Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in Scotland
Forests, mountains and sea lochs. An extraordinary setting for your next achievement.
Based at Lochgoilhead in Argyll, Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre provides Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training, practice and qualifying expeditions, alongside skills days to help participants prepare.
Whether you are looking for an open expedition or organising a programme for an existing group, we can help you take the next step.
Your Duke of Edinburgh expedition starts here
The landscape around Ardroy offers opportunities to travel on foot, by canoe or by sea kayak, putting expedition skills into practice in a memorable setting.
Planning a route, making decisions and sharing responsibility give participants opportunities to develop independence, confidence and teamwork.
We provide Bronze, Silver and Gold expedition programmes for organised groups.
Bronze
(3 Days) Begin with a day of navigation, campcraft and expedition skills, travelling on foot or by paddle to your first overnight camp. Your two-day, one-night qualifying expedition begins the following morning.
Silver: Practice Expedition
(3 days) Develop navigation, campcraft and expedition skills during the first day’s journey. Your practice expedition begins at camp that day and continues over the following two days.
Silver Qualifying Expedition
(3 days/2 nights) Put your preparation into practice on a qualifying expedition, with supervision and assessment from the Ardroy team.
No group? Join an expedition with Ardroy
If you have missed your school or youth group expedition, or are completing your award independently, an open expedition offers a way to continue your progress.
Expeditions start and finish at our centre in Lochgoilhead, with training, supervision and assessment appropriate to the programme.
Please enquire if you would like to arrange an expedition for a small group.
Open expedition price: £265 per person
Arrive at Ardroy at 9.30am on the first day and finish back at the centre at 4pm on the final day.
What is included?
Your open expedition includes:
Supervision and assessment, where applicable, from qualified Ardroy instructors and DofE supervisors or assessors.
Transport between the centre and the expedition start and finish locations.
Expedition equipment, including tents, stoves, fuel, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and rucksacks.
What you need to bring
Bring personal clothing and equipment appropriate to your expedition, together with your food. Use the DofE kit guidance and confirm any questions with Ardroy before arrival.
Expedition meals can be purchased from Ardroy for £5 per item, arranged in advance.
Skills days
Prepare with confidence
A skills day gives you time to develop practical abilities before your practice or qualifying expedition, whether you are completing it with Ardroy or another provider.
Sessions can cover navigation, campcraft, first aid and paddling skills. We agree the content with participants so the day focuses on what they need.
What is included?
Instruction from qualified Ardroy instructors.
Transport during the course.
Specialist equipment appropriate to the session.
Navigation, campcraft and expedition skills training.
Canoe or kayak skills and rescue training, where applicable.
Bring suitable personal clothing and equipment, a packed lunch and snacks.
Skills day: £65 per person
Combined booking price: £60 per person when booked at the same time as an Ardroy open practice or qualifying expedition.
Organising an expedition for your group?
We work with schools, youth organisations and other organised DofE groups to deliver Bronze, Silver and Gold training, practice and qualifying expeditions.
Programmes can use walking, canoeing or sea kayaking, depending on the group and expedition requirements.
Tell us your award level, participant numbers, preferred dates and the support you need. We will discuss programme options and provide a quote.
Booking and payment
For scheduled open expeditions and skills days, complete the booking form and select the dates you wish to attend.
If you are booking with friends and would like to be placed in the same group, include this in the additional information section.
Payment is due within 14 days of receiving your invoice to secure your booking. Your invoice is issued after we receive your booking form. Please check your spam folder if it has not arrived.
Course fees include a non-refundable administration charge of £10 for expeditions or £5 for skills days, shown on your invoice.
Please read the full booking terms and conditions before booking.
Ready for your next achievement?
Whether you need to build your skills, find an expedition or organise a programme for your group, talk to Ardroy about your next step.