Craikhope Outdoor Centre is situated in an open location on the edge of Craik Forest the surrounding area is remote, picturesque and unspoilt. The Centre is approximately 3 miles from the village of Craik and 15 miles from Hawick which is one of the main towns in the Border Area.
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As a major project by young people in Hawick involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme the orignal Craikhope Cottage was completely renovated to a high standard. The work was carried out in the main by voluntary labour and donations.
To acknowledge the project the efforts put in, a visit was made to the building by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the 19th May 1976. In mid 1979 the Centre was extensively damaged by fire. The devastation was such that only the four outer walls of the building were left intact. Happily the old building had been well insured and this gave the unique opportunity to plan, design and build a new purpose built outdoor centre. The new centre was opened by Chay Blyth CBE BEM navigator of the worlds oceans, on the 12th June 1983. Today Craikhope Outdoor Centre is without doubt one of the finest centres in the United Kingdom.
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Surrounding the Centre are seven acres of land which are currently being managed as a small nature reserve. A small pond has been created by damming the burn, which lies quite near the centre. The Craikhope area is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities including field studies, expeditions, orienteering etc. The surrounding forest also offers a number of marked mountain bike routes of varying length and difficulty. The Craikhope Outdoor Centre offers youth groups the ultimate in outdoor activities and accommodation.
