Outward Bound Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) Snowdonia Wales

Our Aberdovey centre delivers transformational outdoor residential programmes designed to build:

• Confidence
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Independence
• Communication skills

Set between mountains, estuary and sea, pupils experience powerful coastal and mountain environments that take learning far beyond the classroom.

Programmes typically include:

• Coastal expeditions
• Mountain days in Eryri (Snowdonia)
• Water-based activities on the Dovey Estuary
• Team challenges
• Navigation and camp craft
• Reflection sessions that embed learning and personal growth

Courses are tailored to educational groups with structured daily programmes focused on learning, challenge and reflection beyond the classroom, designed to work alongside your curriculum.

Activities may include:

• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Paddle sports
• Coastal journeys
• Climbing & scrambling
• Mountain expeditions
• Team development challenges
• Navigation exercises
• Camp craft

Facilities include:

• Climbing walls
• Indoor training spaces
• Equipment stores
• Social areas

• A rare combination of mountain AND coastal environments in one location
• Direct access to estuary and sea for water activities
• Purpose-built outdoor education centre
• Highly experienced, qualified instructors
• Structured reflection model linking adventure to personal growth
• A proven track record with UK schools and multi-academy trusts

Schools choose Aberdovey because it delivers more than a trip, it delivers a shift in mindset, independence and pupil and staff belonging.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is the managing and overall awarding body for the LOtC Quality Badge, which recognises providers offering good quality LOtC and managing risk effectively. All The Trust’s centres which accommodate school parties have been awarded this standard of recognition.

The Trust is registered and holds current licences for all its centres with The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). Adventure activities licensing ensures that activity providers follow good safety management practices.

Most of our centres will have a pool and football table. You can also do some sports activities like basketball and football. There is a selection of board games available from the shop and you can request to have a DVD on in the student lounge, just ask your duty instructor. Fact Sheet

Aberdovey accommodates 184 young people. Multiple school groups can attend simultaneously. Minimum group size: 12.

Groups are welcome to take photographs and videos for educational purposes.

Any commercial use or use of Outward Bound branding must follow Trust guidelines.
Specific media consent policies apply and should be checked with the centre.

The Trust is fully committed to the provision of quality service in a manner that meets with the requirements and satisfaction of our supporters, clients and young people. Because of this, we maintain a Quality Management System in accordance with the international standard BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems. For more information, please read our Quality Policy Statement.

The Trust is a member of the Outward Bound International network and its safety systems and is scrutinised and approved internationally.

Risk assessments are produced and can be shared prior to arrival at the centre

Please see detail at www.outwardbound.org.uk/safety

Our prices are tailored so we recommend getting in touch so we can discuss your package. Additionally, over 80% of our education participants receive charitable funding.

As a charity, it’s our mission to make our courses available to as many young people as possible. We can’t let money stand in the way.

Our charitable funding can only be used towards an Outward Bound course. Young beneficiaries need to be in the education system in the UK and meet at least two of the following criteria:

• Free school meals
• Low-income family
• English as a second language
• Ethnic minority backgrounds
• Special educational needs

• All instructors are qualified in Outdoor First Aid
• First aid equipment is held on site
• Clear medical and emergency procedures in place

• Dining hall
• Social and recreation spaces
• Indoor classrooms / briefing rooms
• Equipment drying rooms
• Toilets and showers
• Outdoor spaces
• Wi-Fi in designated areas
• Secure site environment

• Full board catering included
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Packed lunches for expedition days
• Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice

We work with schools to support the inclusion of young people with additional needs. Please contact us to discuss directly how we can best accommodate your young people.

Aberdovey operates year-round with programmes scheduled throughout:

• Term time
• Weekends
• School holidays

Exact arrival/departure times vary by course.

“The children have demonstrated resilience and challenged themselves with new experiences, bringing themselves out of their comfort zone. The centre has built up their self esteem and given them a newfound confidence. The children have been given the opportunities to take safe risks and develop their relationships with one another”

Year 6 Teacher, Skipton Parish CofE Primary School

Aberdovey (Aberdyfi) is located on the Welsh coast within Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, overlooking the Dovey Estuary.

The centre provides:

• Direct access to estuary waters
• Close proximity to Snowdonia mountains
• Coastal beaches within walking distance
• Access to iconic Welsh landscapes for field studies and geography trips

• Student accommodation in shared dormitories (typically 4–8 beds per room)
• Mix of en-suite and shared bathroom facilities
• Separate accommodation for group leaders (often twin rooms)
• Bedding provided
• Heating throughout
• Secure storage areas

Outward Bound Trust – Aberdovey Centre
Aberdovey, Gwynedd, Wales

+44 (0) 1931 740 000

enquiries@outwardbound.org.uk

Enquiry form – https://www.outwardbound.org.uk/come-to-outward-bound/school-residentials/#enquire

• Specialist outdoor equipment provided
• Structured reflection model embedded in every course
• Clear safeguarding policies
• Pre-visit teacher guidance and support materials available
• Programmes designed to evidence character development impact