04/09/2026
WHY WE RIDE 🧡 | Àban Outdoor
Next in our Why We Ride series, we're shining a spotlight on Àban Outdoor – and what better way to introduce their work than to show you exactly what they do. ▶️
Àban Outdoor is a Highland outdoor education charity based at Merkinch Welfare Hall, with a strong local focus on Merkinch, South Kessock and Dalneigh, helping local children and young people access healthy outdoor adventures and the opportunities that come with them.
In 2025, 281 young people took part in 724 Àban experiences – spending a combined 11,077 hours outdoors. 🚴🥾🏕️🧗
This video gives you a glimpse of that work in action through Àban's Adventure Weeks – getting young people outdoors, trying new activities, taking on challenges and spending time together in nature.
But what does Bridge to Bridge support mean to Àban?
We caught up with Johannes Petersen, Chief Officer at Àban Outdoor, who explained that one of the biggest barriers to getting local young people outdoors is something many of us probably take for granted: transport.
Not every young person can easily get out into nature with friends or family. While Àban uses public transport and walking wherever possible, its outdoor clubs rely on vehicles to help make these experiences accessible.
Àban's first vehicle was donated by Highland Cross in 2023, but as the charity has grown, it now needs a second. Bridge to Bridge fundraising will help towards that goal – getting even more local young people outdoors to take on healthy challenges and enjoy time in nature.
And the impact could reach even further. Having recently joined the Community Transport Association, Àban can also make its vehicles available to other local charities, extending the benefit across the community.
For Àban, though, Bridge to Bridge is about more than funding. Johannes explained that, as a relatively young charity, seeing more riders learn about their work and what they do is helping Àban build a growing community of support around its staff and volunteers.
And he had this message for everyone currently training and fundraising:
“When you're out enjoying the training miles, getting out in fresh air and feeling the burn – take heart from the fact that your fundraising will make that same buzz of healthy outdoor exercise possible for a generation of local Highland kids who wouldn't get the chance otherwise.”
So, with 77 miles ahead on 12 September, keep going and keep sharing those fundraising pages. 💪🚴
Àban will be out there giving you a big cheer on the course!
Every mile makes a difference. 🧡
Find out more: https://aban.scot/