Expedition Training
and Assessment in Argyll
Ardmay House is an ideal base for DofE expedition training, practice and qualifying journeys — with Loch Long, Argyll Forest Park and the Arrochar Alps on the doorstep.
A complete expedition base
Plan, prepare and progress together
Ardmay sits on the shore of Loch Long at Arrochar, with varied and accessible terrain immediately behind. It is a practical base for training, practice and qualifying expeditions.
The Ardmay approach
One clear journey, three supported stages
Everything your group needs, arranged in the order they experience it.
01
Prepare
Training that comes first
Groups arrive with different levels of experience, so expeditions start with the basics done properly: map and compass, route planning, pacing, campcraft, cooking on trangias and looking after kit in Scottish weather.
02
Journey
Practice and qualifying expeditions
Routes are matched to the level and the group — from forest tracks and glen paths to hill days on the Cobbler, Cruach Tairbeirt and Glen Loin. Staff supervise remotely and step back as confidence grows.
03
Recover
A comfortable base either side
Ardmay House gives groups somewhere warm to prepare and return to: indoor accommodation, hot meals, drying space for wet kit and room to sort equipment before heading out.
Bronze, Silver and Gold
The right level of challenge
We plan around the award level, group size and dates you are working towards.
BRONZE
2 days
One night and 6 hours of planned activity each day. A group’s first taste of carrying everything and camping as a team.
SILVER
3 days
Two nights and 7 hours of planned activity each day, with longer days and more responsibility handed to the team.
GOLD
4 days
Three nights and 8 hours of planned activity each day in wild country — the most demanding and memorable level.
Warm accommodationBefore and after the journey
Hot mealsFuel for demanding days
Drying spaceFor Scottish conditions
Experienced staffSupport at every stage
Let’s plan your group’s expedition.
Next steps
Talk to our team.
Contact one of our experienced outdoor learning specialists today.