An overnight survival course designed to build genuine, practical field skills through hands‑on experience in a real woodland environment.
Across the weekend, you’ll learn how to select and prepare a suitable campsite, construct a reliable shelter, treat water for safe drinking, and safely light and maintain a fire (*depending on conditions) for warmth, insect management, and cooking.
We’ll also look at what can be carried to help with emergency signalling in the field, and even touch on some first aid for common outdoor ailments.
Every skill is taught in context, giving you the confidence to apply what you learn to your own trips.
As evening falls, there is the option to experience the woodland at night with a short night navigation walk - developing awareness of terrain, visibility, and decision‑making after dark.
Price: £150 per person (October Course Introductory Price at £120)
Start Time: 10am
Duration: Full day with an overnight camp - we aim to have breakfast then finish by 12pm lunchtime the following day.
Location: Aberfoyle
Age: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Courses are run with kind permission of Forestry and Land Scotland
Food & Cooking
How to plan and prepare simple meals for woodland camping and what to bring on your own trips.
Fire
The fundamentals of fire lighting, maintenance, and safe use in the outdoors.
(*Local fire risk levels will determine how much of this we can cover on any particular course).
Water
How to identify suitable water sources, collect water, and treat it for safe drinking.
Shelter
How to select a campsite and build a reliable tarp/basha shelter using simple equipment.
First Aid
What to carry in your kit, and ways to manage an outdoor emergency.
Signal
Methods to signal for rescue and help searchers to find you.
Navigation
An introduction to maps for planning and location.
The Forest at Night
Moving through woodland after dark, understanding night-time sounds and behaviour, with the option to practice basic navigation skills.
A full kit list is sent after booking - but please contact me if you have any questions beforehand
Clothing & Footwear
Hard‑wearing outdoor clothing suitable for mixed weather
Warm mid‑layers for evening temperatures
Waterproof jacket
Hiking boots
Sleep System
Tent (recommended during midge season for comfort and protection)
Tarp/basha/bivi options are welcome outside peak midge months
Sleeping bag rated for expected night temperatures
Roll mat for insulation and comfort
Cooking & Food
Backpacking stove with fuel and cooking pot or mess tins
Mug, bowl, and spoon
Lighter or matches
Food and snacks for two days
Water & Essentials
3 litres of water
Torch or headtorch with fresh batteries
Any personal medication
Ability to move across uneven woodland terrain
An overnight survival course designed to build genuine, practical field skills through hands‑on experience in a real woodland environment.
Across the weekend, you’ll learn how to select and prepare a suitable campsite, construct a reliable shelter, treat water for safe drinking, and safely light and maintain a fire (*depending on conditions) for warmth, insect management, and cooking.
We’ll also look at what can be carried to help with emergency signalling in the field, and even touch on some first aid for common outdoor ailments.
Every skill is taught in context, giving you the confidence to apply what you learn to your own trips.
As evening falls, there is the option to experience the woodland at night with a short night navigation walk - developing awareness of terrain, visibility, and decision‑making after dark.
Price: £150 per person (October Course Introductory Price at £120)
Start Time: 10am
Duration: Full day with an overnight camp - we aim to have breakfast then finish by 12pm lunchtime the following day.
Location: Aberfoyle
Age: 16+ (under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Courses are run with kind permission of Forestry and Land Scotland
Food & Cooking
How to plan and prepare simple meals for woodland camping and what to bring on your own trips.
Fire
The fundamentals of fire lighting, maintenance, and safe use in the outdoors.
(*Local fire risk levels will determine how much of this we can cover on any particular course).
Water
How to identify suitable water sources, collect water, and treat it for safe drinking.
Shelter
How to select a campsite and build a reliable tarp/basha shelter using simple equipment.
First Aid
What to carry in your kit, and ways to manage an outdoor emergency.
Signal
Methods to signal for rescue and help searchers to find you.
Navigation
An introduction to maps for planning and location.
The Forest at Night
Moving through woodland after dark, understanding night-time sounds and behaviour, with the option to practice basic navigation skills.
A full kit list is sent after booking - but please contact me if you have any questions beforehand
Clothing & Footwear
Hard‑wearing outdoor clothing suitable for mixed weather
Warm mid‑layers for evening temperatures
Waterproof jacket
Hiking boots
Sleep System
Tent (recommended during midge season for comfort and protection)
Tarp/basha/bivi options are welcome outside peak midge months
Sleeping bag rated for expected night temperatures
Roll mat for insulation and comfort
Cooking & Food
Backpacking stove with fuel and cooking pot or mess tins
Mug, bowl, and spoon
Lighter or matches
Food and snacks for two days
Water & Essentials
3 litres of water
Torch or headtorch with fresh batteries
Any personal medication
Ability to move across uneven woodland terrain
