An exciting adventure week in the great outdoors, you will be supported by our friendly instructors, your own teachers and the rest of your group, you will experience new challenges and develop new skills, ending the week with a tremendous sense of achievement.

A range of adventurous and educational activities are available, your programme will be guided by your schools needs. Explore activities.

Your school will organise activities with help from our instructors in the evenings. Typical activities include diaries, quizzes, a night walk and a much loved last night disco.

Benmore is an activity centre, there is a distinct possibility of getting wet and muddy. The emphasis is on plenty of old clothing that you don't mind getting or dirty. Kit list guide (pdf 87kb).

A hot breakfast, homemade soup and filled rolls for lunch, with a hot meal and dessert for dinner, there is one choice for the main meal, but all dietary requirements will be met. Sample menu plan.

Your parent or guardian will fill out a consent and key information form on your behalf, allowing us to prepare and cater for individual needs, whether this is specialist equipment or food specific to your diet.

Your school will decide and let you know how much to bring. You will have the chance to visit our small souvenir shop.

We have four wings in Benmore Outdoor Centre. The Tower, The North Wing, Outer Hebrides and the Orkneys. Schools are allocated rooms depending on group size and gender split. Your school will then allocate beds. All rooms are bunk bed dorms sleeping between 6-10. Explore Accommodation.

Benmore House Accommodation Plan (70kb pdf)

You will be having too much fun to want to call home. Teachers can access the landline for emergencies and they will decide if you can call home. There is a limited mobile signal at Benmore.

Your teachers are always around as are our friendly team, if you need anything at all or are worried speak to an adult; our staff are easy to talk to and always happy to help. You will be sharing a room with your friends so you won't be alone. 

Our team are qualified to a high standard and operate with a license called AALA which means you are in safe hands.

If you are returning home to Edinburgh, you can search approved providers for ideas. Speak to your parents and teachers to discover what is in your local area or encourage your school to contact Bangholm Outdoor Centre.

Benmore Outdoor Centre aims to give individuals the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop personally through the medium of outdoor activities and adventures. For Scottish schools and colleges, we deliver many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence and for all groups we offer high-quality residential opportunities for full board Outdoor Learning courses and adventures and expeditions.

Our stunning location and comfortable accommodation combined with highly qualified instructors, proficient in a broad range of outdoor activities, who will get to know and understand each child - their abilities and aspirations. And, in the main, they will have a dedicated instructor to work with them throughout their entire stay to really make the most of their experience.

This depends on what type, of course, the school have booked, all courses are specific to school needs and tailored to meet certain areas of the curriculum. Explore Activities Explore courses

Benmore is an activity centre, and there is a distinct possibility of getting wet and muddy. The emphasis is on old clothing you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Guide Kit list (pdf 87kb).

A hot breakfast, homemade soup and filled rolls for lunch followed by a hot meal and dessert for dinner. There is one meal choice each evening but all dietary requirements are met. Benmore sample menu

We have four wings in Benmore Outdoor Centre; the Tower, the North Wing, Outer Hebrides and the Orkneys. Schools are allocated rooms depending on group size and gender split. Your school will allocate rooms and beds. All rooms are bunked dorms sleeping between 6-10. Explore accommodation.

The group leader and instructors will work together to support your child to ensure they get the attention needed. Our instructors are experienced and first aid trained. We have a good relationship with the local GP surgery who we can call on for advice and emergency appointments. The local hospital is 15 minutes drive. The school group leader will liaise with parents where needed.

There is wheelchair access throughout the ground floor, we have one ground floor bedroom with disabled shower and toilet facilities. Over the years Benmore has provided activity courses for a great range of customers, and we like to think we are flexible and experienced enough to deal with almost anything. We pride ourselves in providing challenging courses for children and adults of all abilities. We can cater for various diets requirements and food allergies as long as we have prior notice.

The school agreed to terms and conditions at the time of booking. Contact the school to discuss the cancellation.

Please discuss options such as payment plans with your school. You will find some helpful information here Every Child, Every Chance.

Contact from, or to a parent or guardian is always available in the event of an emergency. However, we find that the experience is enhanced for children if they don’t have regular contact with home. Building resilience and independence is part of our ethos. However, it is the teacher's decision. Many schools keep parents informed via school blog and social media.

Please discuss this with the school; there is a small souvenir shop on site. £5 - £10 is the average spend.

Benmore is licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) which monitors safety and good practice amongst providers of outdoor activities. Benmore was the first provider in Britain to be inspected and granted a licence. Benmore is licensed to provide the following activities: climbing, caving, watersports, hill walking, mountaineering, abseiling, gorge scrambling, mountain biking. All our minibuses are regularly serviced, have forward-facing seats and are fitted with seat belts. All senior management and instructors hold a current first aid certificate. Copies of our operational procedures and activity risk assessments are available on request. 

Benmore Outdoor Centre does not organise travel and personal accident insurance for your child. Your school should provide information as to whether they have arranged travel and personal accident insurance. All City of Edinburgh Council groups are required to organise travel and personal accident insurance for visits to Benmore. For non-City of Edinburgh Council groups, you will need to speak to the school or group for additional information.

Benmore Outdoor Centre aims to give individuals the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop personally through the medium of outdoor activities and adventures. For Scottish schools and colleges, we deliver many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence and for all groups we offer high-quality residential opportunities for full board Outdoor Learning courses and adventures and expeditions.

Our stunning location and comfortable accommodation combine with highly qualified instructors, proficient in a broad range of outdoor activities, who will get to know and understand each child - their abilities and aspirations. And, in the main, they will have a dedicated instructor to work with them throughout their entire stay to really make the most of their experience.

You will be sleeping in a teacher accommodation, these rooms are twin bedded, en-suite. Explore accommodation.

Dependant on the activity between 1:8 to 1:12

We have a maximum pupil capacity of 110 and 17 staff beds.

Please contact the Centre for a quote.  At times we can offer shorter weeks, or the option to share a week with a partner school for two nights each.  You can also check out our late availability. 

Activities depend on what you want to achieve for the group. Explore activities. Courses are specific to school needs and tailored to meet certain areas of the curriculum. Explore courses

Benmore is an activity centre, and there is a distinct possibility of getting wet and muddy. The emphasis is on plenty of old clothing that can get wet and dirty. Guide Kit list (pdf 87kb).

Residentials are filled with opportunities to deliver CforE outcomes. In order to maximise the benefits of your experience please contact the Centre’s Operations Manager to discuss your needs. Curriculum for Excellence Through Outdoor Learning Residential Experiences (pdf 110kb).

Indeed, we have many testimonials and references available upon request; please contact the Facility Coordinator who can direct you to the most relevant contact.

The instructors will support the group leader and visiting staff. Our instructors are experienced and first aid trained. We have a good relationship with the local GP surgery who we can call on for advice and an emergency appointment. The local hospital is a 15 minutes drive. The school group leader should liaise with parents where required.

To check availability and make a booking enquiry submit a residential enquiry or call 01369 706 337

You will lead on evening activities, you can work with our duty instructor on arrival to coordinate evening activities. Options include night walk, diaries, quizzes, a scavenger hunt and the much loved last night disco.

A Benmore staff member is on duty overnight.

Please contact Benmore Outdoor Centre to discuss benmore@experienceoutdoors.org.uk

Benmore Outdoor Centre is accessible via The Benmore Botanic Gardens car park. For Sat Nav use postcode PA23 8QU.

There are two approaches to Benmore Outdoor Education Centre.

Via the Clyde Ferries
Follow the M8, then the A8 from Glasgow to Greenock and thence to Gourock. Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferries sail from Gourock Pier to Dunoon. Alternatively, drive 2 miles further westwards and take the more frequent Western Ferries from McInroy’s Point to Hunter’s Quay by Dunoon. Follow the A815 northwards towards Glasgow (by road). Eight miles north of Dunoon watch out for signs for Benmore Botanic Garden. Enter the car park and cross the bridge on the far side (marked PRIVATE). Use this sketch map to navigate to the Centre which is the large house set in the middle of the gardens.

Via Loch Lomond and Arrochar
From Glasgow take the A82 signposted to Dumbarton and Crianlarich. It is also possible to take the M8 to the Erskine Bridge, turning north over the Clyde to join the A82 to Dumbarton. Follow the A82 alongside Loch Lomond to Tarbert, and then take the A83 to Arrochar and then up over the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. Eleven miles from Arrochar, turn off left along the A815, signposted to Dunoon. The road runs along Loch Fyne to Strachur and then turns south along Loch Eck. Approximately half a mile past the end of Loch Eck is Stratheck Caravan Park. Continue for a further half mile and then turn right into the grounds through the car park. Use this sketch map to navigate to the Centre which is the large house set in the middle of the Gardens.

You will receive a booking confirmation at the time of booking, within six months of arrival you will receive course information and documentation with further instructions.

The majority of activities are offsite at Benmore.

We provide all on course transport to off-site activities.

We welcome this, if you would like to visit us and meet the team this can easily be arranged by contacting benmore@experienceoutdoors.org.uk or call 01369 706 337.

Our standard week residential arrival is 1.30 pm on Monday. Our standard departure time is 10 am on a Friday after having breakfast. If you would like to tailor your visit arrival and departure please advise at the time of booking.

From eight years and above.

Benmore is licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) which monitors safety and good practice amongst providers of outdoor activities. Benmore was the first provider in Britain to be inspected and granted a licence. Benmore is licensed to provide the following activities: climbing, caving, watersports, hill walking, mountaineering, abseiling, gorge scrambling, mountain biking. All our minibuses are regularly serviced, have forward-facing seats and are fitted with seat belts. All senior management and instructors hold a current first-aid certificate. Copies of our operational procedures and activity risk assessments are available on request. 

Benmore Outdoor Centre recommends you organise adequate travel and personal accident insurance for each member of the group. City of Edinburgh Council groups should consult the latest advice in the Excursions Policy. Non-City of Edinburgh groups should follow their employer guidance.

City of Edinburgh Council’s insurance arrangements includes Public Liability. The policy caters for the Council’s legal liability for the accidental death of or bodily injury or disease to any third party and damage to third party property.

An exciting adventure week in the great outdoors, you will be supported by our friendly instructors, your own teachers and the rest of your group, you will experience new challenges and develop new skills, ending the week with a tremendous sense of achievement.

A range of adventurous and educational activities are available, your programme will be guided by your schools needs. Explore activities.

Your school will organise evening activities with our instructors, some schools will book outside activities providers.

We supply the specialised kit and equipment and provide a list of suggested items and clothing for you to bring. You mainly need comfortable clothing and footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. We have a stock of kit if you forget or don’t have some items. Please discuss with your teacher or contact Bangholm Outdoor Centre Lagganlia suggested kit list(pdf 145kb).

You will be active and need to eat up for energy. Breakfast is usually a hot roll, lunch is normally a packed lunch and evening meals are a choice of hot dinners plus a starter or dessert, we have a very popular salad bar and snacks and juice are available throughout the day. sample menu (pdf 179kb).

Your parent or guardian will complete a key information and consent form for you, we will be able to prepare in advance to meet your needs

You will have the chance to visit our small souvenir and gift shop on site. Your school will decide if you should bring money and how much to bring.

There is one big main house called An Taigh Mor, and five different lodges called Anderson, Hillend, Caerketton, Sgorans and Ptarmigan. They are all very close to each other. Most beds are bunks and rooms mostly sleep four to six. Your school will decide where you are staying and who you share a room with. Explore accommodation.

Lagganlia site map and room layouts:

Lagganlia centre sitemap (506kb pdf)

Main house ground floor (170kb pdf)

Main house upper floor rooms (140kb pdf)

Anderson lodge floor plan (73kb pdf)

Caerketton lodge floor plan (133kb pdf)

Hillend lodge floor plan (31kb pdf)

Ptarmigan lodge floor plan (23kb pdf)

Sgorans lodge floor plan (66kb pdf)

You will be having too much fun to want to call home. There is a payphone on site which takes 20 pences. Your teachers have access to a landline in the main building. Your school will decide if you should call home.

Your teachers are always around as are our friendly team, if you need anything at all or are worried in any way speak to an adult. Our team are easy to talk to and always happy to help.You will be sharing a room with your friends so you won't be alone.

All of our staff are qualified to a high standard, we operate with a licence called AALA which means you are in safe hands.

If you are returning home to Edinburgh, you can search for a list of approved providers. Speak to your teachers and parents to find out what is in your local area and encourage your school to contact Bangholm Outdoor Centre.

Lagganlia Outdoor Centre aims to give individuals the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop personally through the medium of outdoor activities and adventures. For Scottish schools and colleges, we deliver many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence and for all groups we offer high-quality residential opportunities for full board Outdoor Learning courses and adventures and expeditions. Our stunning location and comfortable accommodation combined with highly qualified instructors, proficient in a broad range of outdoor activities, who will get to know and understand each child - their abilities and aspirations. And, in the main, they will have a dedicated instructor to work with them throughout their entire stay to really make the most of their experience.

This depends on what type, of course, the school have booked, all courses are specific to school needs and tailored to meet certain areas of the curriculum. Explore Activities Explore courses

We supply the specialised kit and provide a list of suggested items. Mainly, comfortable clothing and footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. We have a stock of items if needed. Please discuss with your teacher. suggested kit list(pdf 145kb).

Lagganlia provides a hot cooked breakfast roll every morning with a continental option. Lunch is a packed lunch to take on activities which is a filled roll, cheese, crackers, crisps and fruit. Dinner is either a starter and main or main and dessert option. The food is nutritious, and the menu changes seasonally. We have a very popular salad bar. Diluting juice, hot chocolate and snacks are provided throughout the day. Please ensure your child brings a water bottle/flask. sample menu (179 kb). If your child has any dietary requirements, please inform us of the consent form so we can cater to their dietary needs.

There is one big main building called An Taigh Mor, and five different lodges called Anderson, Hillend, Caerketton, Sgorans and Ptarmigan. They are all very close to each other. We allocate accommodation based on group size and needs, your school will decide on room allocation. Explore accommodation

The school group leader and instructors will work together to support your child. Our instructors are first aid trained and experienced. We have a good relationship with the local GP surgery who we can call for advice and an emergency appointment if needed. The local A&E is 15 minutes drive. The school group leader or staff member will liaise with parents if needed.

You will need to complete key information and consent for your child, we are able to prepare in advance to meet individual needs.

The school agreed to Terms and Conditions at the time of bookings. Contact the school to discuss.

Please discuss this with your child's school, they may be able to set up a payment plan or could apply to the friends of Lagganlia charity on your behalf. You will also find some helpful information on Every Child, Every Chance

Contact from or to a parent or guardian is always available in the event of an emergency. However, we find that the experience is enhanced for the children if they don’t have regular contact with home. Building resilience and independence is part of our ethos, however, this is your school's decision. The Lagganlia office is staffed 9 am to 5 pm and the teachers have access to a phone 24 hours a day. Most schools keep parents informed via school blog or social media.

Please discuss this with the school, there is a little souvenir shop on site. £5 - £10 is the average spend.

Lagganlia is licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority AALA which monitors safety and good practice amongst providers of outdoor activities. All our minibuses are regularly serviced, have forward-facing seats and are fitted with seat belts. All senior management and instructors hold a current first-aid certificate. Copies of our operational procedures and activity risk assessments are available on request.

Lagganlia Outdoor Centre does not organise travel and personal accident insurance for your child. Your school should provide information as to whether they have arranged travel and personal accident insurance. All City of Edinburgh Council groups is required to organise travel and personal accident insurance for visits to Lagganlia. For non-City of Edinburgh Council groups, you will need to speak to the school or group for additional information.

Lagganlia Outdoor Centre aims to give individuals the opportunity to grow in confidence and develop personally through the medium of outdoor activities and adventures. For Scottish schools and colleges, we deliver many aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence and for all groups we offer high-quality residential opportunities for full board Outdoor Learning courses and adventures and expeditions.

Our stunning location and comfortable accommodation combined with highly qualified instructors, proficient in a broad range of outdoor activities, who will get to know and understand each child - their abilities and aspirations. And, in the main, they will have a dedicated instructor to work with them throughout their entire stay to really make the most of their experience.

There are teachers room in the lodge or main house either twin or single rooms. Lagganlia site map and room layout:

Lagganlia centre sitemap (506kb pdf)

Main house ground floor (170kb pdf)

Main house upper floor rooms (140kb pdf)

Anderson lodge floor plan (73kb pdf)

Caerketton lodge floor plan (133kb pdf)

Hillend lodge floor plan (31kb pdf)

Ptarmigan lodge floor plan (23kb pdf)

Sgorans lodge floor plan (66kb pdf)

Dependant on the activity between 1:8 to 1:12

150 beds including all lodges and 12 camping pods

The cost depends on many factors - self-catering or catered, how many nights, how many pupils. Please contact the centre for a quote. You can also check out our late availability. 

Activities depend on what you want to achieve for the group. Explore activities. Courses are specific to school needs and tailored to meet certain areas of the curriculum. Explore courses

We supply specialised kit and provide a list of suggested kit for pupils. They mainly need comfortable clothing and footwear that can get wet and dirty. We have a stock of kit on-site if any of your group forget to bring anything. If any of your pupils need any kit in advance of arrival please contact us or Bangholm Outdoor Centre suggested kit list(pdf 145kb).

Residentials are filled with opportunities to deliver CforE outcomes. In order to maximise the benefits of your experience please contact the Centre’s Operations Manager to discuss your needs. Curriculum for Excellence Through Outdoor Learning Residential Experiences (pdf 110kb).

Indeed, we have many testimonials and references available upon request; please contact the Facility Coordinator who can direct you to the most relevant contact.

The local GP surgery is in Aviemore 9 miles away, the hospital in Inverness is 35 miles away. Lagganlia instructors and management staff are all first aid trained and will support you should the need arise.

To check availability and make a booking enquiry submit a residential enquiry or call 01540 651 265

We can arrange evening activities with our instructors, and there is a list of outside activities providers for self-arranged options

The student instruction team are onsite in Carnethy lodge overnight, an on-call officer is contactable on the emergency mobile.

Please discuss this with the child's family as they might be able to apply to the friends of Lagganlia charity on your behalf. You will also find some helpful information on Every Child, Every Chance page.

You will receive a booking confirmation at the time of reservation. Course information and documentation will be sent six months before arrival with further instructions.

The majority of activities are offsite using the natural wonders of Cairngorms. We have a dry ski slope, archery range and high ropes course on site.

On course transportation is included. We can also organise transport from or to a local train or bus station with prior arrangement.

Yes we welcome this, please contact the centre to organise a visit. info@lagganlia.com or 01540 651 265

Monday arrival is usually lunchtime between 12 and 1 pm, Friday departure is usually 10 am. If you have booked half-day activities on Friday, then the departure time is 1 pm.

For eight years and above.

Lagganlia is licensed with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) which monitors safety and good practice amongst providers of outdoor activities. All our minibuses are regularly serviced, have forward-facing seats and are fitted with seat belts. All senior management and instructors hold a current first-aid certificate. Copies of our operational procedures and activity risk assessments are available on request.

Lagganlia Outdoor Centre recommends you organise adequate travel and personal accident insurance for each member of the group. The City of Edinburgh Council groups should consult the latest advice in the Excursions Policy. Non-City of Edinburgh groups should follow their employer guidance.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s insurance arrangements includes Public Liability insurance. The policy caters for the Council’s legal liability for the accidental death of or bodily injury or disease to any third party and damage to third party property.