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Outward Bound United Kingdom, Loch Eil

Located 120 miles north of Glasgow, the Loch Eil center is a grand highland shooting lodge formerly owned by the Chief of the Clan Cameron, set amongst its own extensive grounds on the foreshore of Loch Eil. It is close to Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, and the venue for many of the center's climbing activities. Loch Eil's location close to some of Europe's most beautiful and remote true wilderness means it is ideally placed to provide unique walking and canoeing.

Courses at Loch Eil are some of the most adventurous in the United Kingdom. Loch Eil has focused it programs on the use of the lochs and Scottish coast as well as the rugged mountains and winters in Scotland. Students can choose a multi-day expedition traveling to the center of the Knoydart wilderness via sea and fresh water lochs and then climb some of the many summits in the area, train on intense winter mountaineering courses some of which include guide certification, experience the classic 17 day Outward Bound course, or learn about tide races, passage planning, rescue and the complexities of coastal navigation on a sea kayaking course.

One traditional course that has continued to be successful throughout the years is the Skye Trek. This 10-day course for 16-18 year olds is designed to help young people prepare for taking their own adventures. A typical Skye Trek day will start with packing up tents and carrying all equipment to the next campsite perhaps via remote summits such as Luinne Benn or Sgurr na Ciche. These are demanding mountain days, which require sound wilderness skills. Students then cross on the ferry to the Isle of Skye, and test their skills on an attempt up the famous Inaccessible Pinnacle!

The Loch Eil center has also been involved in developing courses in the Glasgow area to assist and connect with youth from the city. In their "Raising Achievement Programme" they have been able to support the growth of over 5,000 young people.