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Outdoor Learning &
Adventure Experiences

Our Mission

Helping young people grow and giving them the chance to achieve more than they thought possible, whatever their background.

What We Do:

Hebridean Pursuits Outdoor Learning (HPOL) is a charity based in the Scottish Highlands. Established over 30 years ago, we strive to improve the lives of young people through outdoor adventure! We believe that by creating real adventures, young people can grow and achieve more than they thought possible, whatever their background

Since our launch in 1991 (as The Roses Charitable Trust) we have worked with thousands of young people, supporting them to connect with nature in way they might not have previously. We run year-round outdoor learning adventures across Scotland’s wild coasts and mountains with activities including mountaineering, coasteering, rock climbing, and canyoning.

For many of the young people we work with, especially those facing disadvantage and challenges, these experiences are life-changing: they build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging that lasts long after they’ve gone home. All activities are designed not just for adventure, but for personal growth.

Our team of experienced instructors create a safe, supportive space where growth and change can happen naturally.

We’ve seen small but powerful shifts - a young person returning to school, rebuilding trust, or simply having fun and smiling again. Each year we see clear, lasting outcomes: greater self-confidence, better attendance at school, stronger relationships and new life aspirations.

Guiding & Instruction

Tailored outdoor guiding and instruction sessions aimed to challenge and develop skills for individuals and groups of adults.

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Youth Work

Outdoor courses for groups of disadvantaged young people, designed to build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, helping them to overcome barriers to reach their potential.

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What We Offer:

Adrenaline-packed days designed to give a taste of outdoor adventure!
Experience new activities or build on knowledge and learn new skills.

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Residentials

Our residential courses are ideal for school groups, young carers, and youth groups (to name a few options!).

A residential course typically runs for 3-5 days, based out of Glencoe. We cook, eat, live and play together for the duration of the course, learning skills and making friends!

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Bespoke Single or
Multi-day Courses

Our Single or Multi-day courses are created with you in mind! We work with you to develop a bespoke plan for an adrenaline-packed day.

Ideal for those looking to develop their skill set and experience on the mountains with one of our experienced instructors.

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Day Courses & Programmes

Not looking to stay for a residential? We offer a range of day activities and courses designed to give a taste of outdoor adventure.

Ideal for school groups, scout and guide groups, and any other youth groups. Activities include: coasteering, rock climbing, gorge walking and hill walking.

CASE STUDY

B is from a small isolated community island. She lives with her grandparents.
B has an impoverished and chaotic background, poor literacy and numeracy and is not always making the correct choices for herself or schooling. School is a chore; when she attends she walks around the perimeter and rarely goes inside.
We worked with her on five different days using outdoor activities as a vehicle to emphasise her abilities physically, and focused on positives rather than negatives, as she is constantly hearing. We used the time to discuss her personal situation; how to find a way of engaging at school and with other peer groups. She was hugely fit and capable. We coasteered, walked and climbed. Her confidence grew with each session, one to one was beneficial and she eventually started to return to school and the classroom. Small steps but large ones for her!
I hear she has been doing really well and developing friendship groups. Just walking through the school door is a major result; it’s the small, difficult to quantify, moments that can have such an impact.

Our Activities

Gorge Walking / Canyoning

Gorge Walking / Canyoning

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Rock Climbing / Abseiling

Rock Climbing / Abseiling

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Working With Disadvantaged Youth

Specialist Experience

We have specialist experience in working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. We work with young people with family caring responsibilities, facing social exclusion or living in financial deprivation. Some are in the care of social services or have turbulent and challenging home lives.

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Credentials

  • Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme
  • Instructors hold outdoor first aid certificates
  • Registered Charity
  • Child Protection Policy
  • Funding possibilities for disadvantaged groups

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Our Covid-19 Statement
We are excited to announce we will soon be recommencing our outdoor learning programs and adventure activities. We look forward to working with you all again very soon.
It has been a long and uncertain year, we know how much being in the outdoors has been missed by so many. We are really looking forward to sharing, enjoying and learning through outdoor learning again.
We continue to operate to the highest standards within governing body guidelines and our protocols remaining in place regarding Covid 19.