ACTIVITIES
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Biking
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The area around Benmore is excellent for a wide range of biking activities. There is something for everyone, whether you wish to try our mountain bikes on adventurous off-road routes, or more gentle cycling along the local network of roads, tracks and paths.
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Bouldering
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Short rock-climbs of all standards on boulders and rock slabs; a first step towards the thrills of rock climbing, usually without the use of ropes.
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Canoeing and Kayaking
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A wide range of canoeing activities is available from our scenic base on the shores of Loch Eck. You may be introduced to kayaking or open Canadian canoeing on our local loch, while those with more experience can visit other areas. Scotland’s rivers offer some of the finest white water in Britain and amongst these are the Rivers Awe and Orchy which we visit regularly. Sea kayaking amongst the islands off the West Coast can provide a unique chance to observe seals, seabirds and other marine life at close hand, while open Canadian canoeing is ideal for making a journey along a beautiful loch or down a river. Participants on these specialist courses may choose to spend some time away from Benmore on expedition.
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Duckies
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An activity which makes use of the local river when levels are low. A Duckie is an inflatable craft similar to a canoe which take two persons. Journeys down the river can be made by those with little experience. A wet and thrilling adventure is guaranteed. Only for the water confident.
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Camping
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You may find yourself sleeping in a tent in a remote valley or by the lochside, either as part of a longer, specialist expedition or simply a night away from the Centre.
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Caving
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Not far away from Benmore there are a variety of caves which are great for exploration. They also have a significant historical interest. Many people find our caves a different, challenging and rewarding experience.
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Climbing and Mountaineering
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Rock climbing and abseiling are chosen by most groups visiting Benmore and are definitely amongst the most exciting activities. We are lucky to have a good climbing crag within walking distance as well as a large indoor climbing wall. Some more experienced groups go on to bigger things and may tackle ridge-scrambling, mountain bivouacs (sleeping out under the stars), ascents of the higher peaks and snow and ice climbing with axes and crampons if winter conditions are favourable. Our courses are occasionally based in Glencoe, or include expeditions to other parts of the Scottish Highlands. Those who show aptitude may be encouraged to lead selected climbs appropriate to their ability and training.
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Field Work
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The spectacular countryside around Benmore contains a wide variety of scenery, habitat and land-use. Whatever the content of your course, you will be coming into close contact with lochs and burns, mountains and glens, town and farm. You will encounter the inhabitants and some of the forces that shape the landscape. At the end you will have a better understanding of the beauty and complexity of the Scottish countryside.
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Adventure and Problem Solving
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You could be asked to build and travel on a raft or make and use a rope bridge across a river, working as a member or leader of a team; the possibilities are endless and the outcomes revealing and rewarding. We deliver team-building/staff development courses in the outdoors through customised training programmes for various organisations but these exercises are also good fun as part of a general activity course.
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High Ropes Course
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This is a great way to encourage teamwork, and build confidence and trust as well as being an individual challenge. Progress from the low elements such as balance beams, tension traverses and Postman’s walk to the high ropes course of catwalk, trapeze, Jacob’s ladder and inclined log. The facility can be used as an activity in itself, or as part of a wider problem-solving exercise.
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Gorge Walking
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One of the most outrageous of our activities and certainly one of the wettest. You will be negotiating rocky streams, waterfalls and other obstacles trying to stay dry for as long as possible. Generally ropes are not required although sometimes they can be used as handrails or for traversing over the water.
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Hillwalking
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The Cowal Hills around Benmore provide many interesting and varied hillwalks whatever the season, ranging from a few hours to a two or three day expedition. Our relatively steep and wild mountains are therefore excellent for both beginners and those with a bit more experience. The remote feel of the local hills contrasts with the popular and spectacular Arrochar Alps nearby, but both provide a real mountain experience.
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Night Walks
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Often part of the first night at Benmore is spent in the woods ‘jungle bashing’ or following an intricate ‘night-line’, with or without torches.
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Orienteering
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Several courses in the garden grounds and the surrounding forests are designed to provide practice in navigation, and give an introduction to a growing sport for those on mixed-activity courses. For those with previous experience and enthusiasm, or wanting a specialist orienteering course, there are many, excellently-mapped forests in the area. Competitive events and training can be staged to encourage running fitness and map technique, together with decision making and independence.
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Rafting
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Teamwork is essential to successfully negotiate the currents and whitewater of our local rivers in our whitewater rafts. This is normally only possibly after heavy rain.
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Sailing
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Our sailing base is a ten minute drive away beside the Holy Loch on the Firth of Clyde and provides a superb location for all sailors from novice to expert. For beginners, your first sail would be with an instructor in our stable Seafarers and Wayfarers or, if conditions are suitable, the challenge of Sport 16 or Topaz sailing, in sheltered waters. As your skills progress you could expect to steer your own dinghy into the more open waters of the Clyde Estuary on a day trip, under the watchful eye of an instructor in a fast safety boat. Some courses may include a cruise to an overnight camp on remote beaches further afield.
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Shore Scrambles
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A rocky shore provides the venue for this enjoyable activity. Scrambling above the sea is excellent for developing confidence and there is a variety of options depending on both skill and willingness to get wet! There is plenty of opportunity to study the coastal environment. A return trip through the Rhododendron Tunnel adds to the experience.
© BENMORE CENTRE FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION 2005
