This two-day, two-night woodland experience is designed for those who want to switch off from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world. You’ll enjoy hands-on bushcraft skills, wild foraging, and cosy camp life, with plenty of time to relax and share the experience with friends or family. Comfortable bell tent accommodation, hearty fire-cooked meals, and unique activities make this an unforgettable way to spend a weekend outdoors.
Your weekend begins by settling into your fully prepared bell tent, complete with carpets, lighting, and hot water bottles for a comfortable stay. After a welcome drink made from locally foraged botanicals, you’ll gather around the fire to discuss your plans and enjoy your first freshly cooked meal. Activities are tailored to your group, but may include a guided foraging walk, primitive pottery making, and a refreshing wild swim at a nearby spot.
Meals are prepared over the fire and often include foraged flavours, from freshly baked Dutch oven bread to seasonal greens. As night falls, you’ll head out for a guided night walk to look for badgers and enjoy Dartmoor’s remarkable stargazing. The second day can involve learning fire-lighting by friction, exploring the surrounding woodland, or simply relaxing in camp with a hot drink in hand. Throughout, there’s time for conversation, shared meals, and enjoying the peace of the woods at your own pace.
Set in Westcott Woods, Chagford, the woodland offers both seclusion and easy access to local highlights. The camp area is sheltered, with a central fire pit and covered space to gather, making it a welcoming spot whatever the weather. The woods are a short walk from a roadside parking area, with carts available to carry your gear, or you can arrive via a longer scenic route along an old bridle track for a more immersive start to your stay.
The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot deer, badgers, and a variety of birds. For those who want to explore further, local trails lead to wild swimming spots, open moorland views, and charming villages. Mobile signal is generally good for calls and messages, though the setting naturally encourages you to put devices away and make the most of your time outdoors.
Accommodation is provided in spacious bell tents fitted with quality camp beds, carpets, and hot water bottles to ensure warmth and comfort during the night. Guests should bring their own sleeping bags or duvets and pillows for personal comfort. Compost toilets are on site, and a fire-heated shower is available, although it requires some advance notice to organise. Battery packs are provided to keep essential electronics charged throughout your stay.
The campsite balances rustic outdoor living with practical comforts, allowing you to experience nature without sacrificing warmth and rest. The combination of shelter, campfire cooking, and comfortable bedding creates an environment that supports both learning and relaxation during your woodland weekend.
No prior bushcraft experience is needed, and all equipment for planned activities is provided. You should bring suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, and your own sleeping bag or duvet.
A reasonable level of mobility is required to reach the camp from the parking area, but more accessible routes are available for those who need them. All activities can be adapted to suit your group’s abilities and preferences.
The courses take place within 10 acres of private woodland near Chagford in Dartmoor National Park, a location that offers seclusion yet remains accessible with free pick-up from Exeter and just 2½ hours from London Paddington. The site’s natural beauty, shelter, and wildlife provide an ideal setting for immersive bushcraft learning.
Instruction is led by an experienced professional who grew up locally and has been teaching bushcraft since 2015, with worldwide trekking experience. The focus is on sustainable and enjoyable living outdoors rather than survival, with an emphasis on practical skills, community, and comfort. All meals are locally sourced and freshly prepared, and much of the equipment is reclaimed or renovated to minimise environmental impact. Bell tents with quality camp beds, carpets, and hot water bottles ensure a cosy night’s rest to complement the day’s activities.
About the centre
Westcott Woods, Chagford
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