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Duke of Edinburgh expeditions
Outdoor Learning and Adventure (OLA) have been successfully delivering Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh expeditions for over 15 years. We are both an Approved Activity Provider for DofE and have been inspected by the Adventure Activity Licensing Service.
We deliver DofE courses to suit your needs, and the needs of the individuals in the group. Providing training and instilling confidence in the young people involved so their expedition experience is enjoyed, rather than endured.
Our team of skilled instructors deliver programmes to the highest standard; all have a comprehensive range of National Governing Body qualifications combined with considerable experience of working with a diverse mix of young people.
We work with a wide range of young people, from mainstream secondary groups, KEAR campus as well as youth groups.
We can assist in a variety of ways at all levels of the award. With our extensive knowledge and experience within the staff team working in the hills, mountains, lochs and rivers we can help design and plan an expedition that’s inclusive for everyone taking part.
- In school training days inc. campcraft, intro to navigation and route planning, kit
- Training expedition
- Qualifying expedition
- Expedition kit
The expedition can be completed by a variety of different forms of transport:
- By foot
- Bike
- Touring kayak
- Canoe
Equipment and transport are included in everything we deliver.
Previous programmes have included:
- Canoeing the length of Loch Tay, Caledonian Canal, as well parts of the River Tay and River Tweed.
- Island hopping on Loch Lomond in touring kayaks
- Mountain biking through Queen Elizabeth Forest in Trossachs National Park
- Exploration and navigation on Arran
With easy access to the Scottish Highlands and miles of paths, rivers, trails, canals and lochs on our doorstep we can accommodate your group in whichever mode of expedition transport they may choose in a variety of spectacular venues.
Please contact us for a choice of dates and we will be happy to discuss how we can facilitate your next Duke of Edinburgh’s Award excursion.
Activities and Awards
Activities
Bushcraft
Learn and develop the basic skills to survive in the natural environment. Shelter Building, Fire lighting and Outdoor Cooking
Campcraft
Develop the skills to camp in the wilderness, learning about campsite selection, how to use the required equipment, nutrition, and hydration.
Canoeing
Learn to paddle solo, in pairs or part of a group in a raft canoe on Loch and Canals. Can also be used as craft for expeditions.
Climbing
Build confidence and trust while climbing either at a natural crag or a purpose-built indoor wall
Expeditions
Journey and camp out in the wild or at a designated campsite in tents.
Gorge walking
Work as a team to climb up a burn or river, ascending waterfalls and jumping into deep pools. (Requires 2 instructors)
Hillwalking
Navigate your way to the top of hill, learn to read a map on the way.
Kayaking
Learn to paddle a kayak, go on journey to an island on a loch. We also have touring kayaks that are great for journeying and expeditions.
Mountain biking
Improve your biking skills, explore some of great trails all off-road.
Orienteering
Learn to read map and put the skills to test on an orienteering course.
Problem solving and team building
Team challenges designed to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work as a team.
Skiing
Learn to Ski on a dry ski slope, with the potential to progress onto snow with a winter residential. (Seasonal)
Stand Up Paddle boarding
Learn to paddleboard, practice your swimming on the way.
White-water Duckies
Large 2-person inflatable white-water duckies, a descent of a section of the River Tay and some cliff jumping too. (Requires 2 instructors)
Awards for young people
British Cycling GO Mountain Bike Awards
Progressive Mountain Bike Awards from Level 1 to 5, developing skills required to climb and descend more technical terrain.
Snowlife Awards
Progressive skiing awards, based on skill development.
British Canoe Paddle sport awards
Progressive awards in all crafts, canoe kayak and stand-up paddleboard, based on skill development.
National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme
Progressive indoor climbing wall award designed to give the individuals the skills required to safely climb and belay others.
National Navigation Award
A 3 tiered navigation award focusing on learning to read and understand maps, learning to plan routes and navigate in the hills.
In 2015 the Bronze National Navigation Award was officially accredited by the Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Level 4 and 2 SCQF credit points are awarded on completion. In 2020, the Silver and Gold Awards became similarly accredited, the Silver at Level 5 and Gold at Level 6, again both worth 2 credits.
Awards for adults
Cycling UK Mountain Bike Trail Leader Award
Formal NGB award that allows a leader to take group out on certain off-road terrain.
Mountain Training UK Lowland Leader Award
The Lowland Leader award has been designed for people who wish to lead groups on day walks in lowland countryside and woodland in summer conditions. Outdoor Resource Base will deliver Lowland Leader Training and Assessment Courses throughout the year.
Mountain Training UK Camping Leader Award
Camping module that enables a lowland leader to wild camp with groups.
Outdoor First Aid Courses
16 hour Outdoor First Aid Courses designed to work with all National Governing Body Awards.
