Volunteering FAQs

Most of the paths OATS look after are within the Cairngorms National Park, but we also work in some locations in the Northwest Scotland.

Due to the wide set of locations which we have volunteer days at, we do not offer transport to and from the volunteering events. However, there may be options for car sharing with volunteers coming from similar directions.

We only provide accommodation and evening meals on our multi-day PMV trips.

Volunteers are responsible to bring their own lunch for one-day events, and breakfast, lunch and snacks for multi-day trips.

To volunteer with OATS, you have to be 18 years old and over.

14 to 18-year-olds are welcome to join in as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Path maintenance days can involve a long walk as well as working, so volunteers are required to have a good level of fitness as well as having a reasonable expectation of what a hill day in Scotland will involve.

No experience in path work is required.

We recommend that you wear suitable clothing for a full day in the hills. You may wish to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Long sleeved top and long trousers are preferable to protect you from biting insect, ticks and sun exposure, plus appropriate footwear - preferably waterproof boots with firm ankle support.

Bring a rucksack with full waterproofs, spare warm layer to be prepared for changing weather conditions, hat and gloves, sun hat/cap, suncream, insect repellent (midge net is also recommended), lunch and water for the day, plus a flask with a hot drink.

Rain doesn’t stop us from carrying out path maintenance. Often, it actually becomes helpful as it allows us to spot drainage issues much easier.

However, in the case of severe weather forecast (thunderstorm, heavy rain, high winds, extreme wildfire risk) we may decide to cancel the PMV event.

To sign up for path maintenance days, you have to register on the Volunteering Portal.

Once you are registered, you can then add your name to the day you want to attend.

If the event is full, you have the option to add yourself to the Reserve list.

The registrations close 3 days prior to the volunteering event

Yes. You can cancel at any time by logging into the Volunteering Portal and taking your name of the list.

The number of participants for each event will depend on location and type of work required. On most PMV days, there are 6 spaces available.

The minimum number of volunteers for the day is 2.

The Reserve list works on ‘first come-first served’ basis. If anyone cancels their attendance, the first person on the Reserve list takes their space. This can happen very close to the event’s date, so keep your name on for as long as possible.

In some cases, the Volunteer Coordinator may also change the number of participants required for the day, so extra space may open up.