Bushcraft & navigation weekend

Follow the tranquil waters of the Great Stour River

A quick intro

Step back in time and explore the ancient wonders of the Neolithic Age!

Join us for an unforgettable guided tour on the historic Neolithic Trail in Salisbury around Stonehenge, where mystery and legend meet breath-taking landscapes.

Over two days and two nights, you’ll journey through rolling hills and megalithic sites that reveal the stories of our ancestors. Along the way, our expert guides will share fascinating insights into the mysteries of the Neolithic people who once walked these very paths.

Whether you’re a history lover or a nature enthusiast, this Neolithic trail offers something for everyone. Enjoy peaceful countryside walks, stunning views, and the chance to connect with the past in a meaningful way. This weekend promises a unique blend of adventure, discovery, history and relaxation.

learn essential bushcraft and navigation skills

This experience is especially designed to provide you a deeper connection with the natural world whilst learning the basics of bushcraft and navigation. Led by experienced instructors, our aim is to give you the confidence to independently explore the great outdoors.

During the weekend you’ll master the art of fire lighting, cook delicious meals over an open fire, build shelters, erect a tarp and hammock and learn how to craft essential camp tools. We will also guide you through the basics of navigation, where you’ll learn how to read a map and confidently use a compass.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or you just want to brush up on your skills, this is your chance to reconnect with nature, sleep under the stars, and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

The Finer details and daily schedule

The details

Schedule

Date: 19-20 July 2025

Meet and Start Time: 10am

Staff Member: Ian Henderson and Pete White

Location

Start point: Jays Wood, Canterbury Rd, Boughton-under-Blean, Faversham ME13 9FL

what3words: ///parkland.cult.permit

Car Parking: Charges not included

how your days plan out

Saturday 19 July 2025

The first day will focus on learning key outdoor skills. We will begin by exploring the natural resources available in our surroundings and how they can be used to create simple camp tools. You will also learn how to safely and efficiently build a fire for cooking and warmth.

As part of our practical skills, we will cover setting up a tarp and hammock for shelter and introduce basic navigation techniques using a map and compass. Throughout the day, there will be plenty of hands-on practice, ensuring you gain confidence in each skill.

In the evening, we will cook a meal together over an open fire, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day’s learning and refine any skills as needed. We will then gather around the fire to relax and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Sunday 20 July 2025

On the second day, we will build on the skills from Day One by constructing natural shelters using materials found in the environment. This will reinforce your understanding of effective shelter-building techniques and how to adapt them to different conditions.

In the afternoon, we will put map and compass skills into practice through a navigation exercise. This will involve using a map and compass to navigate a set route, helping you apply what you’ve learned in a real-world scenario.

The weekend will conclude at 4:00 PM with the presentation of the Boots On Adventures Bushcraft and Navigation Course Certificate to recognize your achievements.

This course is designed to be hands-on and engaging, ensuring you leave with practical skills that can be used in outdoor settings.

What to knowabout the bushcraft and navigation weekend

Getting to Jays wood

Jays Wood is 24 acres of protected woodland with a seasonal stream running through it.

Railway: The nearest train stations are Faversham and Canterbury, with links to London. Our campsite is about a 5 mile taxi ride ftom each station (approximately).

Bus: The bus service is run by Stagecoach. Please check their timetables for details.

Car: The campsite is situated in Boughton-Under-Blean just off of the A2.

your kit list

Suitable footwear (preferably walking boots or sturdy shoes, no flip-flops)
A waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers, if you have them) for rainy days
Drinking water and any personal snacks
Personal medication (Let us know confidentially about any medical conditions)
Suitable warm outdoor attire
Sleeping bag & Pillows etc

What’s included by us

What’s excluded

Where will we be staying?

Accommodation Information

We’ll be staying in a beautiful and tranquil stretch of woodland in Boughton-Under-Blean, nestled between Faversham and Canterbury. The woodland offers a rustic and back-to-nature experience, complete with a simple sawdust toilet to complement its charm. At night, you’ll be sleeping in an option of a hammocks, which you’ll also get to take home with you as a keepsake from the event. If you would prefer to sleep in the tent, let us know, we can provide a loan of one free of charge.

Children aged 12 and over are welcome to join the event, provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult and are able to safely engage with the activities.

Dogs: Please note that, due to the nature of the event and the setting, this event is not suitable for dogs.

Meal Breakdown

Day 1 – we will provide lunch and dinner cooked over an open fire.
Day 2 – we will provide Breakfast and Lunch on this day.

Facilities

The campsite is a basic woodland with a saw dust toilet. There is no showers at the site, but washing facilities will be provided.

Important notes

If you have any COVID symptoms, please do not attend.
We take photos during our walks for promotional and training purposes. If you prefer not to be included, just let us know on the day.
Cancellation policy states: Please note that all deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel your Bushcraft and Navigation weekend within 60 days of the start date, the full balance is payable and no refund will be issued. Cancellations made between 60 and 90 days before the start date will receive a 50% refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit. For cancellations made more than 90 days in advance, you will receive a full refund of any payments made, minus the deposit.
If you have chosen to pay the deposit only, please note that the final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the start of the event. If we have not received full payment by this time your booking may be readvertised and you will loose your deposit.

Learn more aboutthis wonderful Adventure

Spending time outdoors learning bushcraft and navigation is more than just picking up practical skills—it’s an opportunity to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with nature. Being outside, working with your hands, and focusing on simple but essential tasks can be incredibly grounding. The physical activity involved, from gathering materials to building shelters and navigating the landscape, helps improve fitness and coordination without feeling like exercise. At the same time, the process of learning new skills, problem-solving, and working with others builds confidence and resilience. There’s a real sense of achievement in creating something from natural resources and knowing you can rely on your own abilities in an outdoor setting.

Beyond the physical benefits, bushcraft has a positive impact on mental well-being. The slower pace, fresh air, and time spent in nature help reduce stress and improve focus. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting around a fire at the end of the day, reflecting on what’s been achieved, and appreciating the simple comforts of the outdoors. By the end of the experience, you will leave feeling refreshed, more capable, and with a greater appreciation for the natural world. It’s not just about learning survival skills—it’s about gaining a sense of independence, confidence, and connection to the environment.