Frequently Asked Questions

---

 We meet at the Monkton Community Church Pioneer Café on Main Street, Monkton, to the north of the main Prestwick runway. There is ample parking outside the café but you can also park on adjacent streets.   The Post Code is KA9 1AR.  Ring the bell at the front door and we will greet you and offer you a cup of tea or coffee before we set off.   Don't go to The Prestwick Pioneer Pub in Prestwick town!

 The 2 hour , 2 mile tour will move to various ‘stopping points’ between the Pioneer Café and 'Green Site' at HMS Gannet and then return to the café.  The ‘stop offs’ are at the end of Main Street, Monkton, the back of Spirit Aerospace, and HMS Gannet & Green Site. The total distance walked is around 1.8 miles out and back. To ensure the safety of the tour party, the walk is via public pavement.  Unfortunately we cannot access any of the airside areas of the airfield given the fact that it is an active airfield with sensitive military activity.   Our 4 mile walk is flexible and starts at the Monkton Pioneer Cafe.  You can either return to the Cafe or stop at The Mound on the South Side.  We agree the length and duration of the 4 mile tour prior to the tour commencing.

 Yes, you must book in advance where possible. We have limited numbers on the tour so when it's full, it is full. Don't be left disappointed.    Having said this we are flexible and will try to accommodate any last minute requests. Please call ++ 44 (0) 776 416 8989

 Unless the Met Office has issued a warning and advised against travel then tours should take place.  We will always keep those booked on tours up to date with the local weather conditions. If you are unsure, you can get in touch with us using the contact form in the website, via our Facebook page or mobile ++ 44 (0) 776 416 8989.  If there is a chance of rain we do have umbrellas than can be borrowed for the duration of the tour.   We are also flexible and can rebook people on to alternative date tours or offer a full refund if people are travelling  distances or perhaps only here on holiday and are unable to return to the area.

 There are toilets in the Pioneer Cafe but no other facilities on the route. 

 We do not enter the active airfield on the walking tour.   Prestwick has a lot of military activity and the ‘sensitivities’ that go with this activity so unfortunately we have to keep to public areas that do not encroach on the actual airfield. 

To be honest, Prestwick can be 'famine or feast' with some days very quiet and then days where it can be quite busy, with a variety of aircraft, small and large, military and civil. Whilst on the tour you may not see many 'movements'  but you should still have the opportunity to view aircraft on the ground, albeit maybe not at very close range.  Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them.

 In short, yes, albeit as best we can with our Scottish accents!  

 Contact us via the contact form and we will do our best to advise how suitable the tour may be.  It may be possible for you to follow the tour group in your vehicle as the areas we stop at will allow cars stopping on the main road.  It is  quiet road generally out with peak times of 0800 - 0900 and 1600 and 1800. 

 We are OK with food provided you do not drop litter. As regards alcohol, absolutely no way! We want all of our tourists to have fun and enjoy the walk. However, we reserve the right to exclude anyone who is under the influence of drink or drugs or whose behaviour is spoiling other guests’ enjoyment of the tours.   We will offer you a cup of tea / coffee / juice and a biscuit at the start of the tour at the Pioneer Cafe. 

 In Scotland, smoking is prohibited in public premises so you will not be able to smoke in the Pioneer Café. You can smoke in the street but please take into account the comfort of other tourists. Also, please note that people are frequently fined for stubbing out cigarettes on the pavement rather than using public ashtrays and bins.

   Scotland is known to experience all four weather seasons in one day so we would recommend that you come prepared for all possible scenarios! A decent pair of walking boots or shoes is recommended although the walk is on pavements and roads. We avoid the muddy fields!  

   If you have to cancel a place on the tour for whatever reason then we will give you a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the booking.  Alternatively we can arrange another date for your consideration. 

 Yes, if you have a special occasion that you wish to celebrate or a work group trip you wish to organise then please get in touch with us via email or the contact form and we will see what we can do to accommodate.   Private tours can be booked and paid for directly via the booking form.   

  Dogs can come along free provided they are well behaved!                                                                                                                                          Your dog MUST be on lead at all times. This rule is in place to keep your dog, and others, safe.  You will also be expected to ‘pick up’ after your dog should the excitement of the tour get too much for the dog!  

   We are looking into the feasibility of selling various souvenirs of the tour. All tour attendees will get a small brochure highlighting the key areas and events as part of the tour. This is included in the tour price and will act as a pictorial guide and a reminder of the tour.