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In the beginning

Gateway Outdoors started trading in summer 2005, with the aim of providing a mobile provision for outdoor solutions for anyone who wanted to experience the outdoor environment. Gateway is run by Matt Craig, who has been operating as an outdoor instructor in multiple disciplines since 1999, and very much maintains the company ethos that everyone must have the opportunity to get out and try something new. 

Everything

Gateway outdoors is a multi-discipline provider and, as you can see on the activities page, we offer many different activities. As such we are equally at home going on extended canoe or mountain expeditions to technical coaching on mountain bikes and rock climbing. This variety keeps us motivated and enthused in all the various projects we have been involved with.

How we can help

The idea of a mobile outdoor providers business is that if you have an idea or aspiration, then we can help you achieve your goals and/ or provide the most suitable solution for your ideas. We discuss your needs, organise the activity, meet you on location and get stuck in. It’s that easy!

  • Gateway Outdoors
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About Gateway Outdoors

Qualifications and Accreditation

Gateway Outdoors is a licenced and fully insured outdoor pursuits provider, which only uses qualified , enthusiastic and competent staff. Below is a brief explaination of each of the industry badges.

AALS (Adventurous Activity Licensing Service) formerly AALA
This is a government sub group of the health and safety executive that is designed to provide a “kite mark” within the industry. It shows that the license holder has the appropriate policies and procedures to operate safely primarily with people under the age of 18, and is a legal requirement for businesses working with young people. Further information can be found on www.aals.org.uk

MLTA (Mountain Leader Training Association)
This association provides ongoing support and development opportunities for climbing, walking and mountain leaders that hold the relevant awards, i.e Mountain Leader (summer and winter) Single Pitch Award (rock climbing) Further information can be found on www.mlta.co.uk

BAIML (British Association of International Mountain Leaders)
This is another association that looks after the professional interests of International Mountain Leaders and therefore the clients that they guide. BAIML is a full member of UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leaders). Further information can be found on www.baiml.org

IOL (Institute of Outdoor Learning)
This Institute supports outdoor learning by developing quality, safety and opportunity to experience outdoor activity provision, and by supporting and enhancing the good practice of those who work in the outdoors. Further information can be found on www.outdoor-learning.org

Duke of Edinburgh AAP (Accredited Activity Provider)
The D of E award now has accredited providers scheme, which means that those who wish to do their expedition with Gateway Outdoors can do so knowing that what we provide has been quality assured by the D of E. Further information can be found on www.dofe.org

Insurance
Gateway Outdoors is fully insured to provide outdoor pursuits in all of its operational environments, by specialist outdoor insurers. If you require details of our insurance upon booking we will be more than happy to give you all the information you require.

Qualifications
All of the activities we provide are run by those with the appropriate qualifications as governed by the national governing body for that discipline. Mountaineering and rock climbing qualifications Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB), Canoeing and paddle sports by the British Canoe Union (BCU) and biking by the Scottish Mountain Biking Leaders Association (SMBLA)

SMBLA www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/SCU/smbla/about_SMBLA.asp
MLTE www.mlte.org
BCU www.bcu.org.uk
 

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