Have you heard the news? The Bear Grylls Survival Academy has announced a new site in the Brecon Beacons for its 24 Hour Family Survival Course!
Techniques taught will include learning how to build and light a fire, how to navigate at night, best ways to use a knife for survival, foraging for grubs and rodents, building a shelter, extreme weather survival and river crossings.
It's no surprise that the Brecon Beacons has been chosen by Bear Grylls with miles of tough terrain, woodland, wild rivers, gorges perfect for the challenge! But did you know there are plenty of other businesses in the local area that have been teaching the art of survival for decades, here are a few suggestions?
Mick Collins offers some great bushcraft and foraging courses throughout the year where participants can learn how to make fire from natural resources, navigate, build shelters and forage for food. You can even canoe 'bushcraft style'!
2. Kevin Walker Mountain Activities
Kevin Walker has outstanding knowledge and over 30 years experience working in survival and rescue. He offers something a little bit more with map interpretation, poor visibility and contour recognition. There's a reason why his navigation courses are famous in Wales!
Courses include firelighting and making shelters to encourage the modern man to get in touch with his instincts! They have offered a father and son break for a number of years. They also offer stag and hen weekends, team building and corporate Activity Weekends.
4. Mountain and River Activities
Jeff Calligan is ex Military with over 25 years experience organising and leading treks around the world in places such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mayalsia. The team offer mountaineering, navigation, rock climbing, caving, bushcraft and much more.
Hawk Adventures have been delivering quality mountain activities and training since 1990 with many expeditions such as special Waterfall Walks and Night Walks. They are also introducing a NEW Hills Skills training course in April! Aimed at the beginner hill walker it is ideal for those interested in developing a practical understanding of how to plan walks, become familiar with the use of a map and learn about the equipment required.
Of course, the Crickhowell Walking Festival is coming up in March with many walks and expeditions, watch this space for our day-to-day guide but in the mean time check out the best from the 2013 festival.
