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Outdoor education forms a significant part of the co-curricular programme at Merchiston and boys are encouraged to participate at every opportunity. From a simple introduction in the Junior School there is progression towards more challenging and demanding activities as the boys enter the Sixth Form. Every boy in the Senior School has to attempt the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award with the opportunity to progress to Silver or Gold as they move up through the School.
Other outdoor activities are accessible through weekly clubs, Sunday trips or more extended excursions during the school holidays.
Merchiston is ideally situated to take advantage of the surrounding countryside. We have easy access to the Pentland Hills and the Water of Leith for mountain biking and low level walking, and we are only a short drive from the Lammermuir Hills, Glentress and the Borders. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is a 15 minute drive away and we have access to two outdoor crags within 45 minutes. There is a swimming pool on site with a fleet of pool kayaks as well as an on-site orienteering course. Sailing activities take place on the nearby Firth of Forth whilst hill walking/winter trips see us cross the bridge and head up to the Highlands.
Rock Climbing: Climbing is a popular activity with the boys and convenient access to the indoor facility at Ratho helps tremendously. Climbing is being run as a weekly activity on Tuesday afternoons or as a series of Sunday trips. In the Summer term there is scope to climb at Traprain Law, Aberdour or North Berwick Law.
Mountain Biking: Mountain biking is a popular activity with many of our junior boys and there are usually weekly rides into Colinton Dell and the surrounding Pentland Hills. Sunday outings will often include a trip down to the justifiably famous Glentress near Peebles with its excellent selection of graded trails and skills courses.
Hill Walking: Most Merchiston boys' hill walking experience is through D of E expeditions or in Pringle House but there is a small cohort of 'Munroists' who are keen to get up to the Highlands. There have been several charity Munro days involving more senior boys and more recently, through training for the Scottish Islands Peaks Race, some hill runners!
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme: Please see the separate Duke of Edinburgh Award page
The Head of Outdoor Education is Mr George.
Many of the above activities are provided by qualified full time members of the school staff. In some cases we contract out to relevant AALS licensed providers.
