Hands-on bushcraft skills in the Cairngorms – calm, practical and guided.

Bushcraft in the Cairngorms

Bushcraft with Cairngorms Activities is a practical outdoor skills session – not hardcore survival training. You’ll learn simple skills like lighting a small fire, building basic shelters and noticing more in the woodland, all led by an experienced instructor.

We’re based near Grantown-on-Spey, and bushcraft is suitable for ages 8+. It’s a great option for families, schools, youth groups and adult groups who want a calmer, hands-on activity as part of their visit.

Bushcraft as part of an activity day

Add bushcraft as one session within a wider activity day. This option works well for schools, youth groups and families who want a mix of active and calmer experiences.

Short bushcraft sessions focus on a handful of practical skills, such as:

Lighting and managing a small, supervised campfire
Building a simple shelter or tarp set-up
Learning a few useful knots and rope skills

Bushcraft pairs naturally with activities like archery, canoeing, SUP, Mini Highland Games or team challenges, helping to create a balanced and varied day on site.

Include bushcraft in our activity day

Full-day bushcraft experience in the Cairngorms

Full-day bushcraft skills with a local expert

A full day focused on bushcraft, ideal for groups of around 8 or more who want time to slow down and really get hands-on with outdoor skills.

Led by a local expert, the day allows more time to practise and explore skills such as:

Firelighting using different methods and natural materials
Shelter building and comfortable camp set-up
Basic tool use (age-appropriate) and simple woodcraft
Knots, cordage and practical camp skills

The pace is relaxed, with regular breaks and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The content is shaped around your group’s age, interests and experience.

Plan a full-day bushcraft experience

What to expect

On arrival

Meet your instructor at our centre
Walk to our woodland area
Short briefing and safety chat

During the session

Learn and practise simple bushcraft skills
Small fires and tools used only under supervision
Activities adapted to age and confidence

Weather & comfort

Works well in most weathers
We use sheltered spots where needed
Outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear recommended

Plan a bushcraft session for your group

Tell us about your group, dates and whether you’d like bushcraft as part of an activity day or a full-day skills experience, and we’ll come back with clear options.

Bushcraft – quick FAQs

Is this survival training?

No. It’s a relaxed outdoor skills session, not survival scenarios. You’ll be close to the centre and with an instructor at all times.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes – from around age 8+. Activities are chosen to match the group’s age and confidence, and everything is closely supervised.

Will we light fires?

Usually, yes – especially on longer sessions. Fires are always small, controlled and supervised, with clear safety rules.

Do we use knives or tools?

Sometimes. Tool use is age-dependent and introduced gradually, with simple, safe tasks only. Not every group will use tools.

What should we wear?

Outdoor clothes you don’t mind getting a bit smoky or muddy, plus sturdy footwear. Layers and waterproofs are useful in the Highlands.

Can we combine bushcraft with other activities?

Yes – very easily. It works well with archery, canoeing, SUP, Mini Highland Games or team challenges. Just tell us what you have in mind.