WATCH: Young north-east adults offered outdoor skills training
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Ramblers Scotland’s free Out There Award training scheme returns this spring, with 30 events aimed at breaking down barriers to Scotland’s outdoors.
Since 2019, the Out There Award has offered young adults the chance to gain introductory skills, learn about responsible access and enjoy walks with like-minded young adults.
Award events have a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. They aim to appeal to people of all backgrounds and to help diversify participation in walking.
Anyone aged 18 to 26 can register for two-day events at 11 easy-to-reach locations from April to October.
The north-east events will be held on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21; Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30; Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11; and Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen.
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 also be held in Dumfries, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, Hamilton, Galashiels, Inverness and Stirling.
Last year, 103 people completed the award, with 100 per cent saying they would recommend it to others.
Participant 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 a 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 per cent of Scottish communities, compared with the most deprived 20 per cent.
Ramblers Scotland wants the Out There Award to help break down barriers to the outdoors.
Of last year’s 103 participants:
- 39 per cent were from minority ethnic communities.
- 32 per cent LGBTQI+.
- 22 per cent had a disability.
- 16 per cent 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.
