Blog I My Journey to Adventure Education
Returning to education at 33 felt daunting, but it was the best decision of my life. Now, as a 3rd-year Adventure Education student at UHI North, West and Hebrides based in Fort William, I want to share my unconventional path with you. My story proves that it’s never too late to follow your passion and achieve your goals.
Discovering my passion for the outdoors
In 2010, I moved back to Scotland from England, disenchanted with the “living to work” routine. I started climbing Scotland’s 10 highest Munros and around the same time, a colleague mentioned a one-year Outdoor Education course at Telford College in Edinburgh. A one-year course that included kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, walking and cycling and the chance to get some NGB awards for these. At the end of the year there was a work placement at an outdoor centre.
At 33, I was hesitant I could even go back into education but luckily with a bursary and temporary living arrangements with my grandparents available, it was made possible. I joined the course in 2011, gaining training in most outdoor sports and qualifications as a paddle sports and trail cycle leader. My placement on the Isle of Raasay introduced me to traditional climbing, which became a lifelong passion.
Building experience through work and study
After completing the course, I pursued my Single Pitch Climbing Award and began working at Alien Rock in Edinburgh. I then decided to go back to college at this point in 2015 to study an HNC and HND in Environmental Management and Sustainability at SRUC Edinburgh. These courses deepened my understanding of geography, flora, and fauna- knowledge I planned to apply as a mountain guide.
At SRUC, I founded a mountaineering and climbing club, which gave me confidence in leading groups. Although I considered pursuing a degree, I decided against it, as the available options didn’t align with my goal of staying in the outdoor industry. Instead, I became a qualified mountain guide in 2017 and spent the next few years honing my skills.
I left college in 2017 as a qualified mountain guide and spent several years gaining experience. In 2020, just as I had moved to Dumfries, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted guiding work. This forced me to work in alternate employment to make enough to survive, as guiding work was very minimal during this time. Although I was working part time as a mountain guide my main job was in the Ambulance service as a Care Assistant in Patient Transport until 2023 when I knew I wanted to refocus on my passion for the outdoors.
Refocusing on my passion
To complement my summer guiding work, I aimed to become a tree surgeon for the winter months. I enrolled in an HNC in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry at UHI Inverness. Unfortunately, the course didn’t meet my expectations or provide the qualifications I was looking for. Undeterred, I pivoted again, applying for direct entry into the 3rd year of the Adventure Education degree at UHI North, West and Hebrides in Fort William.
This program resonated deeply with me. It offered outdoor qualification funding, modules on international expedition planning, and the opportunity to finish what I started over 13 years ago: earning a degree.
Looking Ahead
Now 47, I’ve seen how education has changed a lot from 2011. I don’t feel like I am the odd one out in the course as it has a good mix of younger students straight out of school, to late 20’s and 30’s who are re-training and a few closer to my age that are trying to enhance their lives and gain those extra qualifications.
As for the future, I plan to continue into the 4th year for my Honours degree and then pursue a Master’s in Mountain Development through UHI Perth’s online program.
This next step marries my qualifications in environmental management and outdoor education with my professional experience as a guide and climbing instructor. I hope that this will lead me into a teaching job or some kind of role in the mountain environment creating a sustainable location for tourism and protecting and developing flora and fauna. Only time will tell.
Final Thoughts
My journey has been anything but conventional. As you can see from this blog, I have taken a slow approach to study. From staggered college courses to years of work experience, each step has shaped my passion and skills. If you’re considering a return to education or a career change, know that it’s never too late. Embrace the journey- the rewards are worth it.
Glen Dickson
- If you love outdoor adventure and want to make a career out of your passion, The School of Adventure Studies is the place for you. Come along to our Open Day in Fort William on Friday 21st March.