group, location and type of day you have in mind. Please get in touch with your ideas and Sarah can advise what may be possible.

Can you provide transport?

Transport is not included unless specifically agreed. Please make sure you can get to and from the meeting point, and ask in advance if you are unsure about logistics.

Dogs on Walks

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not permitted on group walks. This is because group walks need to work safely and comfortably for everyone attending. Some routes may cross farmland, open access land, wildlife-sensitive areas or places with livestock, and not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Some people may also have allergies.

Dogs may be possible on privately guided walks, but this must be discussed and agreed with me before booking. This gives us chance to talk through the route, terrain, livestock, access, group needs and whether the walk will be suitable for your dog.

Please do not bring a dog to any walk unless this has been agreed in advance.

Can I bring an assistance dog?

If you use an assistance dog, please contact me before booking so we can talk through the walk, the route and your needs.

I will do my best to make reasonable arrangements where possible, but some routes may still have practical limitations such as rough terrain, stiles, livestock, narrow paths, weather exposure or access restrictions. Discussing this in advance helps us choose the most suitable option.

Weather, Safety and Route Changes

Will the walk still go ahead if it rains?

Walks mainly still go ahead in wet weather, provided conditions are safe. Please come prepared with suitable waterproof clothing and footwear. If Sarah needs to cancel or change the route because of unsafe conditions, she will contact you. Walks usually are only cancelled or re-scheduled if the weather forecast has predicted a 'threat to life', such as extreme winds, flooding, lightening, or extreme high or low temperatures.

Can the route change on the day?

Yes. The planned route may need to change because of weather, ground conditions, access issues, group ability or safety. By booking, you should be comfortable with Sarah making route decisions where needed.

Weather & Cancellations

What if the weather forecast looks bad and I do not want to come?

Walks often still go ahead in wet or changeable weather, as long as I consider the conditions to be safe. Please come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear for the forecast and the type of walk you have booked.

If you decide to cancel because of the weather forecast, please be aware that refunds are not given for client cancellations due to weather conditions. This applies to both group walks and privately guided walks.

What happens if Sarah Price Hiking cancels a walk?

If I need to cancel a walk altogether, for example because conditions are unsafe or the event cannot go ahead, I will contact you as soon as possible.

For group walks, you will be able to transfer your booking to an alternative date where possible, or request a full refund.

For privately guided walks, I may be able to rearrange the walk, depending on the circumstances and availability.