Outdoor Education & School Residential Accommodation in the Cairngorms
Rothiemurchus Lodge provides the ideal base for school and youth group residentials and outdoor learning experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
With direct access to world-class outdoor education providers and natural landscapes, the lodge supports schools in delivering meaningful residential experiences in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Who we serve:
Primary and Secondary schools
Colleges and Universities
Youth Organisations (including Scouts, Guides and similar groups)
Outdoor education and adventure training providers
Located in the Cairngorm National Park
Partners with key outdoor activity providers
Safe, enclosed and group-friendly environment
Suitable for groups and multiple cohorts
Supports curriculum-based outdoor learning
Why Rothiemurchus Lodge for schools
Facilities for Groups
Union Jack lodge has capacity for 70 guests over two floors
Additional lodges to house smaller groups of staff or students.
Separate Male and Female bathroom facilities
Fully equipped large kitchens
Communal lounges with log fire
Drying Rooms
Storage Rooms
Wi-Fi / TV
Make the Cairngorms your outdoor classroom! Rothiemurchus Lodge is proud to partner with two established local outdoor adventure providers, In Your Element and G2 Outdoor, offering schools, cadets and youth groups access to an exciting range of instructor-led activities.
From canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking and bushcraft to archery, treetop adventures, gorge walking, canyoning, white-water rafting and zip-lining, our activity partners offer opportunities to develop teamwork, confidence, resilience and outdoor skills in the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.
With activity locations a short journey from the Lodge, groups can enjoy varied outdoor adventures throughout their stay while returning to the comfort of our affordable group accommodation each evening. Our partnerships also open up exciting possibilities for the future, with plans to introduce selected instructor-led activities directly on the Lodge grounds.
Explore activities and group packages from our partners:
Whether planning a school residential, cadet training camp or youth group adventure, Rothiemurchus Lodge provides a welcoming and conveniently located base for exploring everything the Cairngorms has to offer.
Outdoor Adventures & Educational Activities
Supporting Schools & Curriculum
With increasing emphasis on outdoor learning, schools are encouraged to provide pupils with residential experiences. Rothiemurchus Lodge offers a practical and flexible base to support these requirements.
Residential Outdoor Education, Scotland
Catering for Groups
| Flexible dining options for school residentials, cadet camps and group stays in the Cairngorms |
At Rothiemurchus Lodge, we understand that organising meals for a large group is an important part of planning a successful residential trip. That's why we offer the flexibility of self-catering alongside opportunities to arrange freshly prepared meals from local catering businesses.
| Fully Equipped Self-Catering Kitchens |
Our Union Jack Lodge features a fully equipped, functional commercial kitchen on each of its two floors, providing groups with the facilities to prepare and serve their own meals throughout their stay.
Whether organising breakfast before a day of outdoor activities, preparing evening meals or managing a full residential catering programme, the kitchens offer a practical solution for schools, cadet groups and other organisations.
Heavy Metal Munchies – Homemade Group Catering
This independent catering business is passionate about creating delicious food from scratch, using high-quality and, wherever possible, locally sourced ingredients. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Heavy Metal Munchies avoids palm oil and works to minimise its environmental impact.
The proposed catering options include:
Packed lunches from £10 per person, with homemade sandwiches, cake, fruit and savoury snacks.
Hot evening meals from £250 per tray, with approximately 15–18 portions, including accompaniments.
Ready-to-reheat meals from £15 per person, with salads and homemade bread.
Homemade soup and bread from £7 per person, with optional desserts from £3.
A £20 delivery charge applies per order, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
View the Heavy Metal Munchies Group Catering Price Guide for suggested menus, full pricing and additional information.
Testimonials
“An ideal base for our Scout group - peaceful surroundings, great facilities and plenty of space for adventure. We’ll definitely be back”
7th Inverness. (Aird) Scout Group
Gordonstoun International Summer School
Rothiemurchus Lodge is proud to support the residential experience of the Gordonstoun International Summer School, a globally recognised programme that blends academic study with outdoor adventure, creativity and personal development. Set within Scotland’s inspiring natural landscape, the Summer School encourages young people to build confidence, resilience and lasting friendships through a rich mix of learning and experiential activities. As a base for the residential element, Rothiemurchus Lodge offers a peaceful, immersive environment that complements this ethos—providing space for reflection, connection and growth. Schools and group leaders are encouraged to explore the Gordonstoun Summer School programme to see how its flexible, experience-led approach can help shape and enhance their own residential offering.
