Set beneath the vast skies of the Cairngorms, this two‑day wild camping experience is designed to give young people and adults alike the skills and confidence to head out on their own adventures. Across two relaxed but immersive days, you’ll learn campcraft, safety, and practical navigation — everything from pitching a tent and using a stove, to reading a map and taking a bearing. Guided by local, qualified leaders, this is an ideal introduction to Scotland’s spectacular wild spaces.
The adventure
Join your guide and a small group of fellow adventurers for a hands‑on introduction to wild camping and navigation in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. You’ll start and finish in Aviemore, using a gentle route that showcases woodland, moorland and river scenery while offering plenty of learning opportunities. Each session builds confidence — from the basics of packing and route planning to finding your way confidently on the hill.
Your guide will weave practical lessons into the journey itself, combining steady walking with real‑world navigation tasks and campcraft challenges. Expect to finish the course not only with new skills but with a deeper appreciation of how to camp responsibly and enjoy wild places safely and sustainably.
Who is it for?
This trip is ideal for young people (aged 15-18) and adults who want to build confidence in the outdoors in a safe, supportive environment. No previous camping experience is required — just a willingness to learn and get involved. Whether you’re preparing for future expeditions, Duke of Edinburgh, or simply want to explore Scotland’s wild spaces more independently, this course is a perfect foundation.
By the end of the trip, participants will be able to:
Pack and carry the right equipment for wild camping.
Choose safe, low‑impact camp spots.
Navigate confidently using map and compass.
Cook simple meals outdoors safely.
Apply Leave No Trace and minimal‑impact principles.
Work effectively as a team in the outdoors.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet your guide at the Explorer Café in Aviemore at 9:00am for introductions, safety briefing and kit checks. The morning focuses on essential outdoor skills: Leave No Trace principles, kit setup, and map basics.
After lunch, you’ll put compass skills into practice on a short navigation loop before hiking around 8km to a nearby wild camp location. Here you’ll learn water collection and purification, tent pitching, stove use and outdoor cooking. After dinner, optional team activities or a simple night-navigation exercise wrap up the evening beneath the stars.
Overnight: Wild camp in the Cairngorms
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Enjoy breakfast in camp before learning intermediate map and compass techniques: resection, contours, route choice and pacing. The group will take turns leading short navigation legs under guidance, covering up to 9km over mixed terrain.
The day ends with scenario-based challenges such as changing weather or route decisions, finishing the journey back towards Aviemore by around 16:00 for a course review and debrief.
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The trip starts and finishes in Aviemore, meeting at the Explorer Café (NH 89456 12811)in the Tiso outdoor store, an easy walk from the train station.
By train: Aviemore is on the mainline between Edinburgh, Inverness and Perth with direct services from Glasgow and London.
By car: Aviemore lies just off the A9, around 35 minutes from Inverness and 2.5 hours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Parking is available near the meeting point.
By air: The nearest airport is Inverness, roughly 45 minutes by car or train.
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Group size: Small groups of no more than six, keeping things personal and relaxed.
Guides: Experienced, local instructors who know the Cairngorms inside out, with a passion for safe and inclusive learning in the outdoors.
Fitness: Expect two days of steady walking carrying a light pack. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking over mixed terrain for several hours a day.
Flexibility: Routes and camp locations may vary depending on weather, conditions and group ability — always keeping safety, learning and enjoyment at the heart of the experience.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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To make sure your trip is as comfortable, safe and memorable as possible, we’ve hand-picked a shortlist of tents, sleeping bags and pads that stand up to the unique demands of Dartmoor — from the tough terrain to the famously unpredictable weather.
All our selections are based on countless hours of testing and the expert opinions of our members.
Here’s what we provide for your trip:
A premium, specialist two-person tent, lightweight yet tough, chosen specifically for wild camping in these conditions. If you want tindividual temts please reach out after booking and we can give you one each.
Two sleeping bags rated for the expected temperatures. If you know you sleep particularly cold, just let us know — we’ll make sure you have an even warmer option.
Sleeping bag liners. All participants are required to use a liner to keep our bags fresh and clean.
Warm, high-quality inflatable sleeping mats, designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible on the hill.
Pillows and pillow cases, because even under the stars, a bit of comfort goes a long way.
It’s gear we’d happily trust on our own adventures — so you can focus on soaking up the mountains.
We can also supply a backpacking bag if required just let us know with your booking - dependent on availability.
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
3 pairs of socks (2 for walking, 1 spare)
Sufficient underwear
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Warm layers for the evening — it gets chilly once you stop moving
Appropriate clothing for a day and a half in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
60L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Water filter
Stove & gas (we recommend a small 100g gas canister, easily bought at the start point)
Cooking pot, mug & cutlery
Food waste bag (to carry out all rubbish, including scraps)
Lighter/matches
Food & drink
Sufficient food for an overnighter, including:
1 evening meal
1 breakfast
Snacks
Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Toileting
Trowel
Toilet paper / wet wipes
Hand gel
Plastic bags to carry used paper/wipes
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will be in touch in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
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You’ll need to be fit enough to manage a 9km hike carrying around 18kg over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but a good level of fitness is essential for this adventure.
We’ve got several stunning routes to choose from, and on the day your Leader will pick the best option based on the weather (some spots are better in certain wind directions or conditions).
About your Guide
Antony – Qualified Mountain Leader
Antony is an Expedition Leader, Outdoor Sports Professional and Safety Management Coordinator, His passion for the outdoors began at a young age and throughout his career he has guided groups of all skill levels through a variety of extreme outdoor terrains. His specialism is in delivering memorable, remarkable and safe multi-day expeditions to clients who have had limited exposure to these dynamic landscapes. Currently, Antony is delivering the Outdoor Learning syllabus at Concord College and is working as a Route Manager for Ultra Trail Mont Blanc alongside other Ultra Marathon experience providers as a Mountain Response Coordinator. When Antony is not , ski touring in the Alps, ice climbing in scotland or working on the hill and river he spends his free time creating his own adventures striving to continually pursue stimulating, expedition led-projects which enhance the lives of others.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
