Leave the everyday behind and head into the woods for a full day of outdoor skills and campfire living. This bushcraft experience focuses on learning how to work with nature, giving you the chance to try firelighting, shelter building, tool use, and more. It’s a relaxed but hands-on way to enjoy the outdoors and pick up valuable survival skills along the way.
Your adventure begins at the woodland basecamp in Vogrie Country Park, where you’ll settle in and start the day by learning how to handle knives, saws, and axes safely. These skills will help you create practical woodland projects and give you confidence using traditional tools. You’ll then move on to firelighting, learning different techniques to spark and maintain a campfire that becomes the hub of the group.
Around midday, the fire takes centre stage for cooking. You’ll prepare and enjoy a shared meal around the flames, with the chance to make your own fireside treats using simple bushcraft methods. The afternoon then shifts to shelter building, giving you the chance to work with natural materials to create structures that provide protection and comfort. Alongside this, you’ll learn how to collect, filter, and purify water – an essential skill for life outdoors.
As the day draws to a close, the group will gather once more around the fire to reflect on what you’ve achieved. This final part of the experience is a chance to share highlights, challenges, and celebrate the skills you’ve learned before heading home with new confidence in your outdoor abilities.
The session takes place in Vogrie Country Park, a scenic woodland estate near Gorebridge that offers over 11 miles of countryside paths, open spaces, and beautiful woodland. The park is home to a Victorian country house and includes family-friendly features such as play areas, a miniature railway, and the Treetops Café.
The basecamp is set within the park’s woodland, offering a natural environment perfectly suited to bushcraft activities. Surrounded by trees and with plenty of space to learn, create, and cook over the fire, it provides an authentic setting that’s both welcoming and practical for your outdoor adventure.
No prior experience is needed to take part in this session. All the essential skills will be introduced step by step, with guidance and support from experienced instructors.
Participants should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suited to the weather, including long sleeves, trousers, and sturdy footwear. Waterproofs are recommended to ensure you can enjoy the experience in all conditions.
This centre was created by two passionate outdoor enthusiasts with a shared goal of helping people reconnect with nature. They believe in making the outdoors accessible to all and design experiences that teach practical skills while building respect for the natural world.
Every session is carefully crafted to combine learning with enjoyment. By joining, you’re not only gaining valuable outdoor knowledge but also contributing to a community that values and protects the environment for future generations.
No prior outdoor experience is necessary. These sessions are designed for complete beginners, giving you a safe and structured introduction to the basics of wilderness skills. The activities are led step by step so you can gain confidence and enjoy learning in a supportive environment.
During the day, you’ll be introduced to fundamental woodland skills that will provide a strong foundation for any future adventures. Everything you need to get started will be covered, so you can focus on having fun and picking up new abilities at your own pace.
It’s best to come dressed in clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for the outdoors. Long-sleeved tops, long trousers, and sturdy footwear are highly recommended as they help protect against scratches, insects, and undergrowth. Waterproofs are also advisable, as the Scottish weather is known to change quickly.
Layered clothing is a smart choice, as it allows you to adjust easily depending on the conditions. Supportive boots, durable trousers, a waterproof jacket, and a practical backpack are all excellent options for staying comfortable and prepared throughout the day.
You’ll need a few essentials to make the most of your time outdoors. A waterproof jacket is a must, along with comfortable outdoor clothing and supportive footwear suitable for uneven ground. A small day sack is useful for carrying your belongings, especially if the weather brightens and you want to store extra layers.
Bringing a packed lunch and a refillable water bottle will keep your energy levels up during the day. Having these simple items with you ensures you’re well-prepared, whatever the weather or activity.
Scottish weather can be unpredictable, but there’s no need to worry. The site is equipped with waterproof shelters and covered areas so the activities can continue without interruption, even if the rain sets in.
In the event of more severe weather, such as a storm, safety always comes first. On those occasions, your session will be rescheduled for another date that suits you, ensuring you don’t miss out on the experience.
There is no minimum age, making it a family-friendly experience. Children can take part alongside adults, with tasks adapted to suit their age and ability.
Instructors ensure younger participants are supervised when using tools and learning new skills, so everyone remains safe while still enjoying the hands-on experience.
Lunch is cooked together over the campfire using traditional bushcraft methods. Expect simple but hearty food, as well as fireside treats prepared by the group.
Any dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice. The focus is on enjoying a shared meal in the outdoors while learning campfire cooking skills.
About the centre
Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, EH23 4NU
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Earth & Nature Adventures, a partner of adventuro.
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