Canoe Expedition Skills
Canoe Expedition Skills Course
Bushcraft, Campcraft and Expedition Skills.
Go beyond the day trip. This course is a comprehensive dive into the world of canoe expeditioning. Based in the heart of North Wales, we move through three distinct environments to give you the skills, safety knowledge, and campcraft required to lead your own self-supported expeditions.
Our basecamp for the duration is a beautiful, approved site nestled on the forest edge near Corwen, the perfect staging ground for a journey from water to woods.
The Itinerary
Day 1- Llyn Tegid (Bala)The Technical Foundation- Packing, Poling, Sailing, and Rescues.
We begin on the expansive waters of Llyn Tegid to dial in the technical skills needed for a heavily loaded expedition boat. Focusing on efficient forward paddling and fundamentals to be effective and efficient on long days.
An introduction to expedition skills from poling in shallows, wind tracking, and sailing including understanding trim, strategic packing, and the logistics of portaging.
We’'ll also look at open water safety, deep water rescues, rafting and emergency management.
Day 2- The Forest (Corwen) Wilderness Living- Friction Fire, Tarpology, and Water
We step off the water and into the trees. Today is about self reliance and the skills that turn a cold night into a comfortable stay. Fire & Water- A look into fire lighting methods including friction fire lighting (bow drill), water purification, and basic knife skills. Shelter and tarpology, learning the knots and hitches to create a storm-proof "home" under the canopy.
Ethics & Safety: Leave No Trace principles, expedition food planning, and emergency protocols for remote areas.
Day 3- The River Dee- The Dynamic Journey- Moving water skills and river navigation.
For our final day, we take everything we’ve learned and apply it to the flow. River Reading- Learning to see the "lines" and understand the anatomy of a river. Navigating a loaded canoe through moving water including lining, breaking into eddies, and ferry gliding.
What You’ll Need
Personal Kit: Full immersion gear for being on the water (Drysuit/separates or wetsuit) and sturdy river shoes.
Camping Gear: Tent or tarp, sleeping bag, and mat for our stay at the Corwen forest site.
Tools & Notes: A notebook and pen.
Fuel: You’ll be planning and prepping your own expedition meals (we’ll provide a planning guide to help).
Admin: A little loose change for local car parks.
Ready to Answer the Call of the Wild?
Join us for three days of expedition skills in the most beautiful corners of North Wales. Whether you're eyeing the Great Glen or the Canadian backcountry, your journey starts here.
We have Novacraft Prospector 16’s (SP3) available for use at no extra cost!
If you have your own boat and kit that’s great, bring it along!
Cost
£400pp
(Based on a minimum of 2 people)
Dates
15-17th June 2026
