Where to go
Scotland has a wealth of outdoor locations, from wilderness areas to city parks, offering a huge range of outdoor learning opportunities. However, this vast selection can be overwhelming when choosing a site to visit. The websites listed on this page offer information and guidance for anyone planning a trip in the outdoors. They provide descriptions and contact details for wildlife reserves, heritage sites, sports clubs and outdoor activity providers. If these organisations don't have the information you're looking for, they may well be able to direct you to someone who does.
_tcm4-374080.jpg "Ice climber")
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority
The AALA site allows you to search for adventure activity providers who are registered with the Authority as licence holders. Simply select the area of Britain you are interested in and a list of activity providers will be displayed. Select one to bring up more information, including contact details.
_tcm4-377642.jpg "Children splashing")
Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres
The Association for Heads of Outdoor Education Centres website provides information to young people, teachers and parents on the opportunities for residential visits to outdoor education centres across the whole of the UK, including the 12 centres in Scotland.
_tcm4-374079.jpg "Bluebell wood")
Forestry Commission Scotland
Almost all of the woodlands managed by the Forestry Commission in Scotland are free for anyone to enjoy. The Commission's website's 'Places to go' page offers a searchable database of woodland areas, with information on the facilities and activities available at each one.
_tcm4-357143.jpg "Royal Highland Education Trust logo")
Royal Highland Education Trust
Thinking of planning a farm or working countryside visit? The Royal Highland Education Trust will help you find someone locally who can help you.
_tcm4-374077.jpg "Barnacle geese")
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Reserves
RSPB nature reserves provide an excellent opportunity to watch birds and other wildlife in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. There are over 150 RSPB nature reserves to visit throughout the UK, and the RSPB 'Reserves' page lets you search the list by area, habitat, name or by those that offer the most comprehensive facilities.
_tcm4-374075.jpg "Ring of Brodgar standing stones")
Scottish Natural Heritage
The Scottish Natural Heritage website offers a wealth of information on what the various parts of Scotland have to offer for those organising activities outdoors, including key natural heritage features, facts, figures and contacts.
_tcm4-374073.jpg "Young cyclist")
Sportscotland
The Get Active section of the sportscotland website offers information on a huge number of sports including contact details of governing bodies and details of affiliated local clubs.
_tcm4-374072.jpg "Scottish wildcat")
Wildlife Scotland
Scotland provides some of Europe's finest wildlife watching opportunities which can form a memorable part of any school trip. The Wildlife Scotland site allows you to search by species or by area to find the sort of activity you're looking for, and provides lists of operators who can help you achieve it.
Useful contacts
Local outdoor education advisers
A local advisor can point you at areas that other schools are using or offer local knowledge to help you develop somewhere new.
Related links
Staying safe
For information and guidance on planning a safe trip, read our outdoor safety page.