COurses

Lochore Meadows 

Outdoor Education Centre 

COURSES 

2013 

Skills Courses 

CPD & Training Courses 

Schools, Groups and Clubs 

Adventure and Learning Outdoors in Fife 

Outdoor 

Education 

Fife 

1

2013 is the year of Natural Scotland. We would like to invite you to join us in one of the many 

outdoor learning and adventure opportunities on offer in this years brochure. An outdoor experience 

is not only great fun but contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle as well as giving you the 

chance to appreciate Scotland’s amazing natural landscape. Activities range from an hours canoe 

hire at Lochore Meadows, outdoor leadership training, weekend adventures and a whole range of 

programmes for schools and community groups. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Lochore Meadows Outdoor Education Centre in 2013. 

Ali Dreyer – Outdoor Learning Manager 

The Centre 

The Outdoor Education Centre is situated next to 

Lochore within Lochore Meadows Country Park. 

At the centre you will find: 

• a welcoming reception area and offices 

• classroom and meeting room 

• toilets, changing and showering facilities 

• a wide range of up-to-date and wellmaintained 

outdoor equipment 

• mountain biking skills loop and trails 

• mobile climbing wall 

• orienteering courses 

• public equipment hire 

• activity clubs 

• 2 minibuses and trailers for offsite activities 

Lochore Meadows OEC is now the 

RYA Scotland Centre of Excellence for 

Sailability (sailing for the disabled) 

There is a Changing Places changing 

facility on site as well as a wide range 

of adaptive sailing, biking and canoe 

equipment with good disability access and 

hoists. 

The Team 

The staff are a well qualified and friendly group of 

people who are passionate about the outdoors and 

sharing their skills with you. All our instructing staff 

have the relevant NGB qualifications and in-house 

training in order to deliver a professional service. 

The activity staff are backed up by an office team who 

coordinate all centre administration. They work hard 

to ensure bookings and programmes run smoothly 

and you have all the information you need to enjoy 

your course. 

meet the team 

2

Throughout the brochure you will find information for groups 

and schools, adult skills and training courses, kids activities and 

several activity clubs. The centre is also open to the public from 

April-October. 

Schools, Groups & Clubs 4 

Schools, Groups & Clubs 

Outdoor Leaders Training and CPD 6 

Mountain Biking 7 

Mountain Sports 8 

Paddle Sports 10 

Mountain Biking 

Sailing 12 

Courses are available at a range of levels. 

• Skills Courses 

The chance to learn a new activity or to improve on existing skills. 

• Local Awards 

Skills and leadership training that will validate you to lead groups 

in and around Fife with a specific remit. They are a useful stepping 

stone towards a National Qualification. 

• National Governing Body (NGB) Awards 

Coaching and leadership awards issued by the National Governing 

Bodies of each relevant sport e.g cycling, canoeing. They are 

recognised nationally and are an important part of assessing your skill 

and ability to lead and instruct groups. 

• Adventures 

The chance to travel further afield and explore some of Scotland’s 

wild places by bike, canoe or on foot. An adventure with Outdoor 

Education Fife is a fun and rewarding experience. 

Mountain Sports 

Paddle Sports 

Kid’s Courses 13 

• Multi-Adventure ½ day Easter & October Holiday sessions 

• Fun in the Park - 2 day Summer Holiday Programme 

• Adventure Unlimited - 1 day Summer Holiday Programme 

• Mountain Biking 

• Rock Climbing 

• Sailing 

• Paddlesports 

Sailing 

Launching & Equipment Hire 16 

Lochore Meadows Country Park 17 

Local Clubs at Lochore Meadows 17 

Booking Conditions 18 

Events 19 

Hires and Launching 

3

4 

School Programmes helping to 

deliver Curriculum for Excellence 

We share the Scottish Governments vision for 

outdoor learning in scotland where: 

• all children and young people are participating 

in a range of progressive and creative outdoor 

learning experiences which are clearly part of 

the curriculum 

• schools and centres are providing regular, 

frequent, enjoyable and challenging 

opportunities for all children and young 

people to learn outdoors throughout their 

school career and beyond 

• teachers and educators embed outdoor 

learning in the curriculum so that learning in 

the outdoor environment becomes a reality 

for all children and young people. 

Our staff training courses and activity 

programmes aim to support this vision and 

help to deliver the core values of Curriculum for 

Excellence; challenge, enjoyment, relevance, 

depth, development of the whole person and an 

adventurous approach to learning. 

Primary School 

Activities 

Central to the programme is the provision of a 

fun day in a safe environment where children will 

have the opportunity to learn outdoors with a 

taste of adventure. 

An activity session with the Outdoor Education 

Team should be part of a planned curriculum 

programme. 

Primary Activity Sessions – Choose a morning 

or afternoon of Watersports, Mountainbiking, 

Climbing or Orienteering. A primary activity 

session can be used to log time towards the 

Natural Connections Adventure Skills element. 

Munro Challenge – this challenge is built in as 

part of a walk to school programme where P6/7 

pupils have the opportunity to combine walk to 

school initiatives with the challenge of one of 

Scotland’s Munro’s 

Sail 2 Learn – a Royal Yachting Association 

programme using the activity of sailing to deliver 

a cross curricular day of learning. 

Natural Connections – an awards based 

outdoor learning programme for P1-7 which 

encourages regular, frequent and varied 

opportunities to learn outdoors as part of the 

curriculum. 

Secondary School 

Activities 

Most secondary programmes are designed 

specifically for the needs and requests of 

individual groups. An activity session with the 

Outdoor Education Team should be part of a 

planned curriculum programme. Initiatives we 

support include: 

• Natural Connections 

• Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, Supervising 

and assessing 

• Princes Trust Club XL 

• Flexible Curriculum programmes 

• Core PE Sessions in Outdoor Activities 

Outreach Activities 

Our staff and equipment can come to you. We 

have a 17 and 14 seater minibus which can 

be used to work with smaller groups at your 

location or off-site e.g beach walks or woodland 

trails, mountain biking or mountain sports. 

Staff CPD 

Most of the courses in this brochure are 

available to Fife Council Staff as subsidised 

CPD courses aimed at supporting the 

Curriculum for Excellence by increasing learning 

outdoors opportunities. 

Look out for the and contact the OE Centre 

for more details. 

See page 6 for training details including. 

Taking Learning Outdoors 

This practical course supports teachers and 

other staff to embed outdoor learning in the 

curriculum so that learning in the outdoor 

environment can be a reality for all children and 

young people. Topics include leading woodland 

walks, outdoor art, health and wellbeing, 

playground orienteering, numeracy and working 

together activities. Managing groups outdoors 

and risk assessment is also addressed.

Community Groups & 

Clubs 

Our aim is to provide your group with an outdoor 

learning programme that will actively engage 

the group in meaningful activities. This can 

be a single session or as part of an ongoing 

programme. 

Skills Courses 

Skills sessions are based around a specific 

activity with the aim of learning a new sport, 

improving a skill and achieving a specific 

learning goal. Examples of awards are Go 

Mountainbike, Paddlepower and RYA Sailing 

Awards. 

Development Programmes 

In partnership with your staff we can use a 

varied programme of activities and team working 

opportunities to address specific outcomes. 

These can be tailored to suit your group. The 

outdoor activities contribute towards health 

and well being, sustainability and motivation to 

achieve positive outcomes. 

Projects 

We can support Natural Connections awards 

and other group activities by working with you 

on projects like trail building or maintenance, 

woodland management or local area clean ups. 

Multiactivity Day 

Straight into action on arrival, the group will 

enjoy a watersports session and a land based 

activity. On water activities can be paddlesports, 

sailing or raft building. Land based activities can 

be orienteering, archery, mountain biking, team 

challenge or climbing wall. 

Friday Nights 

From May – September you can book a Friday 

night activity session 6-8pm for your youth 

group. 

Other session 

times may be 

available on 

request. 

natural 

® 

connections 

Fife Council’s own outdoor learning programme 

rewards effort, commitment and enthusiasm. 

This awards based programme provides a 

structure for learning outdoors and can help 

embed regular outdoor experiences in your 

curriculum and programme planning. 

There is support from a full time project officer 

as well as a leaders handbook, logbooks and 

supporting materials 

• Discovering Nature 

• Helping the Environment 

• Working Together 

• Finding Your Way 

• Adventure Skills 

• Journeying 

New Spring 2013 

natural 

® 

connections 

For Primary 1-3, the Foundations programme 

is designed to take a class or group together 

through four elements of exploration, discovery, 

play and journeying. The group will develop 

through progressive experiences. The 

programme builds on the regular outdoor 

experiences in early years through Forest 

Kindergarten. As the name suggests it also lays 

foundations for future experiences through the 

Natural Conections L1-3 Awards. 

• Explore and Discover 

• Adventure Play 

• Helping the Environment 

• Walkabout 

Following the Natural Connections framework 

will help to embed regular and progressive 

learning outdoors experiences into curriculum 

planning. 

Contact the Outdoor Education Centre or 

Project Officer for more information. 

Email: Natural.Connections@fife.gov.uk 

5

CPD and Outdoor Leaders Training 

The following training courses are FREE for Fife 

Council Staff/volunteers 

• Taking Learning Outdoors 

A practical course aimed at supporting staff 

to take more learning opportunities outdoors. 

• Outdoor Learning Cards 

Develop exciting, active outdoor learning 

using your local environment 

• Visit Leaders Training 

For staff leading groups on offsite visits, this 

is useful, practical and very relevant training. 

• EVOLVE Visit Coordinator Training 

An approved Training Course specifically 

designed for this role in schools & groups. 

• DofE Expedition Assessor Course 

Expedition Assessors to have their training, 

skills and learning accredited by the DofE 

First Aid 

£95 

Outdoor First Aid courses are provided by our 

training partner Collective Training. 

This 16 hr ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Aid 

course is the qualification of choice for outdoor 

workers and will keep NGB Instructor Awards 

valid. It is also the only course of this type 

to be externally accredited by the Scottish 

Qualifications Authority. 

• 4&5 March 

• 25&26 May 

• 2&3 September 

• 16&17 November 

Other dates are available with other providers. 

Fife Outdoor Leaders 

Training Scheme 

Fife Outdoor Leaders Training Scheme 

This scheme is aimed at Fife Council staff and 

volunteers who would like the opportunity to take 

part in outdoor activities with the potential to use 

the activities to benefit others. The scheme may 

particularly suit: 

• teaching and other school staff 

• community education & youth workers 

• social work and care staff 

• volunteers 

When you book on one of the adult training 

courses you will be invited to register with the 

training scheme. By registering you will enjoy the 

following benefits: 

• a focused training programme with clear goals 

• access to subsidised training courses 

• free use of equipment for personal practice 

• ongoing support from qualified outdoor 

education staff 

where you see this symbol a subsidised 

course price is available (contact centre 

for details). 

Courses that may be of specific interest to you 

are: 

• Fife Trek Leader, FTL Campcraft 

• Local Climbing Wall Supervisor, Climbing Wall 

Award 

• Fife Ride Leader, Fife Trail Ride Leader, Trail 

Cycle Leader 

• Paddlesports Courses 

6

Bikenights 

£10 

Guided rides and informal coaching from our qualified instructor. 

Most people can ride a bike but come along to share ideas, 

improve your fitness, learn to ride new trails better and try more 

challenging terrain. 

There may be an opportunity to spend some evenings at different 

locations according to demand. 

8 places available each week. 

Call the centre to book. 

Local Awards 

We have developed a range of 

local training to support Fife 

Council as a lead authority in 

developing cycling. Training is 

available to suit both on and off 

road environments: 

• Cyclestart – Fife Ride Leader 

• Fife Trail Ride Leader 

• Using Adaptive Bikes 

Please contact the centre for 

more information. 

Adventures 

Cairngorms Tour 

£155 ✪ 

Enjoy 2 days riding great trails 

in the heart of the Cairngorms 

National Park. A mixture of 

forest and singletrack paths will 

provide a fun and challenging 

experience. 

NGB Awards 

Trail Cycle Leader 

Training 

£120 ✪ 

First level of mountain bike 

qualification for non serious and 

non remote areas. 

Mountain Bike Leader 

Training 

£120 ✪ 

Second level of Mountain Bike 

Leader qualification which 

equips the cycle leader with 

all the skills and knowledge 

necessary to lead a group of 

mountain bikers in more serious 

and remote areas than the Trail 

Cycle Leader award. 

Cycle Ride Leader 

£70 incl. course resources 

This is a one day course aimed 

at those who will be leading 

groups through a variety of rides 

on pre-planned, risk assessed 

routes within their local area, 

usually as part of a larger 

project. 

Night Riding Module 

£40 ✪ 

A Night Riding Leader can 

work in conditions outside the 

‘daytime only’ remit of the 

TCL/MBL awards. 

Go Mountain Bike 

Orientation 

£85 incl. course resources 

Orientation for the Go MTB 

mountain bike proficiency 

award. 

Mountain 

Mountain 

Biking 

Dates 

Biking Dates 

Skills 

BikeNights 

• Tuesdays 30 April – 10 

September 6-8pm 

Local Awards 

Available on request: 

• Fife Ride Leader – 

Cyclestart 

• Fife Trail Ride Leader 

• Adaptive Cycling 

NGB Coaching 

Awards 

Trail Cycle Leader Training 

• 16 & 17 March (9am – 6pm) 

• 16 & 17 Nov (9am – 6pm) 

Available on request: 

• Mountain Bike Leader 

Training 

• Cycle Ride Leader 

• Go Mountain Bike 

Orientation 

• Bikeability Training 

Night Rde module 

• 6 & 13 Nov (6.30 – 10pm) 

Adventures 

Cairngorms Mountain Bike 

Tour 

• Date tbc 

7

ClimbNights/Mornings 

Introductory Classes 

Learn the skills of traversing and bouldering under the expert 

guidance of an experienced instructor. It’s an exhilarating and 

thrilling insight into the exciting world of climbing. All abilities 

welcome. When you receive your authorised entry pass you 

can use the wall during public opening times or join one of the 

supervised sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

8 

ClimbNights / ClimbMornings 

Enjoy a supervised bouldering session where you can progress 

your skills and fitness and benefit from some informal instruction 

from a qualified instructor from the outdoor education team. 

This course runs in partnership with the Fife Sports and Leisure 

Trust at the Carnegie Leisure Centre, Dunfermline. www. 

fifeleisure.org.uk 

Call for more information or to book 01383 602304 

Skills 

Guided Walks 

£12 ✪ 

Join one of our qualified 

Mountain Leaders on a day out 

exploring one of the nearby hills 

or Munros. The guided walks 

are a great opportunity to enjoy 

a day out in good company 

and in areas you may not have 

visited before. Record a quality 

day for your logbook or simply 

enjoy great scenery. 

Outdoor Rock Climbing 

£50 ✪ 

Learn to climb or improve 

your existing skills. With a 

maximum number of 4 people 

on this course you will have a 

great chance to gain the skills 

necessary to climb safely in an 

outdoor environment. 

Indoor Climbing 

£40 

This course is for those looking 

to learn the basic skills of rock 

climbing using indoor facilities. 

Local Awards 

Fife Trek Leader 

£45 

This local authority validation 

endorses individuals to lead 

groups on a day or part-day 

basis in open countryside, 

woodland, coastal and hill areas 

within Fife and its immediate 

surroundings. 

Fife Trek Leader - 

Campcraft Module 

£30 

This validation builds on 

the Fife Trek Leader and 

endorses individuals to lead 

groups on walks in Fife that 

involve sheltered camping on 

recognised sites or in nonremote 

areas. A suitable 

validation for those who wish to 

develop a journeying element 

with their group. Course 

includes overnight camp. 


Combined Course 

£55 

The combined Fife Trek 

Leader course is for staff with 

considerable previous walking 

and camping experience. It 

covers all aspects of day 

walking and group supervision 

as well as campcraft skills 

and supervision of Duke of 

Edinburgh groups. 


Update Course 

FREE 

Holders of local validations 

obtained through the Fife 

Countryside, Hill and Mountain 

Scheme are required to maintain 

its validity by attending an 

update workshop every 3 years. 

These courses are an annual 

feature of Fife Council Outdoor 

Education provision and will 

be conducted in a supportive 

atmosphere with opportunity for 

tailored content. 

Local Climbing Wall 

Supervisor 

£30 plus wall entry 

For staff or volunteers who 

would like to be able to 

supervise indoor climbing or 

mobile climbing wall sessions. 

This course combines the 

Indoor Climbing Wall course and 

2 additional site specific training 

sessions. 

Contact the centre for more 

details.

NGB Awards 

We encourage holders of local 

validations such as the Fife Trek 

Leader to progress their skills 

and training towards achieving 

relevant National Governing 

Body (NGB) Awards. 

Outdoor Education Fife don’t 

currently deliver any Mountain 

Sport NGB Awards but we can 

advise and help to arrange the 

following: 

• Walking Group Leader 

• Mountain Leader 

• Single Pitch Award 

• Climbing Wall Award 


Dates 

Sports Dates 

Skills 

Climb Nights 

(Introductory Classes) 

• Tuesdays 

7.00pm - 8.00pm Adult/ 

Junior (14yrs+) 

• Saturdays 

12.00pm - 1.00pm Adult/ 

Junior (14yrs+)) 

Climb Nights 

(Supervised Sessions) 

• Tuesdays 

5.00pm - 7.00pm 

• Saturdays 

10.00am - 12.00pm 

Guided Walks 

• 21 April (all day) 

• 19 May (all day) 

• 23 June (all day) 

• 8 Sep (all day) 

• 6 Oct (all day) 

Outdoor Climbing 

• 26 May (9-5) 

• 18 Aug (9-5) 

Indoor Climbing 

• 18 & 25 Feb 

• 13 & 20 Mar 

• 15 & 22 Oct 

• 19 & 26 Nov 

Local Awards 

Fife Trek Leader 

• 20, 23/24, 27 March 

• 1, 2, 3 May 

• 2, 3, 4 & 9 Oct 

FTL - Campcraft 

• 4 & 5 May (Sat 10am - 

Sun 12pm) 

• 17 & 18 May 

Fife Trek Leader - Update 

• 12 March (9-4) 

• 17 March 

• M/W October 

• Sat Nov 

Local Climbing Wall 

Supervisor 

• 21 & 28 August (9-5) 

9

PaddleNights Splash 

£7 

Back by popular demand. Join 

us every Monday night 6-8pm 

for open canoeing or kayaking. 

Get some top tips, learn new 

skills or just get wet. 25 places 

available each week. Ideal if 

you have a small amount of 

previous experience. 


PaddleNights Coach 

£10 

Every Thursday 6-8pm. 

Informal coaching from our 

qualified instructors. You can 

choose the programme with the 

aim of trying something new every 

week. 16 places each week. Ideal 

if you’ve already completed a 

beginners course. 


10 

Skills 

Paddlesports Beginner 

£80 ✪ 

You will learn the basics of 

kayaking and open canoeing 

and complete the 1* award. 

Paddlesports Improver 

£80 ✪ 

Progress your skills in kayaking 

and open canoeing following the 

2* syllabus 

Kayak Plus 

£80 ✪ 

If you have some previous 

experience you will enjoy 

the opportunity to learn new 

kayaking skills on Lochore and 

put them into practise during 

a day trip to a coastal or loch 

location. 

Canoe Plus 

£80 ✪ 

If you have some previous 

experience you will enjoy 

the opportunity to learn new 

canoeing skills on Lochore and 

then embark on a day trip on a 

local river or Loch. 

Whitewater Canoe 

£50 ✪ 

Join us for this one day course 

on moving water up to grade 2. 

Participants will cover single 

and double moving water 

techniques, rescue skills and 

safety information. Participants 

should have a reasonable 

paddling ability in Open Canoes. 

Whitewater Kayak 

£50 ✪ 

This one day course on moving 

water up to grade 2 is aimed at 

paddlers wishing to move on to 

running and playing on rivers. 

Participants will cover moving 

water techniques, rescue 

skills and safety information. 

Participants should have a 

reasonable paddling ability in 

closed cockpit kayaks. 

2 Star Assessment 

A Scottish Canoe Association 

assessment on flat water 

in kayaks and canoes. The 

assessment normally takes 2 -3 

hours. 

Call the centre if you are 

interested in being assessed at 

this level and for details of the 

syllabus. 

3 Star Open Canoe 

Assessment 

£60 ✪ 

This course is a one day 

assessment on flat and simple 

moving water for Open Canoes 

only. Please check the Scottish 

Canoe Association website 

for the syllabus, training and 

assessment notes. 

3 Star White Water 

Kayak Assessment 

£60 ✪ 

This course is a one day 

assessment on flat and moving 

water for kayaks only. Please 

check the Scottish Canoe 

Association for the full syllabus 

and notes. 


Kayak Leader Training 

£120 ✪ 

A practical discipline specific 

training course over two days 

covering the skills required to 

lead a group of 4 competent 

kayak paddlers in appropriate 

white water locations, up to 

grade 2. Please check the 

Scottish Canoe Association 

website for the syllabus and 

training notes. 


Kayak Leader 

Assessment 

£120 ✪ 

A practical discipline specific 

assessment leading to the 4 Star 

WW Kayak Leader award. This 

is a leadership not a coaching 

award. It is not suitable for 

introducing beginners to the 

sport. Please check the Scottish 


for the syllabus, training and 

assessment notes. 

Foundation Safety & 

Rescue Training 

£50 ✪ 

This course aims to provide the 

candidate with the key safety 

and rescue skills required to 

operate safely in a sheltered 

water environment and to be 

able to deal with common 

emergencies.

NGB Awards 

BCU UKCC Level 1 

Paddlesport Coach 

£200 ✪ 

A five day training course 

covering the practical and 

theorectical aspects of the 

syllabus. The qualification 

introduces new coaches to 

the concepts underpinning 

good coaching practice and 

helps them understand and 

coach technical and tactical 

elements of the sport. 

Please check the Scottish 


for pre-requisites and 

syllabus 

BCU UKCC Level 2 

Paddlesport Coach 

£160 ✪ 

This four day course is open 

to anybody who has done 

a training or assessment 

at BCU UKCC Level 1 and 

would like to further their 

coaching knowledge and 

remit. The Level 2 Training 

course is open to boat 

based and bank based 

coaches alike, and in any 

canoe and kayak discipline 

of paddle sport, recreational 

or competitive. 

Please check the Scottish 


for pre-requisites and 

syllabus 

Adventures 

Wildlife Paddle 

• 1 day trip 

£40 ✪ 

Working with the Fife Coast 

and Countryside Trust 

Rangers, this open canoe 

paddle will be based on 

a local loch or river. The 

rangers will be on hand to 

share their knowledge about 

the local area and wildlife. 

Sea Kayak Trip 

• 1 day trip 

£40 ✪ 

Sea kayaking offers the 

chance to explore Fife’s 

amazing beaches and 

coastline and experience 

Forth Estuary wildlife and 

the freedom of the sea 

. This day trip will suit 

those with some previous 

kayaking experience who 

are keen to be challenged 

by exploring Fife’s coastline. 

The location of this trip 

will be chosen to suit the 

conditions on the day. 

Paddlesport 

Course 

Course 

Dates 

Dates 

Skills 

Paddlesports Beginner 

• 15, 22, 29 May & 5 June (6-8.30pm) 

Paddlesports Improver 

• 12, 19, 26 June & 3 July (6-8.30pm) 

Kayak Plus 

• 22 & 23 June (9.30am – 5pm) 

Canoe Plus 

• 8 & 9 June (9.30am – 5pm) 

Whitewater Canoe 

• Sat 28 Sep (9.30am – 5pm) 

Whitewater Kayak 

• Sat 31 August (9.30am – 5pm) 

3* WW Kayak Assessment 

• Sat 24 August (9am – 5pm) 

3* OC Assessment 

• Sun 25 August (9am – 5pm) 

4* WW Kayak Leader Training 

• 21 & 22 Sep (9am – 5pm) 

4* WW Kayak Leader Assessment 

• 16 & 17 Nov (9am – 5pm) 

Foundation Safety & Rescue Training 

• 6 & 13 June (5.30pm – 8.30pm) 

PaddleNights SPLASH 

• Mondays 29 April – 9 September 

6-8pm 

PaddleNights COACH 

• Thursdays 2 May – 12 September 

6-8pm 

NGB Coaching Awards 

BCU UKCC Level 1 Paddlesport 

Coach 

• 22 – 26 April (9am – 5pm) 

• 2- 6 September (9am – 5pm) 

BCU UKCC Level 2 Paddlesport 

Coach 

• 21 – 24 May (9am – 5pm) 

• 10 – 13 Sep (9am – 5pm) 

Adventures 

Wildlife Paddle 

• Sat 20 April (9am – 5pm) 

Sea Kayak Trip 

• Sat 17 August (all day) 

11

Loch Ore is the perfect setting for learning and improving your 

sailing skills. Great scenery, sheltered bays and clean water 

provide all the ingredients for a fantastic learning experience. 

Sailing 

Sailing 

Course Dates 

Course Dates 

Private Sailing Lessons 

Try Sailing Taster (£50 maximum 3 people, or 4 people if booking 

as one group) 

New to sailing and would like to have a go before committing to 

a full course. Book one of our Try Sailing tasters. 

Private lessons can be arranged through the centre. They are 

available at any time except Wednesday evenings subject to 

instructor availablility. 

Cost £75 (based on a maximum of 3 people sharing the lesson) 

3hrs 9.30-12.30, 1.30-4.30 or 5.30-8.30 

• Sailing Refresher 

• Sailing with Spinnakers 

• Sailing Singlehanders 

• Seamanship Skills 

Or speak to the instructor about what you would like to learn. 

Skills 

Start Sailing 

RYA Level 1 

Evenings £90 ✪ 

Weekends £100 ✪ 

An introduction to sailing skills. 

You will be able to sail in light 

winds under supervision and 

have gained some background 

knowledge. 

Basic Skills 

RYA Level 2 

Evenings £105 ✪ 

Weekends £100 ✪ 

For those with some previous 

experience. You will improve 

boat handling skills and 

background knowledge. At the 

end of the course you will be 

able to sail and make decisions 

in light winds without an 

instructor on board. 

Better Sailing 

RYA Level 3 

£100 ✪ 

Building on existing sailing skills. 

At the end of the course you will 

be capable of sailing without an 

instructor on board in light to 

moderate conditions 

. 

SailNights 

£10 ✪ 

Join us every Monday night 

6-8pm for a fun evening of 

sailing under the supervision of 

a qualified instructor. Get some 

top tips, learn new skills, have a 

race or just get wet. Ideal if you 

have completed the Start Sailing 

course or equivalent. 


SailNights 

• Mondays 29 April – 9 Sep 

6-8pm 

Start Sailing RYA Level 1 

Course 

• 14th, 16th & 21st, 23rd 

May 

• 13th, 15th, 20th, 22nd Aug 

• 22 & 23 June 

Basic Skills RYA Level 2 

• 4th, 6th, 11th, 13th, 18th, 

20th June 

• 27th, 29th Aug 3rd, 5th, 

10th & 12th Sept 

• 24th & 25th August 

Better Sailing RYA Level 3 

14th & 15th September 

Private Sailing Lesson 

Available on request 

• 6 April – 27 October 

Sailability Sailing 

Wednesdays 

• 1 May – 11 Sep 4-6pm 

Sailability 

£5 

Every Wednesday we provide 

sailing opportunities for people 

with a disability. Lochore 

Meadows is an RYA Centre of 

Excellence for Sailability Sailing 

in Scotland. Please contact the 

centre for further details. 

Further opportunities are 

available through the Fife 

Sailability Club. 

12

Outdoor Adventures at Lochore Meadows 

• We have a programme packed full of exciting activities and adventures for 8-15yrs 

• Easter and October multi-adventure courses 

• Summer: 1 day Adventure Unlimited, 2 day Fun in the Park and various activity courses 

• Clubs at Lochore: Meedies Bike Club, OnBoard Sailing, PaddleNights and SailNights 

MULTI-ADVENTURE 

Easter & October Holidays 

Choose up to 5 half day sessions where you will enjoy having a go at 1 or 2 activities including 

Mountain Biking, Paddlesports, Island Adventures, Climbing and Archery. 

The activities will be decided according to the group and weather on the day. 

Easter Holidays 

Week 1: Tue 2nd, Wed 3rd, Thur 4th April 

Week 2: Mon 8th, Tue 9th and Wed 10th April 

October Holidays 

Week 1: Mon 7th, Tue 8th and Wed 9th October 

Week 2: Mon 14th, Tue 15th and Wed 16th October 

All sessions 9.30 - 12pm and 1 - 3.30pm 

£12 per session 

13

Fun in the Park 

(8-15yrs) 

£50 

School’s out so come and 

join us for a fun packed 2 day 

outdoor adventure. There are a 

variety of land and water based 

activities such as kayaking, 

canoeing, mountain biking, 

climbing and archery 

Mon & Tues (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 1 & 2 July 

• 8 & 9 July 

• 15 & 16 July 

• 22 & 23 July 

• 29 & 30 July 

• 5 & 6 Aug 

Adventure Unlimited 

8-15yrs 

£25 per day 

Adventure Unlimited involves 

taking a trip away from the 

centre to explore new locations 

and enjoy a new challenge. 

The activity will be decided 

according to the group and 

weather on the day and may 

include hiking, mountain biking 

or watersports. Under the 

supervision of two qualified staff 

the group will spend the day 

away including sheltering and 

eating outdoors. 

• Wed 3rd Jul 

• Wed 10th July 



• Wed 31st Jul 

• Wed 7th Aug 


Go Mountain Bike (11-15yrs) 

£60 incl. handbook 

Go Mountain Bike Awards are 

great fun and will also challenge 

and help to improve your biking 

skills. You will get the chance 

to ride the skills course and 

Mountain Bike trails at Lochore 

Meadows. 

• 4 & 5 July 

• 11 & 12 July 

Mountain Sport 

Rock Climbing (11-15yrs) 

£55 + entry fee 

This course is an ideal way to 

learn new skills, meet people 

and enjoy climbing. There 

is a place for everyone from 

beginners to more experienced 

climbers. It’s all about the 

enjoyment of climbing and 

reaching new heights. 

• 1 & 2 Aug 

• 8 & 9 Aug 

ClimbNights/Mornings 

Introductory Classes 

Learn the skills of traversing 

and bouldering under the expert 

guidance of an experienced 

instructor. 

• Tuesdays 4.30pm - 5.00pm 

• Saturdays 9.30am - 10.00am 

ClimbNights / ClimbMornings 

Enjoy a supervised bouldering 

session where you can progress 

your skills and fitness and 

benefit from some informal 

instruction from a qualified 

instructor from the outdoor 

education team. 

• Tuesdays 5.00pm - 7.00pm 

• Saturdays 10.00am - 

12.00pm 

This course runs in partnership with 

the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust 

at the Carnegie Leisure Centre, 

Dunfermline. 

www.fifeleisure.org.uk 

Call for more information or to book 

01383 602304 

14

Sailing 

Sailing Stage 1 (8-15yrs) 

£78 

By the end of this introductory 

course you will have a basic 

understanding of how a boat 

sails and some experience of 

steering and handling the boat. 

• 1, 2 & 3 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 8, 9 & 10 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 15, 16 & 17 July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

• 22, 23 & 24 July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

• 29, 30 & 31July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

• 5, 6 & 7 Aug (9.30-3.30pm) 


£78 

At the end of Stage 2 you will 

have a widening range of skills 

and knowledge and be well on 

the way to being a confident 

small boat sailer. 

Pre-requisites: Completed a 

Stage 1 Sailing Course. 

• 1, 2 & 3 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 15, 16 & 17 July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

• 29, 30 & 31 July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

• 5, 6 & 7 Aug (9.30-3.30pm) 


£78 

Having completed stage 3 

you will be able to sail in any 

direction and rig and launch 

your boat. You can regard 

yourself as a sailor, not a 

beginner. Pre-requisites: 

completed a Stage 2 course 

with additional practice. 

• 8, 9 & 10 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 22, 23 & 24 July 

(9.30-3.30pm) 

On Board Sailing Club 

(8-15yrs) 

£6 

The OnBoard Club exists to 

provide regular, quality sailing 

opportunities for young people. 

Every Sunday 21 April - 27 Oct 

• Novice - Stage 1 

(9.30-12.00pm) 

• Stage 2+ (1.00-3.30pm) 

SailNights (11yrs+*) 

£5 

Join us every Monday night 

6-8pm for a fun evening of 

sailing under the supervision 

of a qualified instructor. You 

should have completed a Stage 

1 course or equivalent and 

have the opportunity to practice 

before moving on to the next 

stage or just get out and enjoy a 

sail with friends. 

• Every Monday from 

29 April - 9 Sept (6-8pm) 

*8yrs+ may attend if 

accompanied by a participating 

adult. 

Paddle Sport 

Paddlepower is an exciting 

scheme developed by the 

British Canoe Union that has 

been designed for young 

people. It is colourful, fun and 

packed with loads of new skills 

to learn. Each course includes a 

certificate or logbook to record 

progress. 

Paddlepower Start 

(11-15yrs) 

£50 incl. logbook 

• 4 & 5 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 11 & 12 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

• 18 & 19 July (9.30-3.30pm) 

Paddlepower Passport 

(11-15yrs) 

£58 incl. logbook 

The course is aimed at juniors 

who have already completed at 

least one start kayaking course 

or similar. Using kayaks and 

open canoes you can improve 

your existing paddling skills and 

prepare for running the river on 

day 2. 

• 25 & 26 July 

(9.30-3.30pm & 9-4pm) 

• 1 & 2 Aug 

(9.30-3.30pm & 9-4pm) 

• 8 & 9 Aug 

(9.30-3.30pm & 9-4pm) 

PaddleNights Splash (11yrs+) 

£3.50 

Back by popular demand. Join 

us every Monday night 6-8pm 

for open canoeing or kayaking. 

Get some top tips, learn new 

skills or just get wet! Fun, Fun, 

Fun!! 


• Every Monday from 

29 April - 9 Sept (6-8pm) 

*8yrs+ may attend if 

accompanied by a participating 

adult. 

15

Beginner or experienced, come along and use 

the loch with your own equipment or hire from 

our wide range of watersports equipment. Our 

Water Safety team will advise you on suitable 

equipment and watch over you while you enjoy 

your activity. 

Public Hire & Water Safety 

Times 

Sat & Sun (Sat 6 April – Sun 27 Oct) 

April - Sep 

1pm - 5.30pm 

Oct 

1pm - 4pm 

Mon - Fri (1 July – 9 Aug ) 1pm - 5pm 

Bank holidays 

1pm - 5pm 

*Please note last launch 1 hour before closing 

You are welcome to launch your own craft 

but please note the following guidelines: 

1. During public water safety times (green 

flag) – sign in at reception and pay launch 

fee. 

2. During centre opening hours (no water 

safety) – sign in. Pay facilities charge only 

if using changing room/showers. 

3. Centre closed – free to launch at own 

risk. 

Launching Prices (per craft) 

Launch Ticket Adult Conc 

Sat & Sun £4.00 £2.00 

2 Hour Ticket 

£3.00 £1.50 

(any two hour period) 

Launch Season Ticket £60.00 £30.00 

(Multi-launch - negotiable 

for clubs) 

Group Rate - Kayaks/ £3.00 £1.50 

Canoes (4 or more craft) 

Facilities Charge 

(showers & sign in) 

£2.00 £1.00 

Season tickets are available for regular users. 

Concessions available for 

Fifestyle Premier, Super & Bonus 

and under 18 years 

Equipment Hire 

We have a variety of craft for hire for those with 

some experience including: sailing boats - Wayfarer, 

Toppers, Picos, kayaks and canoes. Funboats and siton 

kayaks are available for people with no experience. 

A user card is available for regular under 18 users - 

please contact the Outdoor Education Reception for 

more details on 01592 583388. 

Details 1hr Session 2hr Session 

Adult Conc Adult Conc 

Sit-on kayak (single) £6.00 £3.00 £9.00 £4.50 

Sit-on kayak (double) £8.00 £4.00 £12.00 £6.00 

Kayak £9.00 £4.50 £13.00 £6.50 

Open Canoe £11.00 £5.50 £16.00 £8.00 

Katakanu 

£12.00 

(max 5 people) must 

include one adult 

(18+) 

Group kayak Rate 

£13.00 £6.50 

(groups with own instructor 4+ 

kayaks) includes kayak, buoyancy 

aid, wetsuit & cagule 

Sailing 

Funboat £10.00 £5.00 £15.00 £7.50 

Topper/Pico (2 max) £15.00 £7.50 

Wayfarer (4 max) £25.00 £12.50 

Access dinghy £5.00 

Extras 

Buoyancy aids* 

Adult £3.00 • Conc £1.50 

Canoe cagoule 

Adult £3.00 • Conc £1.50 

*Free with craft hire 

Wetsuit 

Adult £5.00 • Conc £2.50 

Waterproofs (cag & ovr trs.) 

Adult £4.00 • Conc £2.00 

Adaptive Equipment 

The centre has a range of equipment designed and 

adapted to suit users with a disability or who require 

additional support. There are sailing boats, various 

paddle craft and bikes as well as changing facilities 

and hoists. There is a minimal charge to cover 

maintenance costs. The equipment must be booked 

in advance. Please contact the centre for details. 

16

Linking People with 

Nature 

Lochore Meadows Country Park was first 

established as a Country Park as part of an 

ambitious industrial landscape restoration 

programme in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The 

park is over 1,200 acres of beautiful and varied 

countryside with a wide range of facilities 

and activities available. There are woodlands, 

meadows and grasslands, ponds, a Nature 

Reserve and of course Loch Ore itself. There 

are paths and trails throughout the area, many 

of which are wheelchair and mobility scooter 

accessible. 

• Trout Fishery 

• Conference Rooms 

• 9 hole Golf Course and putting 

• Ranger Service 

• Beach area and Play Park 

• Riding Stables 

• Picnic and BBQ areas 

• Walking and Biking trails 

• Cafe 

Clubs based at Lochore 

Meadows OEC 

Lochore Meadows Outdoor Education Centre 

is one of Fife’s designated Community Sport 

Hubs (CSH). Community Sport Hubs are based 

in local facilities and aim to increase the number 

of people of all ages participating in sport and 

physical activity in local communities across 

Scotland. 

Here is a list of clubs that are currently part of 

the Lochore Meadows OEC Community Sport 

Hub. 

• Fife Canoeing Activities Group (FCAG) 

An established Canoe and Kayak club. FCAG 

have their base at Lochore Meadows and 

run an ongoing programme of tuition and 

development. 

• Meedies Bike Club 

Meedies Bike Club is a community bike club 

based at Lochore Meadows Country Park 

who’s aim is to provide members of the local 

community with a variety of mountain biking, 

BMX and other activities. 

• RYA OnBoard Sailing 

An RYA programme to provide quality sailing 

opportunities for young people age 8-15yrs. 

Learn to sail and participate regularly at the 

On Board Club. 

Bums off Seats is a Fife Walking Initiative 

funded by Fife Council. We provide free 

local health walking opportunities in Fife 

and all walks are led by a trained team of 

Volunteer Walk Leaders. 

www.fifedirect.org.uk/bumsoffseats 

• Fife Sailability Club 2012 

A group of enthusiasts who meet regularly 

to support sailing activities for people with a 

disability. 

• Open Water Swim/Triathlon Clubs 

On Wedensday evenings the loch and 

centre facilities are dedicated to local swim 

and triathlon clubs for open water swim 

training. 

• St. Andrews University Sailing Club 

For further details about any of the clubs please 

contact the outdoor education centre or check 

the links on our website. 

17

Who can take part? 

Apart from age restrictions, courses are open 

to anyone subject to management approval. 

Employees of Fife Council and volunteers who would 

like the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities 

and who may use the activity to benefit others in 

the context of their work, may access some training 

courses at a reduced rate. 

Whenever possible we will make arrangements in 

terms of access and instruction for those with special 

needs provided we know in advance of the visit. 

How to Book 

Please check availability on courses by phone or 

email before making a booking. 

Provisional bookings can also be made by phone or 

email. These will be held for a maximum of 

5 days. 

All bookings must be confirmed by completing 

and returning a Group Booking Form or Course 

Application Form with the appropriate course fee or 

recharge code. Please make cheques payable to 

Fife Council). Bookings cannot be accepted without 

payment. 

If you are unsure of the suitability of the course, 

contact the Outdoor Education Centre on 01592 

583388 to ask for further information or advice. 

Your booking will be confirmed with a receipt and 

course information. This will be sent out within 5 

days of receiving your application. If there are no 

vacancies your course fee will be returned. 

Cancellations by the Customer 

Changes or cancellations will be confirmed by email 

We recommend that you take out cancellation and 

curtailment insurance. 

Cancellations by Lochore Meadows 

OEC 

Whilst every attempt is made to ensure that courses 

run, occasionally we may need to cancel courses 

due to dangerous or unsuitable conditions. We will 

endeavour to give as much notice as is practically 

possible. 

Occasionally courses may fail to reach a feasible 

minimum number. In these circumstances we will 

ensure you receive at least 5 days notice. 

In the event of cancellation by us for the above 

reasons, you will be offered either a full refund or an 

alternative date for the course. 

Safety 

All courses will be conducted in accordance with 

Fife Council guidance for outdoor activities and 

excursions. 

All adventure activities carry an element of risk and 

by choosing to do an activity you (or your parent/ 

carer) accept this risk. If you’re taking part in a 

watersport you may get wet and cold, as a mountain 

biker you may fall off. Minor cuts and bruises are not 

uncommon. You will also be out in the changeable 

Scottish weather. 

Participants should have an appropriate level of 

fitness and be suitably experienced. Please ensure 

that any medical condition that the staff should be 

aware of is stated in the booking form. If in doubt, 

please check with your doctor. 

You will be encouraged to participate fully in the 

course but the degree of challenge is yours to 

choose. You will be expected however, to comply 

stringently with our safety guidelines and procedures. 

All Courses are run by competent staff to standards 

approved by the Adventure Activities Licensing 

Authority. Courses are designed to provide safe, 

challenging and enjoyable learning. All technical 

equipment can be provided. 

Insurance 

All activities are covered by Fife Council’s Public 

Liability Insurance. This does not include personal 

accident or belongings insurance. Participants 

should arrange their own insurance as necessary. 

Group Bookings 

Enquires can be made directly with the Outdoor 

Education Centre by phone or email. Bookings 

are not confirmed until a completed booking form 

is returned along with payment or recharge code. 

Sessions 

Sessions will normally take place at the following 

times. If the timings do not suit your group please 

discuss this at the time of booking. 

• 10am-12.30pm 

• 1pm-3.30pm 

• 3.30pm-6pm 

• 6pm-8.30pm 

Daytime bookings are available all year. Evening 

bookings are available April – September. 

Some watersports are unavailable November - 

March. 

What to Bring 

All specialist equipment is provided by the centre. 

Participants may use their own equipment if 

deemed appropriate by the instructor. Useful items 

you will need to bring are: complete change of 

clothes, old shoes, towel. 

Supervision 

Group leaders are encouraged to participate but 

it is not compulsory. During the activity group 

leaders have overall responsibility for the care and 

welfare for the group and may be required to help 

in some situations. Group leaders are expected to 

travel with the group for offsite activities. 

18

Thrills, spills and new skills 

Here’s a taste of some of the events we are hosting this year. Check the website for more details and 

up to date information www.fifedirect.org.uk/outdooreducation 

Sailing Festival - Sat 27 April 

Sailing is a great fun and challenging activity. Have a go on a Try Sailing taster 

during this fun day for kids and adults. 

Sailability encourages and supports people with disabilities to take up the 

sport and develop sailing opportunities. Sailability Scotland and the Fife 

Sailability Club will be running taster sessions throughout the day. 

Paddle Festival - Sat 11 May 

A fun packed day full of a variety of paddlesports oportunities at the 

Meedies. Come and Try the easy to use fun sit-on kayaks, open canoes, 

Katakanus and Kayaks. There will be demo boats to try out. 

Push the Boat Out - Sat 18 May 

Let’s get as many sailing boats on the water as we can on ‘Push the 

Boat Out’ day and create an amazing spectacle on Loch Ore. 

Meedies Bike Jam - Sat 15 June 

Coming to Lochore Meadows this Summer – guided trail rides, demos, jump bags 

and competitions. How much fun can you have on a bike? 

This is the third year of this spectacular event and is a great day out for the whole 

family. 

Active Fife Big Day OuT 

Sat 31 Aug & Sun 1 Sep 

A celebration of the best of Walking and Cycling in Fife. Check the 

website for more details of this great opportunity to get out and active. 

Check the website for other events at Lochore Meadows including 

sailing regattas, open water swim races, triathlons and more. 

www.fifedirect.org.uk/outdooreducation 

19

Outdoor 

Education 

Fife 

Lochore Meadows 

Outdoor Education Centre 

COURSES 

2013 

Outdoor Education Fife 

Lochore Meadows Country Park 

Crosshill 

LOCHGELLY 

KY5 8BA 

Tel: 01592 583388 

e-mail: info.outdoored@fife.gov.uk 

web: www.fifedirect.org.uk/outdooreducation 

Find us on facebook 

facebook.com/outdooreducationfife 

Schools, Groups & Clubs 



Paddle Sports 

Sailing 

Hires and Launching 

20

COurses

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