April 2025

Find support and resources from network partners to help DofE Leaders and Supervisors plan their expeditions.

Expedition guidance

The DofE Leader and Supervisor both have a key role in making sure that the impact of the Expedition section is a positive and sustainable one, for both the participants and the local communities, wherever it takes place.

They must make sure participants understand the Countryside Code, Scottish Outdoor Access Code, NI Countryside Code, Highway or Watersports Code (as appropriate) and understand the importance of behaving responsibly and positively with landowners and members of the public. Find more information on page 100 of the DofE Expedition Guide and our Expedition Aim and Requirements.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) states: In Scotland, you can go on to most land to enjoy the outdoors – as long as you behave responsibly.

Scottish access rights apply, for example, to hills and moors, forests and woods, beaches and the coast, rivers and lochs, parks and some types of farmland.

There are also some common-sense exceptions, including houses and gardens, other buildings and their yards or compounds, school grounds and places which charge for entry.

Access rights include things like walking, cycling, climbing, horse-riding, kayaking, swimming and watching wildlife, but do not include things like shooting, fishing or access with motor vehicles.

Camping and group size

SOAC includes the following guidance: Acting responsibly includes lightweight camping in a tent, in small numbers and for no more than two or three nights in one place.

When you go camping in the countryside you might feel that you cause no harm and have no impact, but the environment and wildlife may not be able to cope with repeated visits and the pressure of many people pitching their tents and camping.

Find more tips from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

Planning

Researching the area should form part of your planning. DofE groups are often large, and where you are supervising more than a single DofE expedition group, it’s good practice to inform the landowner or guardian of your plans to allow them to offer advice and support.

As part of the experience, participants should be encouraged to research their route, and ensure they understand their impact on the environment and other people.

Depending on your chosen route, the following websites are useful:

• Contact Forestry and Land Scotland 
• Camping advice from Forestry and Land Scotland
• Plan your visit to Cairngorms
• Outdoor access advice from Cairngorms National Park
• Plan your visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
• How to camp responsibly
• About Mar Lodge Estate
• DofE Expeditions on Mar Lodge Estate info
• Mountain Bothy Association

Guidance on Bothy use can also be found on page 40 of the DofE Expedition Guide.

Health and safety on expeditions

The following organisations and websites offer support to ensure both supervisors and participants are confident and safe on their expedition.

Hey Girls

A social enterprise who are revolutionising periods by funding the fight to eradicate period poverty and lobbying for period dignity across he UK. It has period education and a roll-up period supply kit a leader could carry on expedition.

The Lyme Resource Centre

LRC is engaged in a wide range of projects across Scotland and beyond, focused on providing evidence-based advice and educational resources for both the general population and health professionals. It has resources and information on ticks and Lyme Disease.