Firemaking sessionsMake fire with your bare hands.
You may think you don’t need this skill in the modern world — a match or an electric switch is quicker. But then you always have to rely on someone else to provide you an essential of life.
Learn from an expert how to make fire and know you can produce life-giving heat under any conditions: rain, snow or high winds. Once you do, the exhilarating sense of achievement will never leave you.
“When I came to The Orkneys I had a most wonderful time — the views were breathtaking and the history that surrounded this mystical island would astound anyone. But the highlight of the holiday had to be when I was taught how to make fire in the most ancient way there is… using nothing but sticks, string and tinder and the feeling you get when you see the fire you made is beyond anything else, also Malcolm is a fantastic tutor.” – Douglas Pettican
After gathering natural tinders, Malcolm demonstrates friction fire making, then shows you how to do it, with advice on technique and reading signs for success.
Particularly suited for families, children’s groups, and anyone wanting a light introduction to bushcraft.
£18
Gather natural tinders and woods, and learn how they behave with any heat source. Create your own friction fire kit, and make fire, then enjoy a brew whilst we explore types of woods, fungi, flint & steel and how to control the fire.
You need to be able to kneel and walk short distances (disabilities can all be accommodated on private courses). Ideal for adults, teenagers, and bushcrafters / outdoor enthusiasts. and true survivalists.
£70
Day One: Mastering the bow drill, fire kit design, flint and steel, foraging, moving fire
Day Two: Hand drill, and variations, working without metal, natural cordage, wet conditions
You must have taken the Beginners’ course or have equivalent experience prior to this course.
£165
For a more detailed lesson in fire by friction, have a look at this blog post