Learn skills and meet young walkers 

If you’re aged 18-26, Ramblers Scotland’s Out There Award will kick-start your journey into the outdoors while helping you meet other young walkers and learn skills. The award has been co-designed by participants to be fun, free and inclusive. 
 
Whether you’re interested in getting the skills you need to start exploring, making some new mates or simply improving your health through gentler walks, this free two-day award scheme is for everyone, regardless of your background, experience, location or budget.
 
Day one offers basic training in outdoor skills, where you’ll get to discover a new local walk. Then on day two you will enjoy a group exploring walk. Both days are led by qualified staff, who will bring the learning to life.

Everyone who completes the award gets: 

• A year of Ramblers membership worth £41
• A Ramblers starter pack, crammed full of navigation and safety essentials worth £26
• A signed certificate

When you’ve completed the Award, we’ll help you meet friendly local Young Walkers’ groups, using your free Ramblers membership. 

You’ll also get access to the Out There Award Plus, which involves two days of volunteering and a night's introduction to camping. If you’ve not got a tent, don’t worry! We’ve all the kit you need to get involved.

You could even apply to the Ambassador Scheme, a free year-long training programme designed to give you chances to work towards outdoor qualifications and to inspire the next generation of walkers. 

Day one: outdoor skills 

In a friendly and welcoming environment, we’ll cover the basic skills needed to begin to enjoy great days outdoors, safely. If you’ve never touched a map before or are wanting to sharpen your skills then Out There Award is the place for you.

Our syllabus includes: 

• How to be a self-sufficient walker 

• How to safely plan a walk 

• Your access rights and responsibilities 

• Outdoor equipment and clothing 

• What food and drink to carry 

• Core introductory navigation skills for using maps

• Intro Compass skills 

• Staying safe when you're out and about

We offer free participant packs and use venues near residential areas and public transport, so you can attend without owning a car or specialist outdoor gear.

Day two: group exploring walk 

Day two is all about putting your new skills into practice while exploring an amazing local walk. 

We’ll continue to introduce new skills, so that at the end of the two days you’ll have a broad understanding of how to plan awesome walks and navigate around them. You’ll have the free equipment you need to carry on practicing these skills after the award. 

Most importantly, we want you to feel confident and inspired to continue your journey #OutThere in Scotland. 

To see more of what the award looks like follow us on Instagram and Twitter. 

Training for young adult groups 

We’re also interested in running award schemes for existing groups and organisations. 

If you attend, or work with, groups of 18 to 26-year-old's and fancy getting involved, please get in touch to arrange a free bespoke Out There Award.  

The award is made possible thanks to support from Active Scotland and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.