School Residential Trips and Activity Days
Tailored to your group
School residentials and day experiences that will delight, inform and inspire.
Alltnacriche Activity Centre has been providing school residential trips for 35 years. We prioritise building positive relationships so that every person feels safe, welcome and included.
- Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, 5 minutes from Aviemore and accessible from the A9.
- 61 beds across 12 bunk-bedded dorms and single rooms, with an accessible dorm on the ground floor.
- Exclusive use of the venue for school residential bookings including accommodation, sports hall with games gallery, meeting room and extensive grounds.
- Price includes full catering (3 meals each day, plus snacks) and one free teacher place per activity group.
- Tailored programme of activities running into the evening which can be adapted to suit the needs of your group.
- Activities include on- and off-site options.
- 2-4 night school residential stays available
- Reduced rates and support with transport to and from the centre for new winter bookings.
- School Bursary Fund and financial support for schools with a high proportion of pupils from SIMD1-2 deciles
- 24th - 26th August
- 7th - 11th September
- 28th - 30th September
- 26th - 30th October
- 2nd - 6th November
- 9th - 12th February
- 1st-5th March
- 12th-16th April
- 12th-14th May
- 23rd - 25th August
- 6th - 10th September
- 27th-29th September
- 25th-29th October
- 1st-5th November
We would love to host your school. Start planning your trip today!
Accommodation
Alltnacriche has 61 beds and is located in the Cairngorms National Park, not far from Aviemore. While on residential at Alltnacriche, your group will benefit from sole use of our venue and grounds.
Take a tour of the centre here.
Food
We will provide full catering for your school residential and are always happy to discuss any requirements ahead of your visit.
School Programmes
We offer both residential and day experiences and would love to partner with your school to help bring outdoor learning to life, including:
- Multi-activity residentials (2-night to 4-nights)
- Autumn/Winter residentials (2-night to 4-nights)
- P7 transition residentials
- Activity days
- Multi-week activity day programmes
- Music rehearsal residentials
- Study weekends
Activities on Arrival Day:
Exploration Walk
With the Cairngorms National Park on our doorstep, Alltnacriche is a brilliant base for exploring. We normally start our school residentials with a walk up to the beautiful viewpoint behind the centre. You will have the opportunity to try some challenges along the way and learn some amazing facts.
Land Grab
Land grab is a site-wide orienteering game where teams compete to take over Scotland, think the board game of risk but with maps and markers to find. Land grab will normally follow hill walk on your arrival day so that pupils can get to know the grounds of Alltnacriche and spend some time in their teams.
With the Cairngorms National Park on our doorstep, Alltnacriche is a brilliant base for exploring. We normally start our school residentials with a walk up to the beautiful viewpoint behind the centre. You will have the opportunity to try some challenges along the way and learn some amazing facts.
Land grab is a site-wide orienteering game where teams compete to take over Scotland, think the board game of risk but with maps and markers to find. Land grab will normally follow hill walk on your arrival day so that pupils can get to know the grounds of Alltnacriche and spend some time in their teams.
Small Group Activities:
Abseil/ climb at crag
Interested in climbing outdoors? We have some great options locally or can take a full day out and go further afield. Our qualified instructors will keep you safe at the crag and it could be a brilliant opportunity to try something new. We will provide a harness, helmet and rock shoes for this activity. This activity is available between Easter and October but is dependent on the weather and, if not able to run then we will provide an alternative. Please get in touch to discuss what you might be looking for. There may be a small per-head charge to cover transport to and from the selected venue.
Archery
Line up along the shooting line to try your hand with a bow and arrow. We have an outdoor or indoor range depending on the weather. We have lots of games and Archery can be adapted with a release aid or stand so that everyone can participate.
Bushcraft day 
Spend a full day in the woodland onsite trying a combination of fire lighting, bread making, conservation, shelter building and wood carving. Please see individual activity descriptions for more information.
Campfire breadmaking
Extend your fire lighting session to include the great Alltnacriche bake off! Once you have gotten your fire going, your instructor will look after it while you mix your ingredients and flavours to create a culinary masterpiece. All ingredients are dairy and nut-free, and we have a separate box of ingredients for anyone with gluten intolerance.
Canoeing (Alltnacriche led)
From Easter to the October break, the Alltnacriche instructors can lead a canoeing taster session on nearby (and very pretty) Loch Alvie. Canoeing sessions are normally for a half day and include a mix of games, coaching and a short journey, but if interested in a full day journey then please do get in touch. Canoeing is weather permitting and if it can’t go ahead for any reason then we will offer an alternative.
Carving
Use sharp knives or peelers to shape a greenwood stick into a mushroom, tree, spurtle or lightsaber. Your instructor will give direction on how to use the tools safely and help decide which tool will be best to use.
Climbing Wall (Bouldering)
At Alltnacriche, we have a fantastic indoor climbing wall in our sports hall. For bouldering, we stay at a low level on the wall and climb along the wall rather than at height. Bouldering games are an effective way to improve your climbing skill and technique. This session can be its own activity, or a great way to start a longer roped climbing session.
Climbing Wall (Roped)
At Alltnacriche, we have a fantastic indoor climbing wall in our sports hall. For roped climbing, we have a range of harnesses for all abilities. We normally start a session with bouldering games and move on to teach belaying and climbing. The sports hall has an accessible ramp entrance and accessible toilet.
Crate Climbing
Can you beat the record for the Alltnacriche crate climb? This activity will get your whole team involved as we support the climbers by sending up more crates and helping with safety. For this activity, the crate climbers will wear a full body harness and a helmet. If of interest, the crate climb area can also be adapted using our accessible harness and doubles as an outdoor sensory swing.
Fire lighting 
In this relaxed session, you will learn to collect and use natural materials to build a fire in our designated firepits. This is a chance to get to know your team better, and to become an expert at using a fire steel. The paths down to the woodland area are accessible for most wheelchair users, or, as an alternative, we have portable fire pits which we can setup closer to the centre.
Gorge Walk Option 1
Put on your wellies and waterproofs to scramble up the riverbed. This gorge includes opportunities to climb a waterfall, learn some amazing nature facts and visit the fountain of youth. For this gorge, you have the option to stay dry and can walk around if there is an obstacle that you would prefer not to do. This activity normally runs from Easter until the October break.
Gorge Walk Option 2
Fancy a swim? You might opt for the Alltnacriche Gorge walk. This gorge includes waterslides into deeper pools, and you don’t need to be able to swim, but you will definitely get wet. For this activity you will wear a buoyancy aid, you should bring old trainers and warm layers. We would only recommend this activity in warm weather and for older groups.
Orienteering
Increase your confidence in map reading by taking on an orienteering challenge at Alltnacriche. We have five unique courses around the site including photos, star orienteering, and even a game of Cluedo! You will need to cross uneven ground to access many of the orienteering points, but there are some that are closer to the centre.
Ropes course
Come and try the Ropes assault course at Alltnacriche. We have lots of different obstacles to climb up, shimmy down and slide through. Use your head too on some of our team-based challenges. Participants wear a helmet for this activity and our instructors will brief on the safest way to approach each element of the course.
Shelter building
Fancy yourself as an architect or interior designer? In this session, your group will use natural resources from the forest to build and test a shelter that your whole team can fit into. If you’re brave enough, we also can test if the shelter is waterproof! Along the way, you could learn some facts about the sorts of homes that animals build too.
Team Challenge
Alltnacriche has a whole host of team challenges onsite including giant team skis, the tower of Hanoi, a giant spiders web and stepping stones. This activity creates opportunity for your group to learn to work well together. Challenges are made fun with imaginative storytelling and goals set for your team.
Trail Biking
Whether trying our onsite skills courses and ramps, or going for an offsite adventure, we can tailor our trail biking sessions to the interests and ability of your group. For non-confident riders, please let us know in advance and our instructor will be able to provide some hints and tips to get you started. If you will need an adaptive bike, then please do get in touch before your stay as we are happy to arrange this through local provider Able 2 Adventure.
Wacky wildlife/ Conservation
Did you know that slug blood is blue from copper? Or that House Martins catch their food as they fly? Alltnacriche has 17 acres of grounds which we manage in partnership with A Rocha UK to increase the biodiversity onsite. This creates many opportunities to learn about the natural environment and how to care for it better.
Zip Line double
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Alltnacriche has two 100m zip lines. This is a really popular activity and requires participants to wear a helmet. Experience flying through the treetops and then land in the bark at the end. This zip line can be used either with a full body harness, or a specialist harness appropriate for someone who might normally use a wheelchair.
Interested in climbing outdoors? We have some great options locally or can take a full day out and go further afield. Our qualified instructors will keep you safe at the crag and it could be a brilliant opportunity to try something new. We will provide a harness, helmet and rock shoes for this activity. This activity is available between Easter and October but is dependent on the weather and, if not able to run then we will provide an alternative. Please get in touch to discuss what you might be looking for. There may be a small per-head charge to cover transport to and from the selected venue.
Line up along the shooting line to try your hand with a bow and arrow. We have an outdoor or indoor range depending on the weather. We have lots of games and Archery can be adapted with a release aid or stand so that everyone can participate.
Spend a full day in the woodland onsite trying a combination of fire lighting, bread making, conservation, shelter building and wood carving. Please see individual activity descriptions for more information.
Extend your fire lighting session to include the great Alltnacriche bake off! Once you have gotten your fire going, your instructor will look after it while you mix your ingredients and flavours to create a culinary masterpiece. All ingredients are dairy and nut-free, and we have a separate box of ingredients for anyone with gluten intolerance.
From Easter to the October break, the Alltnacriche instructors can lead a canoeing taster session on nearby (and very pretty) Loch Alvie. Canoeing sessions are normally for a half day and include a mix of games, coaching and a short journey, but if interested in a full day journey then please do get in touch. Canoeing is weather permitting and if it can’t go ahead for any reason then we will offer an alternative.
Use sharp knives or peelers to shape a greenwood stick into a mushroom, tree, spurtle or lightsaber. Your instructor will give direction on how to use the tools safely and help decide which tool will be best to use.
At Alltnacriche, we have a fantastic indoor climbing wall in our sports hall. For bouldering, we stay at a low level on the wall and climb along the wall rather than at height. Bouldering games are an effective way to improve your climbing skill and technique. This session can be its own activity, or a great way to start a longer roped climbing session.
At Alltnacriche, we have a fantastic indoor climbing wall in our sports hall. For roped climbing, we have a range of harnesses for all abilities. We normally start a session with bouldering games and move on to teach belaying and climbing. The sports hall has an accessible ramp entrance and accessible toilet.
Can you beat the record for the Alltnacriche crate climb? This activity will get your whole team involved as we support the climbers by sending up more crates and helping with safety. For this activity, the crate climbers will wear a full body harness and a helmet. If of interest, the crate climb area can also be adapted using our accessible harness and doubles as an outdoor sensory swing.
In this relaxed session, you will learn to collect and use natural materials to build a fire in our designated firepits. This is a chance to get to know your team better, and to become an expert at using a fire steel. The paths down to the woodland area are accessible for most wheelchair users, or, as an alternative, we have portable fire pits which we can setup closer to the centre.
Put on your wellies and waterproofs to scramble up the riverbed. This gorge includes opportunities to climb a waterfall, learn some amazing nature facts and visit the fountain of youth. For this gorge, you have the option to stay dry and can walk around if there is an obstacle that you would prefer not to do. This activity normally runs from Easter until the October break.
Fancy a swim? You might opt for the Alltnacriche Gorge walk. This gorge includes waterslides into deeper pools, and you don’t need to be able to swim, but you will definitely get wet. For this activity you will wear a buoyancy aid, you should bring old trainers and warm layers. We would only recommend this activity in warm weather and for older groups.
Increase your confidence in map reading by taking on an orienteering challenge at Alltnacriche. We have five unique courses around the site including photos, star orienteering, and even a game of Cluedo! You will need to cross uneven ground to access many of the orienteering points, but there are some that are closer to the centre.
Come and try the Ropes assault course at Alltnacriche. We have lots of different obstacles to climb up, shimmy down and slide through. Use your head too on some of our team-based challenges. Participants wear a helmet for this activity and our instructors will brief on the safest way to approach each element of the course.
Fancy yourself as an architect or interior designer? In this session, your group will use natural resources from the forest to build and test a shelter that your whole team can fit into. If you’re brave enough, we also can test if the shelter is waterproof! Along the way, you could learn some facts about the sorts of homes that animals build too.
Alltnacriche has a whole host of team challenges onsite including giant team skis, the tower of Hanoi, a giant spiders web and stepping stones. This activity creates opportunity for your group to learn to work well together. Challenges are made fun with imaginative storytelling and goals set for your team.
Whether trying our onsite skills courses and ramps, or going for an offsite adventure, we can tailor our trail biking sessions to the interests and ability of your group. For non-confident riders, please let us know in advance and our instructor will be able to provide some hints and tips to get you started. If you will need an adaptive bike, then please do get in touch before your stay as we are happy to arrange this through local provider Able 2 Adventure.
Did you know that slug blood is blue from copper? Or that House Martins catch their food as they fly? Alltnacriche has 17 acres of grounds which we manage in partnership with A Rocha UK to increase the biodiversity onsite. This creates many opportunities to learn about the natural environment and how to care for it better.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Alltnacriche has two 100m zip lines. This is a really popular activity and requires participants to wear a helmet. Experience flying through the treetops and then land in the bark at the end. This zip line can be used either with a full body harness, or a specialist harness appropriate for someone who might normally use a wheelchair.
Evening Sessions:
Campfire
We have a large campfire circle at the lower end of the Alltnacriche sports field and logs to sit on. We will normally hold a campfire on the last night of your residential. The campfire is a place where you can sing some ridiculous songs, play games and wonder at the stars.
Egg Throw
Work together in your team to design, build and test a structure that will protect your egg character from a fall from the fire escape! This hands-on STEM challenge encourages creativity, problem solving and collaboration.
Photo Challenge
For a more relaxed evening option, why not try the photo challenge? Teams will be given a list of photos to take around the site. They need to take as many of the list as possible in the time given, then at the end we come together to see how they did. This is a great activity for getting everyone involved.
Riverboat Challenge 
Can your team use natural materials to build a boat that will be tough enough to sail the Alltnacriche burn? This activity works well in the summer months and gets teams working creatively as they design, build and Christen their ship ready for launch.
Slip and Slide
In the summer, we can set up a giant slip and slide on the front lawn and it’s a brilliant way for your group to cool off after a long day of activities. Let’s see who can slide the fastest!
Sports Hall
The sports hall is the perfect place for an active indoor session. We have a number of different games we can run but definitely the favourite is nuk’em ball, a fast paced but adapted version of volleyball that gets everyone playing (even if you didn’t know you were the sporty type!)
Wide Game
This is a great option for burning off some energy. Our instructors have a whole selection of wide games that we can play in the sports field and in the woodland area. These are really fun, and you might find yourself hiding under a bridge, running with stolen goods, or banging drums in the dark.
We have a large campfire circle at the lower end of the Alltnacriche sports field and logs to sit on. We will normally hold a campfire on the last night of your residential. The campfire is a place where you can sing some ridiculous songs, play games and wonder at the stars.
Work together in your team to design, build and test a structure that will protect your egg character from a fall from the fire escape! This hands-on STEM challenge encourages creativity, problem solving and collaboration.
For a more relaxed evening option, why not try the photo challenge? Teams will be given a list of photos to take around the site. They need to take as many of the list as possible in the time given, then at the end we come together to see how they did. This is a great activity for getting everyone involved.
Can your team use natural materials to build a boat that will be tough enough to sail the Alltnacriche burn? This activity works well in the summer months and gets teams working creatively as they design, build and Christen their ship ready for launch.
In the summer, we can set up a giant slip and slide on the front lawn and it’s a brilliant way for your group to cool off after a long day of activities. Let’s see who can slide the fastest!
The sports hall is the perfect place for an active indoor session. We have a number of different games we can run but definitely the favourite is nuk’em ball, a fast paced but adapted version of volleyball that gets everyone playing (even if you didn’t know you were the sporty type!)
This is a great option for burning off some energy. Our instructors have a whole selection of wide games that we can play in the sports field and in the woodland area. These are really fun, and you might find yourself hiding under a bridge, running with stolen goods, or banging drums in the dark.
Free Time Options:
Footgolf
Played like golf but with giant holes and a football, we have everything your need for the Alltnacriche Open. The white wooden posts around the site mark our course and you are free to use our list of games or make up your own!
Games Gallery
In the game’s gallery in the sports hall, we have everything you need to play air hockey, table tennis, pool, table football and even some giant Jenga or connect four. There are some comfy sofas here too if you’d prefer to cheer from the side. The games gallery has stairs to get to this level from the main hall and is not accessible by wheelchair.
Giant Outdoor Games
Every wondered what it would be like to play twister with 30 people? To walk around a huge snakes and ladders board? Or maybe you enjoy a game of French Boules or Skittles? We have a great outdoor games selection available for your group to use.
Lounge
The lounge provides a quieter spa
ce to relax and is equipped with board games, books and cosy blankets.
Outdoor spacesEnjoy exploring the grounds at Alltnacriche including football pitch, tree swings and the Alltnacriche burn. We also have outdoor sports equipment to
borrow for cricket and rounders.
Sports HallThe sports hall has everything you need for a variety of games including basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey. This space has ramp access for wheelchair users.
Played like golf but with giant holes and a football, we have everything your need for the Alltnacriche Open. The white wooden posts around the site mark our course and you are free to use our list of games or make up your own!
In the game’s gallery in the sports hall, we have everything you need to play air hockey, table tennis, pool, table football and even some giant Jenga or connect four. There are some comfy sofas here too if you’d prefer to cheer from the side. The games gallery has stairs to get to this level from the main hall and is not accessible by wheelchair.
Every wondered what it would be like to play twister with 30 people? To walk around a huge snakes and ladders board? Or maybe you enjoy a game of French Boules or Skittles? We have a great outdoor games selection available for your group to use.
The lounge provides a quieter spa ce to relax and is equipped with board games, books and cosy blankets.
Enjoy exploring the grounds at Alltnacriche including football pitch, tree swings and the Alltnacriche burn. We also have outdoor sports equipment to borrow for cricket and rounders.
The sports hall has everything you need for a variety of games including basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey. This space has ramp access for wheelchair users.
Optional Activities for Departure Day:
Archery Tag
Archery tag is played in the sports hall and is bit like dodgeball but played with bows and soft-tipped arrows. Participants need to wear paintball style face masks, and we recommend arm guards too. We setup inflatable bunkers in the sports hall and this activity works best as a tournament with your whole group while teams who are waiting can cheer from the gallery. We would recommend only choosing this activity for older groups.
Survival Game
Live out a food web in this fast-paced wide game which takes place in the Alltnacriche sports field. For each round, pupils will see if they can survive and find enough food and water either as predator or prey. This is a fun way better understand how even small changes in the environment can have a big impact on the animals and plants around us.
Manny’s mission
Manny hasn’t come back from his break, and we think he needs your help! In this activity, teams will work together to rescue Manny from the forest. You might need to build a stretcher, or a bridge, or even a pulley system over the river. This is a brilliant team challenge which will test your group’s problem solving and ability to work together.
Visit to a local attractionAlltnacriche is in a brilliant location for a visit to a local attraction on the way home. We are happy to help you book an educational visit to the Highland Wildlife Park, or tickets for Landmark. Or you might be interested to see the Highland Folk Museum. Let our office know before your stay and we will be happy to help.
Archery tag is played in the sports hall and is bit like dodgeball but played with bows and soft-tipped arrows. Participants need to wear paintball style face masks, and we recommend arm guards too. We setup inflatable bunkers in the sports hall and this activity works best as a tournament with your whole group while teams who are waiting can cheer from the gallery. We would recommend only choosing this activity for older groups.
Live out a food web in this fast-paced wide game which takes place in the Alltnacriche sports field. For each round, pupils will see if they can survive and find enough food and water either as predator or prey. This is a fun way better understand how even small changes in the environment can have a big impact on the animals and plants around us.
Manny hasn’t come back from his break, and we think he needs your help! In this activity, teams will work together to rescue Manny from the forest. You might need to build a stretcher, or a bridge, or even a pulley system over the river. This is a brilliant team challenge which will test your group’s problem solving and ability to work together.
Alltnacriche is in a brilliant location for a visit to a local attraction on the way home. We are happy to help you book an educational visit to the Highland Wildlife Park, or tickets for Landmark. Or you might be interested to see the Highland Folk Museum. Let our office know before your stay and we will be happy to help.
“It has been the most supportive, friendly and accommodating experience for all. We love what you do.”
Teacher
Milton of Leys Primary School"Lovely staff; warm, kind and caring. Great food, loved the home baking”
Teacher
Kingussie Primary School"Thanks for an excellent experience. We were particularly thankful of how staff interacted with the pupils."
Teacher
Back School“We were very impressed with the facilities, activities, food and the enthusiasm and support of the staff.”
Teacher
Albyn School