Adventures in the Scottish Islands (West)

Challenges might include climbing, snorkelling, raft building, and an overnight camping expedition. A key aspect of the residential will be your conservation day, where you will conduct work to conserve an area on the isle of Cumbrae.

Our residentials also give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. These types of skills help across many areas of life and are particularly good for including in job or education applications. Here are some of the skills that are likely to be covered in this residential:

• Communicating with others
• Working as a team
• Managing your time
• Taking the lead
• Resilience
• Reliability
• Keeping focused
• Decision making

The course is suitable for a Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold residential. As part of this residential you will also be able to gain the John Muir Discovery Award.

If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.

Example Timetable

Day 1
Arrive-1200
Team building, ice-breaker, Conservation work – beach-clean.

We learn about the natural and cultural heritage of Great Cumbrae and the Clyde

Day 2
Snorkeling – an introduction session in Kames bay, even for a pure beginner an achievable start in fascinating world underwater.
Invasive species – conservation management – we try to help the island to get rid of some unwanted guests – several plant species have spread out and affect local biodiversity.
Rock Climbing and archery – irrespective whether you are novice or experienced, our natural rock climbing wall provides challenges for all levels. 

Day 3
We will travel to Bute Island via ferry to Rothesay and by bus to Kilchattan Bay. We explore the south peninsula and setup the camp on the west side at Stravanan Bay. The terrain is rocky and sandy beaches, some moorland tracks. Distance about 10km.

Day 4
We hike the West Island Way north to Rothesay across the central part of Bute island. Distance about 13-14km. We return to Millport via minibus and ferry, recover and after dinner we are ready for the next activity!
Mammal trapping – we explore the rodent species that use different habitats in and around the centre.

Day 5
Mammal trapping, check of traps, then Raft building – great fun on the water and maybe in the water!
Final review - Reflection

• 
  Expert Tuition
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  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
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  In Course Transport
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  Lunch

Tents and camping equipment need to be brought by the participants.