Terms and Conditions
Last updated: May 2026
These Terms & Conditions govern all bookings made with MacBackpackers Ltd. By making a booking, you agree to the terms outlined below.
1. About Us
MacBackpackers Ltd is a Scottish tour operator specialising in small-group tours of Scotland.
Registered in Scotland No. SC169936.
If you have any questions regarding your booking, please contact us at:
2. Booking & Payment
A booking is only confirmed once written confirmation has been issued by MacBackpackers and payment has been successfully received.
Tour prices include transport and the services of a driver-guide only unless otherwise stated.
A 25% non-refundable deposit may be paid to secure your place on a tour. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 28 days prior to departure. Failure to pay the balance by the deadline may result in cancellation of the booking and forfeiture of the deposit.
Discount codes:
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apply only to the original full tour price
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cannot be applied retrospectively
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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 has not been received within 24 hours of booking, please contact us.
3. Tour Changes & Itineraries
Published itineraries are intended as a guide only and may be altered due to weather conditions, road closures, ferry disruptions, safety concerns, local events, or operational requirements.
MacBackpackers reserves the right to:
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alter routes, timings, accommodation arrangements, and tour stops
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substitute vehicles when necessary
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modify or cancel optional activities operated by third parties
Return times are approximate and may be affected by circumstances beyond our control, including traffic, weather, roadworks, or mechanical issues.
MacBackpackers accepts no liability for missed onward travel arrangements. We strongly recommend remaining in Edinburgh on the night your tour returns.
4. Passenger Requirements & Conduct
All passengers must be aged 18 years or over. MacBackpackers tours are primarily designed for travellers aged 18–35, and the style, pace, accommodation, and social nature of our tours reflect this demographic.
We do, however, welcome some travellers aged 36–40 where we feel the tour environment is likely to be a good fit. Our tours are active, hostel-based, and highly social, and are best suited to passengers who are comfortable sharing dorm-style accommodation, participating in outdoor activities, and travelling as part of a group of like-minded travellers.
Acceptance for passengers aged 36–40 is considered on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to request proof of age and may refuse participation where we believe the tour may not be suitable. If you are unsure whether our tours are the right fit for you, please contact us before booking.
Our tours involve outdoor activities including walking and hiking in remote locations where weather conditions, terrain, and accessibility may be challenging. By booking, you confirm that:
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you are physically and mentally capable of participating safely
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you understand the inherent risks associated with outdoor travel
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you will bring appropriate warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear
MacBackpackers reserves the absolute right to refuse carriage or remove any passenger from a tour if, in our reasonable opinion, they:
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behave in a disruptive, dangerous, or offensive manner
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are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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pose a risk to themselves, other passengers, staff, or property
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fail to follow reasonable instructions from staff or driver-guides
No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.
Passengers are fully responsible for any damage caused to vehicles, accommodation, or property during the tour.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all MacBackpackers vehicles.
5. Accommodation
Accommodation is arranged by MacBackpackers as part of the tour experience but is payable separately by passengers unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Accommodation is generally provided in shared dormitory-style rooms within independent hostels throughout the Highlands and Islands.
A valid original passport 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 accommodation providers and cannot be held liable for their actions, omissions, service standards, or operational failures.
6. Luggage & Departures
Luggage space on our vehicles is limited. Passengers are restricted to:
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one cabin-sized bag
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one small backpack or 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.
Passengers must arrive on time for departure. Tour departure times vary seasonally:
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8:00am during UK winter time
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9:00am during British Summer Time
Please refer to your booking confirmation for your exact departure time.
Tours will not be delayed for late arrivals. Where possible, we may assist passengers in rejoining a tour later; however, all associated costs are the responsibility of the passenger.
MacBackpackers accepts no responsibility for personal property that is lost, stolen, or damaged during the tour. Where lost property is recovered, return postage costs will be charged to the customer.
7. Cancellations, Transfers & Refunds
All cancellation and amendment requests must be submitted in writing by the lead passenger to:
Deposits are non-refundable under all circumstances.
Customer Cancellations
More than 14 days prior to departure
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75% refund issued; or
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free transfer to a tour of equal or lower value
Price differences apply for higher-value tours.
2–14 days prior to departure
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no refund
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transfers permitted subject to a £10 administration fee
Within 48 hours of departure
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no refund
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transfers permitted subject to a £50 administration fee
Transferred bookings:
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are non-refundable
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subject to availability
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may only be transferred once unless otherwise agreed
No refunds will be issued for transferred tours of lesser value unless transferred more than 28 days before departure.
Cancellations by MacBackpackers
In the unlikely event that MacBackpackers cancels a tour, customers will receive a refund up to the full amount paid for the tour and any accommodation booked directly through our website.
This shall constitute the maximum liability of MacBackpackers.
MacBackpackers accepts no responsibility for additional costs incurred by customers, including:
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flights
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rail or bus tickets
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accommodation booked independently
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missed connections
8. Force Majeure
MacBackpackers cannot accept liability where the performance of contractual obligations is prevented or affected by events beyond our reasonable control.
These may include, but are not limited to:
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severe weather
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flooding
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wildfires
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road or ferry closures
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industrial disputes
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government restrictions
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public health emergencies
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natural disasters
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mechanical breakdowns
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accidents
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acts of terrorism
Under such circumstances, itineraries may be amended, shortened, postponed, or cancelled without compensation beyond the refund provisions outlined above.
9. Liability & Travel Insurance
MacBackpackers holds public liability insurance and accepts liability for proven negligence by its employees resulting in direct physical injury.
We accept no liability for:
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loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings
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illness, injury, or death not caused by our negligence
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delays or disruptions caused by third parties or force majeure events
By booking, you acknowledge that adventure travel involves inherent risks and that participation is undertaken at your own risk.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include:
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medical expenses
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personal accident cover
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cancellation cover
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baggage protection
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price.
10. Photography & Media
Photos and videos may occasionally be taken during tours for promotional and marketing purposes.
By booking, you consent to the use of your image in MacBackpackers marketing materials unless you notify us in writing prior to travel.
11. Privacy & Related Policies
Please refer to our dedicated policy pages for further information:
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Privacy Policy
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Accessibility Statement
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Sustainability Policy
By making a booking, you acknowledge that limited personal information may be shared with accommodation providers and operational partners where necessary to deliver your tour services.
We use secure third-party booking and payment providers, including TourCMS and WorldPay.
12. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by Scottish law.
Any disputes arising in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Scottish courts.