The main aim is enjoyment; we hope that in addition visitors and locals will learn something of this beautiful area of Scotland. These guidelines are published to ensure your safety and enjoyment and we ask that you respect them at all times.

Walk Leaders
All walks will be led by experienced leaders. On the more demanding walks the walk leaders will be members of the Galloway Mountain Rescue Team. On the shorter walks the guides may be local historians, Wildlife Rangers or enthusiasts who will discuss the history, wildlife, etc of the area as you walk.

Clothing and Footwear
On the hill walks you must wear proper walking boots and clothing and carry your own waterproofs and sufficient food for the duration of the walk. On other walks you are advised to wear walking boots and be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Under 16's
Walkers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Dogs
Please note that dogs are not allowed. This is in line with policy elsewhere.

Country Code
When you are out walking, please observe the Country Code and respect the life and work of the countryside.

Charges
There is a variable charge per person to help offset our costs. The cost of the walk depends upon the use of buses or other factors which affect our costs. We strive to keep these charges to a minimum. Children 15 years and under are welcome to walk free of charge.

Coach transfers
Please note that costs indicated for all walks include coach transfer from Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart to the walk start point and return. We cannot normally accommodate requests by walkers to join the walk at the starting point of the route.

Booking
Booking is essential; when you book you will be informed either that a place is reserved for you or advising you of which walks still have places available. It will be strictly 'first come, first served'. Unless you make contact with us in advance you will probably not get your first choice. All walks start at the same location so that the organisers will try to find a space for you.

Cancellation
A full refund will be made to a walker who cancels a booking up to and including 23rd April 2009. No refunds will be made for cancellations made after this date. If you are unable to attend a booked walk, please call the booking office on 01671 404500 so that your space can be allocated to another walker.

Accommodation
Accommodation can also be located on-line, using a link from our website

Walk Leader Discretion
Walk Leaders reserve the right to decline taking walkers whom they consider to be inadequately equipped or who they have reason to believe may not be able to complete the route. This condition is in the interests of safety. Walkers safety is our priority at all times.

Liability
Whilst Newton Stewart Walking Festival has public liability insurance it will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:
    1. the act(s) and/or omission(s) of any walker; or
    2. the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with Newton Stewart Walking Festival and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; and all walkers are strongly advised to obtain adequate medical insurance to cover them in the event of an accident or illness.

Changes to the Festival Programme
The organisers retain the right to alter walk routes and/or withdraw routes from the programme without notice. Watch the website or Sign up for our Newsletter to keep up to date.