With over 45 years’ experience, Blairvadach is a sector leading provider of quality outdoor education and training. We are part of Glasgow City Council’s Education Services and specialise in the personal development of the City’s young people through outdoor and adventurous education. We have an outstanding reputation for the work that we do and would love to hear from you if you wish to bring your school or youth group or would like to book onto one of our courses.
Blairvadach OEC is one of the largest residential outdoor education centres in Scotland. The centre is perfectly located on the east shore of the Gare Loch adjacent to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and just south of the Arrochar Alps. This location gives ease of access to all the land and water environments required to deliver a quality outdoor education programme.
Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre is delivering a three day programme for it's GLASGOW'S Urban Adventure Award at its city centre hub at Pinkston Watersports. This programme will be a combination of paddle sport activities and land based activities.
We offer an exciting and diverse range of outdoor activities. We provide courses for both complete beginners and the more experienced wishing to develop their personal skills and expand their horizons. If you are interested in gaining coaching qualifications we offer training and assessment for many National Governing Body Awards.
Whether you are looking to build skills and knowledge in a particular activity, become more confident and capable in your school or work environment we have a course that can help you.
Here you'll find our "COVID-19 Stay at Home Workbook", a free resource of 30 Outdoor Activity Cards for use in, or outwith, the school environment and all of the Orienteering maps for many Glasgow Schools (we're still in progress mapping them all!).
What to bring, what to expect and where to find us. Check out our frequently asked questions to find out all that you need to know about visiting Blairvadach. Our group information video contains the most up to date information Click here to open our YouTube page. Or continue to our FAQ section.
On Thursday 5th September 1974, The Right Honourable Lord Provost Sir William Gray. J.P.B.L opened Blairvadach Sailing and Outdoor Centre.
Since the opening the facility has welcomed over 150,000 of Glasgow’s young people on courses varying from single days to 7-day residential experiences. The facility has evolved over the years to become a leading provider of curriculum based adventurous outdoor education.
In 2024 the centre will be marking its 50th Anniversary through a series of celebrations, competitions and connections with past, current and future stakeholders. Details of 4 projects you can get involved in are below:
