School Day Trips in the Cairngorms
Based in Grantown-on-Spey, we deliver structured, safe and engaging school day visits that take learning beyond the classroom. Most schools choose either a half-day experience or a two-activity full day.
Download our school trips brochure Plan your day trip
Day trips that are easy to organise
Teachers want clear plans, confident delivery and activities that work for mixed abilities. Our school day trips are run as structured activity blocks, with simple transitions and clear supervision throughout.
The examples below show typical half-day and full-day visits. These are not fixed packages — we’ll adapt activities, pace and timings to suit your group.
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Recommended programmes
These are common choices that work well for school groups. They’re examples of how schools often structure their time with us — not fixed packages. Every visit is planned around your year group, numbers, time on site and confidence levels.
Half day examples
Ideal for travel days, shorter timetables, or when you want one clear focus.
Team Challenge
Activities: Team Challenge + Raft Building
Typical group size: 10 to 60
Location: On site (Grantown-on-Spey)
A practical, structured half-day that combines communication challenges with a hands-on build session. We adapt difficulty and pacing to suit age and mixed abilities.
Works well for: teamwork outcomes, mixed-ability classes, transition days and enrichment groups.
Wet & Wild
Activities: Choose 1: Canoeing or Gorge Walking
Typical group size: 10 to 30
Location: On / off site (confirmed during planning)
A bigger adventure option for confident groups. Choose a paddling session (pond or River Spey, age dependent) or a guided gorge experience (conditions and suitability confirmed in advance).
Works well for: older pupils, summer visits, confident groups and schools seeking a signature Cairngorms experience.
Land-based Mix
Activities: Choose 2 land-based activities
Typical group size: 10 to 80
Location: On site (Grantown-on-Spey)
A flexible half day built around your group. We’ll recommend a sensible pairing based on confidence, energy levels and the outcomes you want.
Common choices include: Archery, BattleZone, Team Challenge, Raft Building and Footgolf.
Works well for: mixed ages, first-time visits and groups wanting choice without complexity.
Tell us your year group and timings — we’ll recommend a programme
Full day examples
Full day visits usually include two activity blocks with time for breaks and lunch. We’ll recommend a structure that fits your travel time and day plan.
Action Builder Day
Activities: BattleZone, Archery and Raft Building
Typical group size: 10 to 60
Location: On site (Grantown-on-Spey)
A varied, high-value day combining fast-paced team missions, calm skill coaching and collaborative building. Strong for mixed ability delivery and whole-class engagement.
Works well for: reward trips, activity weeks, transition groups and mixed-confidence classes.
Wet & Wild
Activities: Canoeing and Gorge Walking
Typical group size: 10 to 24
Location: Off site (confirmed during planning)
A bigger adventure day that combines time on the water with an exciting gorge journey. We’ll advise on suitability based on age, confidence, swimming ability and conditions.
Works well for: secondary groups, confident upper primary, summer visits and adventurous programmes.
Land-based Mix & Match
Activities: Choose 3–4 land-based activities
Typical group size: 10 to 80
Location: On site (Grantown-on-Spey)
A flexible format that allows you to build a full day around your group. We’ll recommend a sensible mix based on confidence, energy and the outcomes you want.
Common choices include: Archery, BattleZone, Team Challenge, Raft Building and Footgolf.
Works well for: mixed ages, shoulder-season trips, first-time visits and schools wanting flexibility.
Ready to plan your school day trip?
Download the brochure for example programmes, then tell us your year group, numbers and dates.
Download the brochure Start a school enquiry
School day trip FAQs
Clear answers to the questions teachers ask most often.
What ages are school day trips suitable for?
We work with a wide range of school ages, from upper primary through to secondary. Activities are adapted to suit the age, confidence and experience of your pupils. Let us know your year group(s) and we’ll recommend suitable options.
How many activities fit into a day?
Most schools choose:
- Half day: one main activity block
- Full day: two activity blocks with time for breaks and lunch
We’ll advise on what fits best based on your travel times and timetable.
Are activities suitable for mixed abilities?
Yes. Most school groups are mixed ability. Our instructors adapt challenge levels, groupings and pace so everyone can take part safely and positively.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We plan with weather in mind and many activities run well in typical Scottish conditions. If something isn’t suitable on the day, we’ll adapt the programme or discuss alternatives in advance.
Do you provide risk assessments?
Yes. We can provide the information schools typically require to support planning and approvals. Please let us know what documentation your school needs.
How are pupils supervised?
All sessions are led by experienced instructors. Teacher supervision remains essential, and we’ll agree clear ratios and responsibilities during planning.
Do teachers need to take part?
Teachers must be present at all times. For off-site activities such as canoeing or gorge walking, teachers do need to actively take part.
For land-based activities at our centre in Grantown-on-Spey, staff can supervise while observing nearby.
Do we need to travel off site?
Many activities run on site in Grantown-on-Spey. Canoeing on the River Spey and gorge walking may take place off site. We’ll confirm locations and transport details during planning.
What do pupils need to bring?
We’ll send a full kit list once your visit is confirmed. As a guide, pupils should bring suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear and spare layers.
Do you provide consent forms or waivers?
Yes. We provide digital waivers for parents or guardians to complete in advance. We’ll also ask for a simple summary of medical information so instructors are fully informed on the day.