We’re mighty proud of our Dirty Training Retreats. Our mission is to mindfully blend the highest-quality outdoor training with moments of mental rejuvenation with like-minded fellows.
The outcome? A weekend you’ll never forget. And, one you’ll be keen to repeat because it’ll leave you feeling revitalised, renewed and re-energised. We know we have created something special because not only do people tell us, but they also return time and again.
We’re opening the doors to anyone who works with young children and who is interested in outdoor learning. Whether you’re a caregiver, nursery, primary or lower secondary staff member, we’re inviting you to take time this coming 21st to 23rd May 2027 to focus on your learning, health and wellbeing, in the breathtakingly beautiful Cairngorms.
The cost per person is £300 (book by the 30th of November 2026 for an early bird rate of £275 per person)* and that covers everything! From Friday dinner right through to Sunday lunch, not only will you receive support, training and resources from qualified and experienced teachers and outdoor learning experts, but your accommodation, bedding, and meals (including plenty of snacks – you won’t go hungry on our watch) will all be taken care of. Oh, and hot tub. Did we mention there’s a hot tub?! There is and it’s always a highlight after a day of learning, laughing, walking and talking.
Once home, you’ll receive a follow-up pack with lessons and ideas to help you put into practice all of that wonderful knowledge and tools you’ve learned and taken away.
* some schools will cover this cost for their teaching staff so do make sure you ask to see if yours will
If you have any questions at all about our Dirty Training Retreat, please do get in touch and we’ll be happy to help: carol@outdoorlearning.com
Please note: all bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the weekend cost?
It costs £300 per person. The cost of the weekend includes training, resources, food, use of a hot tub, and accommodation.
Is the weekend only for teachers?
Not at all. The weekend is for anyone interested in outdoor learning; whether that’s for your own children or where you work with children in other sectors.
Where do I sleep?
You will be sleeping in a twin or bunk room in Sgoran’s Lodge. Sgoran is a comfortable lodge in a peaceful location in the birch and pine forest with miles of forest trails for walking available right from your doorstep. The lodge is well-equipped with two distinct living, dining and sleeping areas that are joined together by a central conservatory. There is also a drying room.
I am not outdoorsy, will I like it?
You do not need to be an outdoorsy person. This weekend is simply about being in beautiful surroundings and learning how to take your curriculum outdoors. The chill time activities are not directed, you do what you are comfortable with. If that means staying indoors, you are free to do so.
Outdoor centres are pretty basic, will I be comfortable?
The reason we head to Lagganlia is the comfort! The lodge is well designed with large, comfortable sofas spilt between two living rooms, a large conservatory-type area, two kitchens, two dining tables (though we tend to eat in the conservatory space), plenty of bathrooms, a hot tub, a fire pit area and more. This weekend is about feeling good, not about roughing it.
Do you meet dietary requirements?
Yes! Tell us what you need and we will ensure to include that in our planning. One of our regular attendees is vegan and often says we feed her better than her own family!
What kit do I need?
You need to be dressed appropriately for a weekend outdoors, with lots of layers, waterproofs and good shoes/ boots. If you are using the hot tub you must wear swimwear. We provide all bedding but you do need to bring a towel.
For your led activity, we will have our kit of yarn, chalk, measuring tapes, a small ball, pencil. paper, clipboards, small world characters etc, available.
Are the midges bad?
They were present in the summer session but between Smidge and citronella incense sticks, we had minimal bites. By October we should be grand.
Is it suitable for my level?
We explain how to adapt the activities for all levels, from nursery through to secondary. Carol also has experience teaching in ASD bases as well as severe and complex and includes strategies learned throughout the weekend.
Can I get public transport there?
You can get the train or bus to Kingussie or Aviemore and we can collect you from there. If you let us know where you are coming from we also keep an eye out for car-sharing opportunities.
Who delivers the training?
Carol is our founder and lead trainer. She has worked in education for around 20 years, spending time as a primary teacher in mainstream, severe and complex and ASD provision. She is trained in forests and coastal outdoor learning. Carol is a visiting lecturer at QMU, specialising in outdoor learning and is a published author. She will also be joined by an additional expert to provide a wider range of training.
If you have any other questions please do give us a shout and let us help.
Would you like to be the first to hear about the next Dirty Training Retreat?
Planning is well underway for our next residential training weekend. If you would like to be the first to know about it then join our mailing list.
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Past Weekends
