Why Aspen Outdoors
We often get asked that! Our name comes from the beautiful aspen tree (Populus tremula), a rare and distinctive deciduous broadleaf tree native to Scotland. Its trembling leaves create a rustling sound in the breeze, a reminder to slow down, look, and listen — something we value deeply in the outdoors.
At Aspen Outdoors, noticing the small details — plants, animal tracks, geology — is core to what we teach and share through bushcraft courses, guided hikes, and outdoor learning.
Meet The Team
Our team brings decades of experience across mountain leadership, bushcraft, outdoor education and expedition logistics. We’re a friendly, highly qualified group who share a passion for helping people build confidence and skills in the outdoors.
Alastair Ewen
Director
Jen Brooke
Director
Alan Dorward
Senior Instructor
Debbie Riley
Senior Instructor
Iain Cruwys
Senior Instructor
Penny Tarsia
Senior Instructor
Saki Nakamura
Senior Instructor
More information about our company
This section sets out our company licences, industry qualifications, providerships, insurance details and professional memberships.
Outdoor Industry Qualifications and Memberships
Aspen Outdoors Ltd employs outdoor instructors that are competent to deliver its activities. Competence is assessed through qualifications, training and on-going assessment. Instructors meet the continued professional development (CPD) requirements set out by the Mountain Training Association. Alastair Ewen is also a member of the following professional bodies: British Association of International Mountain Leaders Mountain Training Association
Adventure Activities Licence Regulations
The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 2004 require anyone who provides, in return for payment, adventure activities to young people under 18 years to have a licence and abide by its conditions. Aspen Outdoors Ltd is registered with Health and Safety Executive as a licensed provider of adventure activities because of the provision of trekking and canoeing. Its provider reference number is: R2381. Our licence document can be seen by clicking on the link below.
National Navigation Award
Aspen is a provider of National Navigation Award qualifications. These courses provide a structured and stepped approach to learning and teaching navigation skills. The awards are assessed and lead to a formal qualification. Courses are run throughout the year and can be organised on request.
Insurance
Aspen Outdoors Ltd holds insurance for the activities it provides. Its insurance policy is through Activities Industry Mutual. The insurance cover includes public and products liability insurance (up to £5 million), employers' liability insurance (£10 million) and professional indemnity insurance (up to £1 million). If you would like to see a copy of our insurance documents, please get in touch
ABTOT
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Aspen Outdoors Ltd, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for: Non-flight packages. ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Aspen Outdoors Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company. You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here.
Other Information
Company Number
Our Aspen is a registered Scottish company: SC546890.
VAT Registration
Our VAT registration number is 403 8271 18
Public Service Vehicle Licence
Aspen Outdoors Ltd holds a Restricted PCV licence for a 17-seater minibus. The licence is issued by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland and means Aspen Outdoors Ltd can operate a minibus for hire and reward.
Child Protection
Aspen Outdoors Ltd is committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people, and adults. The company recognizes its moral and legal duty to protect children and young people and will take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children from harm, abuse, and exploitation. The company is a registered body with Disclosure Scotland, and all employees, volunteers, and freelance instructors are vetted as part of its safe recruitment practice.
Fairer Work First Commitment
We’re committed to fair work principles across pay, inclusion, development and workplace voice. These standards guide our decisions and the way we work with our staff and partners.
Supportive workplace voice channels
Pay equity and inclusion
Workforce development and training
Family-friendly practices
No exploitative contracts
No "fire and rehire" policies