Brathay Exploration Group was founded in 1947 and is now a registered charity (1061156) and a company limited by guarantee (3315620). The Group and its leaders have played significant roles in the development of outdoor education and were founder members of the Young Explorers Trust in 1972. In 1997 the Royal Geographical Society awarded the Group a Special Medal for `services to exploration and youth adventurous activities'.

Brathay Exploration Group currently provides young people with opportunities to improve their skills and increase their experience and understanding through treks, and environmental and community projects throughout the world. Our expeditions are run by committed volunteers from varied backgrounds supported by permanent staff.

Shackleton Lodge, our field quarters on the Brathay Estate near Ambleside, partly redeveloped in 2000, provides a source of modest income through lettings, a base for packing/training weekends and activities within the Lake District, and accommodation for small groups of members.

Publications: The Group produces a members' magazine `No Limits' from time to and occasional substantive publications. These include the history of the Group (Brathay Exploring: 50 Years of Expeditions 1947-1997 Brian Ware 1998) and scientific work such as that undertaken to survey the depths of Lakeland Tams (Tams of the Central Lake District Haworth E et al 2003). There is an archive of expedition reports and a book is planned to bring together all the work undertaken on Foula. Please see the Membership Information page for further details of available publications.