About Us


25+

years industry knowledge

At Ardentinny Centre,

we believe that every person in the country should have the opportunity to develop their full potential through outdoor education.That’s why we have been delivering excellent, safe, accessible and affordable outdoor courses on a not-for-profit basis where all extra money goes into improving our services.

WHO ARE WE?

We’re an outdoor education centre, situated in the remote village of Ardentinny, where you, your family or group can experience and learn a wide range of challenging and exciting outdoor activities. We see the great outdoors as a place to inspire and motivate; a context for exploring and developing personality and relationships.

Different from most outdoor centres, we are a registered charity. That means that we work to give every person the possibility to enjoy the benefits of outdoor education. We do not work for profit; our only motive is to help build people’s confidence and help them realise their potential.

We are a team of experienced professionals, with an unparalleled track record of working in the outdoors, which means we guarantee you get an excellent, exciting and safe experience.

But maybe most importantly, we love what we do, and we love sharing what we do.

OUR TEAM

People are at the core of what we do, it’s why most members of our team have been with us for many years.

We’re all here to make your visit a success.

Instructors

Our skilled instructors genuinely care about each individual in their group, combining outdoor expertise with a passion for personal growth. Each group, usually no more than 10 people, is paired with one instructor for the entire visit, ensuring continuity and fostering trust. We prioritize ongoing professional development for our team.

Management

We’re here to ensure everything runs smoothly from booking to your visit. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Peter Wilson, Aidan Docherty, or Julie for any questions or issues.

Service staff

Our caretaking and housekeeping team maintains clean, comfortable accommodation, while our kitchen team provides nutritious and delicious meals.

OUR TEAM

Why choose us when planning your residential outdoor course?

Well, there are a great number of reasons why we think we are your best choice when it comes to outdoor education:

  • Real Outdoor Activities

    Our activities take place in the open countryside surrounding the centre, offering diverse experiences like rock hopping, night hiking, climbing, and canoeing, all within walking distance. Our immersive sessions last all morning and afternoon, prioritising true outdoor experiences over shorter sessions, and we have a full evening programme too.

  • One Instructor per group

    Groups of up to 10 people are paired with an experienced instructor for the duration of their visit, fostering trust, safety, and individual development.

  • One of a kind location

    Our centre is situated in a stunning location on the shores of Loch Long, surrounded by sea, mountains, lochs, and the Argyll Forest Park within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Visitors may even spot wildlife like porpoises, seals, red squirrels, or golden eagles!

    Despite its remote feel, Ardentinny is only a 90-minute drive from Glasgow. The centre was purpose-built for residential school visits, featuring well-organized dorms, ample meeting areas, a large communal eating space, two spacious drying rooms, additional rooms for workshops and evening sessions, and a comfortable staff lounge.

  • Curriculum for Excellence

    Outdoor learning is central to the Curriculum for Excellence. Our centre focuses on developing pupils into successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors.

  • Homemade Quality Food

    We serve delicious, nutritious meals tailored to maintain energy levels and support a healthy diet. With options for special dietary needs, our chefs accommodate medical or religious requirements with prior notice.

“Cumbrae Primary School would like to extend their thanks to all of the staff at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre for providing a fantastic trip! The children were challenged, supported and encouraged to push their own boundaries to achieve successes they themselves didn’t think possible. The staff were excellent and made each and every child and staff member feel at home, absolutely brilliant!

Lynne Cathcart, Cumbrae PS, Dec 2018

“Thank you for a fantastic week! The centre is set up so well to cater for all needs and offers a fantastic range of activities to develop a range of skills, delivered by enthusiastic and very knowledgeable staff. The accommodation and food are of a very high standard. As we were here the week running up to Christmas, it was a lovely touch to have the Christmas tree up and have a Christmas dinner for our final nights meal”

Ashley Bissett, Cleeves PS, Dec 2017

“Cumbrae Primary School would like to extend their thanks to all of the staff at Ardentinny Outdoor Centre for providing a fantastic trip! The children were challenged, supported and encouraged to push their own boundaries to achieve successes they themselves didn’t think possible. The staff were excellent and made each and every child and staff member feel at home, absolutely brilliant!

Lynne Cathcart, Cumbrae PS, Dec 2018

“Thank you for a fantastic week! The centre is set up so well to cater for all needs and offers a fantastic range of activities to develop a range of skills, delivered by enthusiastic and very knowledgeable staff. The accommodation and food are of a very high standard. As we were here the week running up to Christmas, it was a lovely touch to have the Christmas tree up and have a Christmas dinner for our final nights meal”

Ashley Bissett, Cleeves PS, Dec 2017

“I’m not afraid of storms,for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” - Louisa May Alcott

let’s
talk

Call 01369 810271 or Email Us info@ardentinnycentre.org.uk

TESTIMONIALS
What They Say About Us

Had amazing weekend at Ardentinny with Epilepsy Connections! Staff where lovely and where all so helpful, weren't phased atall when plans had to changed to be wheelchair friendly! Definitely recommend! 10 out of 10!

BeccaAnn McGhee

Customer

It is really fun! The thing I like about it is that it is really challenging and exciting there's gorge walking, team challenges, oriantearing, rockhoping, forest walking, search and rescue, archery and there are also night walks!!😊 the food there is lovely the instructors are really nice and I love it there I wish I could stay there even longer!

Parwinder kaur

Customer

amazing I was just there on my residential with my school I loved the dorms and the gorge walk and everything I would love to go back I recommend it to everyone.

Dark TD

Customer

Excellent location, Excellent activities lead by Excellent, experienced, fun loving, knowledgeable instructors.

Neil Jackson

Customer

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