Empowering Scotland’s Youth: Free Outdoor Skills Training Now Available

Ramblers Scotland’s ‘Out There Award’ Pioneers Accessible Walking Opportunities

Ramblers Scotland’s Out There Award training scheme returns this spring, featuring 30 events designed to overcome obstacles to Scotland’s outdoors. Since its inception in 2019, the Out There Award has provided young adults with opportunities to acquire basic skills, understand responsible access, and partake in walks alongside peers who share similar interests.

The Award events foster a warm and inclusive environment, striving to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and promote inclusivity in walking activities. Open to individuals aged 18 to 26, registration is available for two-day events held at 11 convenient locations from April to October. Visit www.ramblers.org.uk/outthereaward for more information.

Ramblers Scotland’s young adult development officer Sam Knight said: “We’ve amazing landscapes and world-class access rights in Scotland, but sadly too many people still feel walking isn’t for them, often simply due to their background, ability or age.  We know that young adults in particular can lack walking partners and knowledge of where to walk. The Out There Award offers a welcoming environment for beginners to try walking, learn navigational skills and have fun. We aim to bring outdoor skills to people’s doorsteps and leave participants feeling confident that the outdoors is for them, whatever their adventure.”  

 Out There Award events will be held in Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Hamilton, Galashiels, Inverness and Stirling. 

 Last year, 103 people completed the award, with 100% saying they’d recommend it to others. 

 Glasgow man Andrew Wu, 28, said: “Being involved with the Out There Award is the best opportunity to get started with a life in the outdoors. You get to learn the fundamentals such as your access rights in Scotland and basic navigation skills, which can really build any newcomers’ confidence. You get a grasp on how to become responsible walker, leave no trace and respect to the natural landscape. I cannot recommend the programme enough. It’s fun, free, and connects you with all the right people who can help you along every step of the way.”    

The most recent Scottish Household Survey showed that people in affluent areas are much more likely to walk than those in the poorest neighbourhoods.*  

The issue is particularly stark when it comes to hillwalking, with people three times more likely to hill walk if they live in the least deprived 20% of Scottish communities, compared with the most deprived 20%.**  

Ramblers Scotland wants the Out There Award to help break down barriers to the outdoors. Of last year’s 103 participants:   

·         39% were from minority ethnic communities***  

·         32% LGBTQI+  

·         22% had a disability  

·         16% were from most deprived fifth of areas in Scotland.  

Successful participants receive a year of Ramblers Scotland membership and are linked to the charity’s six young walkers groups. They also get a walking starter pack, containing useful items such as a dry bag, neck buff and emergency whistle.  

The Out There Award receives funding from the Scottish Government and Smarter Choices, Smarter Places.