OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING WITH MENDIP
LIVE A LIFE OF ADVENTURE!
Launch yourself into a career of adventure with Mendip Outdoor Instructor Training! Based in the South-West near Bristol, Mendip is an industry-leading outdoor adventure provider, with decades of experience delivering single courses and residential fast-track courses.
Whether you're starting a new career, seeking professional growth, or navigating midlife shifts, Mendip's outdoor instructor training offers real adventure, real progression and real results.
Our flagship course is an 18 Week Acclerated Outdoor Instructor Training course, taking place yearly.
Upcoming Courses
1st November 2026 to 13th March 2027
£12,000
31st October 2027 to 11th March 2028
£12,600
Bookings now open
Course fees includes 20 qualifications & training courses, accommodation, catering, trips, transport & £1000+ worth of free skills courses. Optional kit package available.
What's included in the 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course?
Each year hundreds of trainees take part in courses with Mendip. The 18-week intensive course is most sought-after by people looking to upskill, change their careers, and seek a life of adventure. No experience is required - just a passion for the outdoors and adventure!
20+ COURSES / QUALIFICATIONS
A huge range of training and qualifications in activities including Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Caving, Skiing, Archery, Air Rifle, Orienteering, First Aid, & Hill Walking
AMAZING LOCATIONS
The course is based in the stunning Mendip Hills National Landscape in Somerset, near Bristol, England with nationwide expeditions and a European Ski Trip. Train in Snowdonia, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Peak District & the Wye Valley.
HIGHLY EMPLOYABLE
Experience life at a real outdoor activity centre with shadowing opportunities and a guaranteed job interview.
INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES
From the day you sign up, we'll provide you with one-to-one support and over £1000 of FREE personal skills courses to upskill yourself before the main course begins.
Is Outdoor Instructor Training for you?
Candidates join instructor training from a wide variety of background and experience, whether they are 18 and seeking an exciting opportunity, or seeking a career change after years stuck behind a desk.
Hear first hand why some of our previous trainees undertook the course:
What courses and qualifications are included?
The following training courses and assessments are included in Mendip's Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course. One-off single courses are also available to book.
ROCK CLIMBING INSTRUCTOR
Industry-standard Mountain Training qualification enabling you to instruct indoor and outdoor Rock Climbing and Abseiling, with training, assessment and support towards shadowing included.
LOWLAND LEADER
A Mountain Training qualification to lead groups on lowland countryside walks, plus Hill Skills and DofE Expedition Supervisor and Assessor training.
SNOWSPORT LEVEL 1 INSTRUCTOR
After learning to ski on our slope - or improving your technique if you can already ski, you'll undertake the Snowsport England Level 1 Foundation Instructor in preparation for an assessment.
PADDLE UK SKILLS COURSES
Develop confident personal paddling skills on flat then moving water. Gain the Canoe Award, SUP Sheltered Water Award, Touring Kayak Award.
PADDLESPORT INSTRUCTOR
An entry-level Paddle UK qualification allowing you to safely deliver fun, introductory paddlesports sessions on flat water, following the Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course.
SHELTERED WATER PADDLESPORT COACH
A higher-level award for Kayak and Canoe, enabling you to coach paddlers beyond beginner level on sheltered water. You'll also do the Core Coach. Training & Assessment included.
PADDLESPORT LEADER
A Paddle UK award qualifying you to lead journeys on canals, lakes and rivers using kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, with training and assessment included.
CAVE LEADER
Train and qualify as a British Caving Association Local Cave Leader, guiding groups through underground cave systems in the Mendip Hills and beyond.
TEACHING ORIENTEERING PART 1
A British Orienteering qualification enabling you to teach fun, safe beginner orienteering skills, plan simple sessions and run basic competitions in schools or outdoor settings.
AIR RIFLE INSTRUCTOR
Learn safe shooting techniques and gain NSRA Youth Proficiency accreditation to deliver engaging, entry-level Air Rifle sessions with confidence.
ARCHERY LEADER
Gain Archery GB Leader and NSRA Youth Proficiency qualifications, enabling you to safely deliver entry-level Archery and Air Rifle sessions.
OTHER COURSES
You'll also gain the ITC Level 3 Outdoor First Aid Award, UK Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate, & UK Government Enhanced DBS..
Activity Gallery
How does the Outdoor Instructor Training course work?
You will be based in a comfortable country Lodge in the heart of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, living alongside 30 like-minded trainees. With ensuite bedrooms and shared social spaces, it is a genuine home from home. All catering is included, so you can fully focus on what matters most - learning, training and enjoying the adventure.
Our flexible, real world approach means you will train across a wide range of venues, adapting each day to suit the weather, conditions and the needs of the group. This gives you experience that mirrors the realities of working in the outdoors.
Your training takes you well beyond our base at Mendip Activity Centre. You will head out on a mix of day trips and longer expeditions across the UK, from Dartmoor and South Wales to full weeks in the Peak District and Snowdonia. The course also includes an unforgettable European Alpine ski trip, adding international experience to your journey.
Upcoming Courses
1st November 2026 to 13th March 2027
£12,000
31st October 2027 to 11th March 2028
£12,600
Bookings now open
Course fees includes 20 qualifications & training courses, accommodation, catering, trips, transport & £1000+ worth of free skills courses. Optional kit package available.
Where is the course located?
Training takes place nationally. The course home base is at Mendip Activity Centre in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, Somerset. It is close to Bristol and Weston-super-Mare with great access to the wider South West.
