"You may come to realise that the most important journey is the journey inwards" Colin Mortlock

The Talisman Wilderness Skills course is the only course of its kind and begins with the essentials weekend so no previous training experience is required, leading onto more advanced fire starting, cooking and use of natural resources and the mountain trailcraft course.

The course is undertaken in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, abound with numerous native species of flora and fauna that thrives within it's natural habitat, the Beacons are one of the few regions within the UK that can prepare you for adventure into remote environments. The course is open to all, whether you wish to participate on your own or with friends, below you will find up to date information about the course itinerary and scheduled course dates together with the relevant links to what kit you require and how to book your place - we look forward to meeting you.

Itinerary

Shelter
• Construction and use of natural shelters in the forest • Mountain tents and shelters

Fire
• Natural resources for fire • Fire by fungi • Fire steels and kits • Fire by friction - Selection, principles, construction and use
• Fire starting and fire management • Fire safety

Water
• Collection and disinfection - making water safe to drink • Natural filters and wells • Common diseases and disorders and prevention

 

Food
• Plant and tree identification and practical uses • Foraging through the seasons • Identifying poisonous plants and berries
• Rabbit - skinning, preparation and boiling a stew • Rainbow trout - gutting, preparation and steaming
• Survival fishing techniques - making hooks from natural resources for fishing • Animal tracks and signs
• Animal snares and traps - natural cordage and making snares from natural resources for trapping
• Open fire cooking • The 'Hunters oven' and cooking game • Bannocks and Breads
• Trail foods • Stoves and cooking equipment

 

The Knife
• Selection of equipment • Safe and responsible use • Maintenance • Advanced handling and cutting techniques

 

Navigation
• Map and Compass - selection and practical use of equipment • Map orientation, understanding norths, symbols and grid references
• How to take and use a compass bearing • Pacings, time and distance • Contours, relief and aspect of slope
• Advanced mountain navigation • GPS - Global Positioning Systems • Records of intentions
• Survival navigation by the night sky and the sun - Northern hemisphere

Campcraft
• Site selection, organisation and routine • Health and Hygiene
• Leave no trace • Environmental impact awareness and access

Safe Outdoor Adventure - Know Before You Go
• Understanding the environment • The human essentials • The Survival Plan
• Emergency equipment selection and use • Modern survival shelter systems and methods of use
• SOS procedures and signals • Hot food in an emergency without flame or stove

Note
• There are no animals killed on this course

Details

2008 Available Dates

30 May - 5 June Full

• Open to anyone over 18 years of age who has a general standard of fitness
• Individuals, couples and group bookings are accepted on the scheduled dates listed above
• Places are limited to a maximum of 6 - Courses are also available for exclusive groups - please contact us

Location & Duration
• Llanfrynach, Brecon Beacons, Wales
• Course starts 7.00pm Friday - Course ends 3.00pm Thursday

Accommodation & Meals
• Expedition style base camp, natural shelters in the forest and wild camp in the mountains
• All meals are provided including a light supper on Friday evening • The course is suitable for Vegetarians

Cost
• £475 per person
• We do accept deposit payments (£100) - Balance due 8 weeks before course start date

Bookings

Telephone
• Telephone 01432 376751
• Office hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Online Bookings Online Booking Form

By Post Print Booking Form

Gift Vouchers Gift Vouchers

Kit List:
• For a detailed kit list and tips on how to prepare for your course see
Course Kit list