Ramblers Scotland Out There Award

Why this award?

The free Out There Award is a development programme for 18-26 year olds that teaches basic skills to enable them to enjoy the outdoors and introduces like-minded young people to a network of other young walkers. The Out There Award will kick-start your journey into the outdoors while helping you meet other young walkers, learn skills and have fun along the way. 

The award is managed and delivered by Ramblers Scotland and joint funded by Scottish Government and the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. 

The award responds to research commissioned by Ramblers Scotland in 2018 that concluded the 2 main reasons for young adults not accessing the outdoors was:

• Lack of knowledge about where they can walk
• Lack of like-minded people to walk with

The Out There Award was launched in 2019 and is now delivered to cohorts of up to 8 young adults at locations across Scotland.  Each participant attends a 2-day experience led by a qualified outdoor instructor: 

Whether you’re interested in getting the skills to go Munro bagging, 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. Then on day two you will enjoy a group exploring walk, led by you and your fellow participants. In a friendly environment, we’ll cover the basic skills needed to begin to enjoy great days outdoors, safely. This will include:

• 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

Everyone who completes the award gets: 

• A year of Ramblers membership worth £38.50
• A Ramblers starter pack, crammed full of navigation and safety essentials worth £26

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

Additionally, upon completion participants gain access to the Out There Award Plus, an intro to responsible camping weekend. They are also eligible to apply for our year long Ambassador Scheme where they develop their outdoor skills further and work towards outdoor qualifications. Both are also free.

See Case Studies:

Out There Award on film 

Empowering young people to get outdoors: Out There Award

Young adults giving back to Scotland's nature on the Out There Award Plus 

Learning how to camp responsibly: Ramblers Scotland's Out There Award Plus

Who is it for?

Young people in Scotland aged 18 to 26 with an interest in walking and a wish to develop safe practice in the outdoors.

What time commitment is required?

2 days. 

Day 1 – Skills Day. 

Day 2 – Exploring Day

All participants receive 1-year free membership to the Ramblers and an introduction to their local young walking group as well as an award certificate upon completion.  

Is the award externally accredited?

The award is managed by Ramblers Scotland. It is not externally accredited. All participants receive an Out There Award upon completion of the full programme. If you participate you achieve the award There is no assessment element of the award.