What kit do I need to bring for my bushcraft course?
A comprehensive list of equipment and clothing for all our UK bushcraft courses can be found by on this page - UK bushcraft course equipment list

How do I book my bushcraft course?
All the relevant booking information can be found on this page -UK bushcraft course booking information


Where do I go for my bushcraft course?
A link to detailed set of arrival instructions will be included within the automatic email response when you place your booking using our online booking system, however an overview can be found on this page - UK bushcraft course arrival details

Please note: With major works on the Virgin West Coast rail line now complete, we can be reached by rail from London Euston in just over 3 hours on any day of the week.

Can I attend from overseas?
Many people travel from outside of the UK to attend our courses; often from continental Europe, but also from further afield such as New Zealand and the USA. Providing you have a good grasp of the English language, can understand this website and feel that you will understand detailed verbal information and instruction there is no problem for you to join us for a course. Please be aware that the Lake district can be much colder and wetter during the summer than many continental countries and so please take our kit list very seriously. Click here for overseas journey / arrival details.

Where can I stay before or after my course?
If you are interested in spending some time enjoying the stunning scenery of the Lake District, either before or after your course, you can contact Windermere Tourist Information on 015394 46499, or for campsites and B&B accommodation within walking distance of our course meeting point in Far Sawrey, contact Hawkshead Tourist Information on 015394 36525. You may also find it useful to visit these pages for more information. Please note that camp-sites and B&B’s can book up very quickly in the central Lake District, so please reserve your accommodation early!

www.lakedistrictcamping.co.uk
Everything you need to know about camping and camp sites in the Lake District National Park and Cumbria in the UK.




www.golakes.co.uk
Lake District info - we have an extensive and user-friendly information network in place. Whether you require details on how to get here or how to get around, advice on what to see and do, suggestions of where to stay and eat or anything else that will enhance your stay.



www.lake-district.gov.uk
The Lake District National Park Authority statutory purposes are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Lake District National Park; and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment by the public.


Course meeting times
For almost all our courses we meet at 19:30 hrs on the evening of the course start date (19:00 hrs if you are arriving by train) and you will be back to your cars by 16:00 hrs on the last day of the course (17:00 hrs at the train station). Arrival details will be sent to you four weeks prior to the commencement of your course.

How do I become a Woodsmoke Instructor? Please follow this link for advice on how to become a bushcraft and survival skills instructor.

How do I buy a Gift Certificate or Course Voucher? Please visit this web page for instructions on how to buy someone a course voucher and download and print your own Gift Certificate.

What do other folks have to say about being on courses?
Bushcraft course testimonials can be be found here.


What happens upon my arrival to a course?
Our bushcraft courses usually start in the evening. Upon meeting us at the rendezvous point, your cars will be safely parked on the estate and you will be transported with your equipment to the base camp, by the Woodsmoke Land Rovers. Once at base camp, you will erect your tent or sleeping system and join the main fire. After a brew, some bread and soup, and safety briefings, you will be introduced to each other, the Woodsmoke team and to the course. You will also be shown the camp set up and simple protocols will be explained. You will spend the evening having a chat around the fire and teaching will begin the following morning.

Food & Diet
All our courses and expeditions are fully catered, however some of our advanced bushcraft courses require that you hunt, gather and cook for yourself (please see individual course page for further information).

Our bushcraft courses are not designed to be ‘hard core’ military type survival courses. We feel strongly that our students need to be well fed and comfortable in order to become proficient at the skills taught. All meals are cooked on site. Food preparation and cooking will be a joint effort, involving both students and staff. All of our full time staff hold 'food handling and hygiene' certificates.

A typical days food is as follows:

Breakfast - tinned fruit and various cereal options.
Lunch - Wholesome bread rolls, a selection of fillings (eg. cheese, ham, tuna) and a healthy salad.
Evening meal - Rice dishes with Thai, Indian & Chinese style curries; or pasta with Italian style, tomatoes based, sauces. Course participants are always pleasantly surprised by the high standard of the food and meals we provide.

There will always be a brew pot on the go and a biscuit box available, so that students are free to make tea and coffee at any time. The food provided will be more than adequate, but feel free to bring extra provisions if you wish. We are happy to cater for vegetarians but if you have any other dietary restrictions, for example, nut or gluten allergies, please let us know when you place your booking.

Please Note: We cater for vegetarians, food allergies and serious food intolerances, but not for mild intolerances or food/ dietary preferences! If you have strong dietary preferences  such as following a raw food diet or similar please phone to discuss your options.

If you are wheat free, gluten or dairy intolerant it is advisable to bring your own snack food such as gluten, wheat dairy free energy bars, biscuits, cake etc.

Are there any age limits?
We have a strict lower age limit of 18 on all our wilderness skill courses, except the '14-17yrs - Woodlander', which is a five-day course based on the adult Woodlander syllabus. There is no upper limit. In the past, we have taught students in their seventies. Provided you are in good physical health and have a positive mental attitude, there is no reason why you should not attend. If you are in any doubt, please consult your GP before booking.

Are the courses tough?
Our bushcraft courses should be viewed as being a wilderness education experience and not as an ordinary holiday. They are educational courses, but just as importantly, they are a ‘hands on’ experience and at times can be quite challenging. Due to the nature of the location and the course content, you will be expected to take short hikes over uneven terrain, therefore a good level of fitness is required – on occasion you will be wet, muddy, tired, too hot, too cold, frustrated and exhilarated! Our Nomad and Aboriginal Courses are designed to be very challenging (see course details).

Will I be hunting and trapping for food?
On our standard wilderness survival courses you will not be hunting and trapping, although we will teach you the techniques on the Woodlander course, as feeding yourself from the wild is an integral part of the subject. On our more advanced Aboriginal course you will be trapping and fishing, as feeding yourself from the wild is an integral part of the subject.

 Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. If you enjoy being outdoors and are keen to learn – we will welcome your company. Although previous camping experience can be an advantage on the overnight courses, it is not essential. Some of our more advanced courses do have pre-requisites; please see course details.

Is there somewhere safe to park my car? And will my stuff be safe??
Courses are conducted on a private estate, with limited access to the general public. There are parking facilities provided within the estate, and whilst we cannot guarantee the safety of your vehicle, there have never been any incidents of theft within the grounds. We would recommend that you keep any valuable personal belongings in your day sack. From your cars, you and your kit will be driven to our base-camp location, therefore it is not essential that you pack all your equipment into one rucksack, you will not be required to walk more than 100m to the camping area. Please note, that once at base-camp you will not return to your vehicle until the end of the course.

Can I attend on my own?
Yes. Our bushcraft courses are aimed at private individuals who have a passion to learn. Although some people attend in pairs or small groups, the vast majority of our groups are made up of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.

 What about bad weather?
Courses will run in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Bad weather makes learning the skills more challenging and harder to master, but you will be rewarded with a higher level of ability and a greater sense of achievement. The unpredictable weather in Britain makes it one of the best training grounds in which to learn bushcraft.

Sanitation & Hygiene.
Courses are run from an expedition-style base camp, this means that our toilet facilities are screened, covered latrines. We have used this system for the past 10 years of our teaching experience and find it to be the cleanest, most environmentally friendly and hygienic system. It is an essential part of wilderness living and you will be given clear instruction about latrine construction, considerations for wilderness travel and base camp life, and a few simple protocols about hygienic use upon arrival to base camp. In addition a basic, screened expedition gravity fed shower will be available for your use.

Is it safe?
“Adventure is a romantic name for trouble…” At Woodsmoke the opposite is true, as you will get the opportunity to learn wilderness living skills in a safe and controlled environment, where making mistakes will not put you in danger. However you must come in the knowledge that no outdoor activity is entirely without risk, as you may be using sharp tools or walking across uneven terrain. Accidents can happen.

The biggest risk to your welfare is from ticks, but through good bite avoidance measures they should not present any problems - for more information, please download our Tick Awareness fact sheet.

Can I bring alcohol?
Alcohol is strictly forbidden on all our courses, due to the obvious health and safety risks. Alcohol and cutting tools don’t mix! However, it is not unusual for students to get together at the end of a course for a well-earned pint.

Can I bring my axe?
Axes must not be used at any time, unless the individual student has permission from the Woodsmoke instructor leading the course.

Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not permitted on any of our courses - sorry!


Mobile phones
Mobile phones are permitted, but please use them very quietly & discreetly! Please bare in mind that you may not get a signal at our site. Orange receives the best reception.