Limited spaces left for Arran Outdoor Education Centre
Arran Outdoor Education Centre have had an incredibly busy start to the 2026-2027 period and as such the team have announced today that they now only have limited spaces left for November and December 2026 - with all remaining spaces now filled between now and summer 2027.
Book now!
To create an expression of interest for your preferred residential dates, check out the online booking form.
The Arran Outdoor Education Centre courses can be centred around the following themes:
- Health and Wellbeing course with activities
- Leadership or Teambuilding course
- Integrated supported study and activities
- Environmental science, geography and and biology field work courses
The Arran Outdoor Education Centre team also run national governing body awards during these courses such as Paddle UKs Paddle Start, The National Outdoor Learning Discover Award and Cycling Scotland’s Go Mountain Bike Award.
Courses can be delivered through the week or weekends and can be split over half week’s for larger groups (over 45 participants).
Arran Outdoor Education Centre experiences
The Arran Outdoor Education Centre team are proud to offer outdoor learning experiences to NAC pupils and our Centre offers the ultimate environment to awaken young people to see first-hand the impacts of climate change, get up close to nature on land and at sea and confront them to think about meaningful actions they can take to become more resilient citizens and prevent nature loss and reduce their carbon footprint.
The team – who are part of the council’s Community Learning and Development team – have welcomed over 2,000 people to stay at North Ayrshire’s purpose-built outdoor education centre over the past year.
Guests have been able to take part in a host of action-packed adventures including:
- Delivery of Paddle UKs Paddle start award
- Snorkelling sessions within Lamlash bay No take zone (taking place in summertime only)
- Expedition campsite on the centre grounds for Duke of Edinburgh and other groups
- Hillwalking, nature walks, cycling and mountain biking
- Abseiling, orienteering and outdoor survival skills
- Boat trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, gorge walking, exploring caves
- Residential accommodation and hot meals in award-winning facilities
- Learning sessions on mental resilience, wellbeing, biodiversity and conservation
The unique outdoor learning that we can provide is a brilliant example of how we are championing the Council’s Wellbeing Priority to provide children and young people with learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom to improve attainment and boost wellbeing.
Changing perceptions about the best time of year to visit is also key on the agenda for the busy team who are keen to fill the November and December spaces.
Martin Wood Team Leader, Arran Outdoor Education Centre shares: “Sometimes when people think about residential trips, they imagine being part of the action in the popular spring and summer months BUT autumn winter trips have benefits too, like nocturnal nature sessions, water sports on our nearby Loch and stargazing to name a few...
"The team have been working hard to develop a wide range of new winter activities including winter watersports like canoeing, an onsite gorge walk and boat trips to the Holy Isle. This is why we are calling on our schools or community groups to book now and avoid missing out!
"Ultimately through our outdoor learning experiences without phones or tablets, we can provide an energising reset to the young people and adults who visit us.
“Supporting them every step of the way, we are working alongside our visiting pupils to build confidence and boost wellbeing via quality time spent learning outdoors where they can be courageous, set goals and making meaningful and lifelong connections on the island that we love. We can guarantee that you’ll all have fun and an educational experience to remember!"
The Centre has all the equipment and protective outerwear to keep you sheltered when the blustery Scottish weather strikes AND the longer nights and shorter days of the winter months make for amazing outdoor learning opportunities in the evening too including nocturnal walks and hikes, stargazing and detecting animals like owls and bats!
Feedback from a local teacher attending last November: "We noticed a positive difference in the winter program this year. It was great that the weather did not stop the group being able to experience water sports. It is really beneficial for us to know this going forward, to pass on to future groups and bust the myth about the winter program consisting of only walking."
With a January attendee sharing: "A fantastic experience. All children should experience the residential trip to the centre. It was fantastic and everyone made some amazing memories. The children were able to brave new challenges and feel a sense of achievement as they overcame their fears. Thank you for everything."
If you want to plan a residential course, why not book up now using the new online booking form.
The form will take no longer than 10mins to complete then a member of the team will be in touch directly to confirm the booking and discuss deposit options.
Published May 18, 2026
