NSC Outdoor Adventures

Activities    Training    Expeditions    Cateran Trail

Linear expeditions

Examples of expeditions we can provide are listed below.  In all of these we can cater for up to 10 clients and that includes transport with the leader to and from a central location.  This means we do not need to move a fleet of cars and drivers, which reduces our carbon footprint significantly.  And of course allows you to take part in a linear walk without car worries.  Each of the high level routes (or those over 20km) can be done over 2 days if you are prepared to camp out, but that would be done in smaller groups.  There are other variations such as combining Lairig Ghru with Inverey to make a 3 or even 4 day expedition.  For costs and other queries please contact us.  For all of these A to B walks we can transport you to the start and return you from the finish.  The times quoted are estimates based on experience of group walking and include meal breaks.  While we have scheduled the 3 sections of the Cateran Trail that we feel are the most interesting, the complete round can be tailored to suit.

All of these routes are a small snapshot of what is available in this area of Scotland, they can all be adapted, extended or shortened depending on your own requirements.  Each route is described from one direction, it is of course possible to follow the route the other way round.  They are all

Where shown the Ascent indicates the overall amount of going upwards across the whole route, and does not indicate the maximum height above sea level that is reached.  Distances are as measured on a flat map.  The Timings are based on a speed of 3.5 to 4km/h and include an allowance for stops.  Finish times or durations are not prescriptive and within reason clients can take as long as they like.  A more detailed description of each route can be found by clicking on its name.  For an explanation of the difficulty ratings visit the gradings page.

Expedition fees start from £160 per day for up to 3 clients, up to a maximum of 10 in the party.

Training

Navigation Award

Introduction to mapping module (between 4 and 6 clients at £30 each)

Bronze training and assessment 2 days (between 4 and  6 clients at £70 each) 

Silver training and assessment 2 days (between 4 and  6 clients at £70 each)

Gold Training 2 days (between 4 and  6 clients at £70 each)

Introduction to Wild Camping, on a short expedition find out what it is like to get into the real outdoors on foot and survive a night (from £200 per overnight session for 3 clients, plus £35 per additional person up to a maximum of 6).  Professional standard equipment is available for hire, which is probably a good idea before you decide to invest in your own gear.

Summer Hill skills, including steep ground, wild camping, and navigation (from £160 per day for 3 clients, plus £35 per additional person up to a maximum of 6).

Winter Hill skills, use of crampons, ice-axe, steep ground, snow holing/emergency shelters, and navigation (from £180 per day for 2 clients, plus £40 per additional person up to a maximum of 6).  Depending on suitable weather conditions there may be some significant travelling involved, requiring early starts or late finishes, possibly overnight.  Ice axe and crampons are available if you do not have your own, though a good 4 season boot is necessary.  Overnight snow-holing is not undertaken unless conditions are suitable.

For all the training sessions you will need to bring your own personal equipment (see kit list).

We have programmed 27/28 March and 3/4 April as winter training weekends for early 2010, other dates by arrangement, please contact us for details.

As clients will tend to have different standards of experience we can tailor your training to suit your needs.  Most of the subject matter can be gone over in a single day, though this is not recommended as there will possibly be too much to take in, especially if there are new physical skills involved.  The best way of establishing what you want is to contact us in advance and have a discussion.  Unless a client wants otherwise, this training will be undertaken on a hill-journey so you can have an enjoyable and challenging walk at the same time as learning or enhancing skills.