Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 16/05/2025

1. Introduction
Waytrails (“we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter, download trail files, or interact with our services.

2. Who We Are
Waytrails is an independent travel and outdoor adventure content platform. We offer free downloadable trail routes, planning tools, and curated travel content. 

For all privacy-related questions, please contact: rory@waytrails.com

What Information We Collect

We may collect the following information:

  • Contact Information: Your name, email address (if you sign up for our newsletter or use contact forms).

  • Website Use Data: Your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and interactions via analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

  • Optional Transaction Data: If you make a purchase (e.g., merchandise), Stripe may process payment data on our behalf.

  • Legal Basis for Processing We process your personal data on the following bases:

    • Consent – when you sign up to our newsletter.

    • Legitimate interest – for website analytics, trail improvements, and affiliate link tracking.

    • Contract – if you purchase merchandise (to fulfil your order).

    • Legal obligation – if required to comply with UK or EU law.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Send newsletters and trail updates (only if you opt in).

  • Respond to inquiries and feedback.

  • Improve website performance and user experience.

  • Manage customer relationships via Capsule CRM.

  • Track affiliate link engagement (to help fund our free trails).

  • Process payments (via Stripe, for any merchandise).

  • Data Retention We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations.

    • Newsletter subscribers: until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

    • Transaction data (Stripe): stored securely for up to 6 years for tax/legal purposes.

    • CRM records (Capsule): reviewed annually and deleted when no longer relevant.

Where and How We Store Your Data

Your data is securely stored using:

  • Capsule CRM: For managing newsletter signups and communications.
    🔗 View Capsule CRM’s Privacy Policy

  • Stripe: For secure payment handling.
    🔗 View Stripe’s Privacy Policy

  • Affiliate Platforms: We use affiliate tracking (e.g., Booking.com, Amazon). These platforms may track clicks and purchases if you follow outbound links.

  • International Data Transfers
    Some of our service providers (e.g. Capsule CRM, Stripe) may store or process your data outside the UK/EU. In such cases, we ensure your data is protected through appropriate safeguards, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or data transfer agreements.

We do not sell your personal data, ever.

Your Data Rights (GDPR)

If you’re in the UK or EU, you have the right to:

  • Access or correct your data.

  • Request deletion of your data.

  • Object to how we use your data.

  • Withdraw your consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us at rory@waytrails.com

Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies to:

  • Understand how users interact with our site.

  • Improve navigation and performance.

  • Track affiliate link usage (no personal data is passed to us).

You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings.

Third-Party Links

Waytrails content may include links to third-party websites or services (like Booking.com, Amazon, YouTube, etc.). We are not responsible for their privacy policies. Please read them before submitting any data.

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed at children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we learn that we’ve collected data from a child without verified parental consent, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy. The latest version will always be available on our website with a revised “Effective Date.”

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about how we handle your data, contact us at:
📧 rory@waytrails.com