Ramblers Scotland introduces free Out There Award for 18-26 year olds

Promotional image for Out There Award
Ramblers Scotland are advertising for young people to take part in new Out There award (Image credit: Ramblers Scotland)

Ramblers Scotland have launched a new award as part of their mission that “everyone, no matter what age or background, should have the chance to discover the joy of walking in the great outdoors”. The new Out There Award focuses on young people. The free programme kickstarts 18 to 26-year-olds’ journeys into the outdoors, learning outdoor skills, going on a challenging walk and taking part in volunteering on three-day sessions.

A recent YoungScot research shockingly showed that 25% of 11- 25 year olds rated themselves as moderately or extremely concerned about their own physical and 39% moderately or extremely concerned about their own mental wellbeing. The Out There Award has been designed give young adults the skills to plan new exciting local walks during the pandemic while safely extending their social networks and accessing the Ramblers' fantastic community of young walking groups.

“I'm so happy that I have a group to go out there,” says Flavia from Inverness, “so that I don’t need to go out on my own. As an immigrant from Brazil, after taking part in the Out There Award, I feel like I am part of the community.”

The award is split over two non-consecutive days, both with a different focus: outdoor skills, and a group challenge walk, planned and led by the group.

Each day is designed to help break down the barriers that sadly stop many young adults from enjoying the outdoors as well as the challenges we all currently face getting out there during Covid-19, while helping you meet a new network of like-minded people.

Everyone who completes the elements of the Out There Award will receive:

  • A full year of Ramblers membership, worth up to £36.60
  • A Ramblers Scotland neck buff
  • An Out There Award Certificate
  • A Ramblers Scotland tote bag
  • And 1,000 Young Scot Reward points!

You’ll also unlock access to Ramblers Scotland’s six young walking groups, made up of friendly people who love walking, social events and getting out there.

Ramblers Scotland says, “Before coronavirus, we’d already enjoyed brilliant days with enthusiastic young adults in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Tayside, Stirling, Inverness and Edinburgh and we’re hoping to continue to get Scotland’s young people out there during these uncertain times.

“We make sure we provide a welcoming and fun atmosphere for participants while adhering to socially distant learning principles. Most people don't know anyone when they turn up, so don't worry if you're signing up alone!”

The award has been made possible thanks to funding from Active Scotland and players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The Out There Award is part of the Out There campaign, which is working to make it much easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of Scotland's landscapes and world-class access rights.

Emily Woodhouse

An adventure writer based on Dartmoor, England, Emily is an active member of Mountain Rescue and a summer Mountain Leader, but loves all things adventure – before her third birthday she had lived on three continents. Founder of Intrepid magazine, she works to help break stereotypes about women in the outdoors. Her expeditions have included walking all Dartmoor’s 119 tors in a single two-week outing, cycling to Switzerland and back, and riding the Rhine from source to sea.