Why Outward Bound?

The North Face Outward Bound Adventure

Be part of an Outward Bound course like no other. Taking place at Aberdovey from 3 - 9 August 2019, you don't want to miss this.

A chance to take on our Serious Adventure programme with a North Face twist. You'll explore and discover spectacular places with newfound friends and get to experience an overnight expedition deep in the Welsh mountains.

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Wanted. Explorers

The Oxford English dictionary defines an explorer as: "A person who explores a new or unfamiliar area". But that doesn't mean we're searching for the next Tim Peake, Leo Houlding or Anna McNuff.

In fact, we're after people like you. People who want to take a leap in life. A leap from the living room to the lakeside, the make-up box to the mountain top, the group chat to the real-life chat.

Adventure isn't just exploring uncharted lands, it's about discovering your talent. Finding out what you're capable of and confronting the voice in your head that says "maybe tomorrow" and replacing it with "actually, today".

If this sounds like your cuppa tea, then apply now.

Apply now

The North Face and Outward Bound

In 2018 we teamed up with The North Face to enable over 1,600 young women from across the UK to experience genuine exploration in the wild.

In 2019 we're continuing that work by broadening our mission to help even more young people. With support from members of The North Face’s NeverStop community, we're actively promoting the benefits of outdoor activity and helping young people embark on new adventures.

From venturing out to a crag to learning the basics of rock climbing, hiking on foot deep into the mountains, to kayaking amongst seals – together we're committed to taking young people on a journey of exploration to unlock their potential.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

Our 7-day Serious Adventures are normally £599.

But here's the deal: Thanks to The North Face Black Friday campaign we have 12 places up for grabs that are 70% funded, leaving you just £179.70 to raise yourself! You just have to let us know why you need the cash.

Can anyone apply?

Yep, so long as you're aged 15-19 and live in the UK you are eligible to apply.

*Photography and videography

The North Face may take photos and videos during the course to be used for publicity. By applying to take part, you will be agreeing to be included in their photos/videos from the course.

What will I be doing?

This is a Serious Adventure programme based at our Aberdovey centre in Wales.

Your group's attitude and appetite for adventure will shape your programme each day.

With activities like gorge scrambling, rock climbing, cutter sailing and canoeing you'll make the most of natures playground.

A dedicated instructor will be there for you the whole time, offering encouragement when you need it most and help if things get tough.

You'll get to experience at least one overnight expedition where you'll camp in the wild, either in a mountain hut, a tent or bivvying under the stars.

What's included and what do I need?

You will get:

• One instructor from start to finish
• Full programme, crammed full of activities
• All the kit to keep you safe, dry and warm
• Accommodation and bedding
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
• Fully comprehensive insurance
• Badge and certificate
• A free bus to Aberdovey from one of our pickup points at either Manchester or Birmingham

You will need:

• A sense of adventure
• Clothes and footwear for each day
• £10 deposit for any kit you borrow
• A camera (for the memories)
• Pocket money for souvenirs and a post-expedition ice cream (recommended)

Download the kit list