FAQ

We appreciate that coming to Ardroy, or sending your child is a new experience, and there are some queries and concerns you may have.

On this page we hope to answer some of the questions we get frequently asked. If you can't find the answer here, please e mail us at info@outdooreducation.co.uk.

It is best not to phone, as we may not be able to give you an answer straight away.

Is it Safe?

There is always an inherent amount of risk in what we do. We always make our activities as safe as humanly possible, all instructors only deliver activities they are qualified in, and we are regularly inspected by AALA, the industry watchdog. We work within nationally approved ratios of student to instructor.

Will I be forced to do something against my will?

We believe in challenge by choice. We never force anyone to do anything - you can always say no. We can be very persuasive though!

What clothing will I need?

Bring lots of old, warm clothes and lots of socks. We supply full waterproofs, wellies (not boots), fleece, and rucsac as well as all other specialist gear. Please bring your own warm hat and gloves. Also a lunch box and a water bottle - a small reusable plastic bottle is ideal. Please mark your clothing so it can be identified and not end up in lost property!

What happens if the weather is poor?

We do get 'fun' weather at Ardroy. We aim to do everything despite the weather. If it makes an activity too hazardous, we don't do it. We will often alter the programme to suit where possible.

Any tips?

Bring plenty of change for the payphone, and a few plastic bags are good for keeping your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes (if any!) on the way home. There are no banks in Lochgoilhead, or petrol, or diesel!

Will there be more than one group in the centre at the same time?

Yes, there may be. However we have three separate accommodation units, and each group uses one or more unit each. You would have a separate programme, and work with the same instructor throughout. You may have to share dining facilities with the other group however, as we have limited space in the dining room.

What's the weather like?

Mixed! - it does rain a lot in Lochgoilhead, but we get very pleasant spells as well. The weather is never the same for more than a few days. It doesn't snow much in the winter, and we are very rarely cut off by the snow (once in the last three years).