Welcome to Woodlore, The School of Wildnerness Bushcraft, founded by Ray Mears in 1983.
Bushcraft Courses
The Heroes of Telemark Expedition 2011
Retracing Their Journey
The Ray Mears' Real Heroes of Telemark TV series demonstrated the bravery of a small group of Norwegian saboteurs during WWII who put their lives at risk to stop the Germans gaining access to a substance called Deuterium Oxide or 'heavy water', a secret ingredient crucial in the Nazis attempt to make an Atomic Bomb.The saboteurs were chosen for their local knowledge & the survival skills that enabled them to survive in N. Europe's most inhospitable environment, the high mountain plateau of the Hardanger Vidda.
While the saboteurs' target was the hydroelectric power plant at Vemork, near Rjukan in the Telemark region, they were dropped high up in the mountains to avoid detection. The men then travelled through this harsh mountain environment towards their ultimate target, finding shelter as they went.
Even if you are a non/novice skier, this exclusive Woodlore expedition will train you to a level that will enable you to undertake this remarkable journey, retracing the ski tracks of the Norwegian saboteurs.
Brian Desmond, the course leader, has lived in Norway for over 20 years. He has represented Great Britain in X-country skiing, ski orienteering, and is a former British biathlon champion.
The first 6 days will be based in the Setesdal Valley, south of the Hardanger. In a beautifully forested area, this training phase will concentrate on basic skiing skills in forgiving, undulating terrain suited to the novice skier. These are important skills that are necessary to enable you to complete the expedition phase of the trip. These skills will add a dimension to your skiing that will stay with you for years to come.
During the initial training phase you will be based in an ex-Norwegian military training base, used during WWII by the German High Command for the area. Your accommodation now forms the Joint Services Training Centre. This accommodation has central heating, single/double rooms, excellent facilities including en-suite showers, kitchen area and TV room, allowing time to relax in the evenings after a hard day's ski training and hearty meals are provided everyday.
This phase will allow you to meet the daily rigors of learning a new skill in a winter environment. It will also prepare you for the challenge of the expedition to come.
On completion of the ski-training phase you will transfer to the Northern end of the scenic Setesdal Valley. From here you will be taken onto the Hardanger Vidda by snow scooter. You will stay for 2 nights at one of the cabins actually used by the Norwegian saboteurs in 1942.
During your time in this area of the vidda you will acclimatise to the local weather and snow conditions as well as making your final preparations for the expedition. The next day you will set off across the plateau for the adventure of a lifetime.
You will be travelling by cross-country ski and the accommodation will be either wooden cabins or Lavvu.
After 5 nights out on the vidda, having successfully completed the majority of the sabotage route, you will be treated to a hearty lunch at a local bistro. The last 2 nights will be spent in local accommodation from where (after a good night's sleep!) there will be a short tour of the actual attack route used by the saboteurs over 60 years ago. You will also have the chance to ride the Krossobanen cable car, visit the Vemork museum at Rjukan and the impressive Heavy Water display there, plus indulge in some local shopping.
On the last night there will be a celebration dinner before departing for the UK the next day. Your last 2 days will round off what is bound to be a memorable trip, giving insight to the original operation and adding to the historical context of what you have achieved.
We invite you to have a look at a selection of course photos taken by staff and students in our photo gallery here.
3 Course Reviews (average rating: 100%)
The course was excellant. Brian and Glyn are legends! The build up was just right with all the team hitting the right fitness levels for journey across the Vidda. The landscape will stay with me as will the passion of the said legends for their commitment and attention to detail. Awesome!!
Reviewed by attendee Bob Hoskins on 31 March, 2010
I have just returned from what was a truly exhilarating experience, namely, the Heroes of Telemark skiing expedition. From start to finish the training and the expedition itself were superbly well organised and carried out with military precision. Both Brian, the course leader, and Glynn, the expedition guide, were superb in every respect. At age 61, even with many years of normal Alpine skiing holiday experience, I did not expect this undertaking to be physically easy - and I was so right! For the first two days of training I had pains where I never thought I had muscles and there were indeed times when will power - and a little help from my team mates - picked me up and kept me going. The raw beauty of the Hardanger Vidda landscape was breathtaking and knowing that one was following the skisteps of true Norwegian heroes was quite a spiritual experience. The conviviality of the Norwegian dog sleigh team - Olav and Isaach - who shadowed us from a distance, greatly added to the enjoyment and authenticity of the trip. Perhaps I was particularly fortunate in finding myself part of a team that gelled together so well. On the other hand, I would expect that anyone who undertakes this trip would share a true sense of adventure and a deep appreciation of its historical context. Thank you for the opportunity to relive such a remarkable piece of Nordic history.
Reviewed by attendee James R Kehoe on 01 April, 2010
This fantastic expedition does exactly what it says on the tin. It retraces the footsteps of some remarkable WW2 heroes and stays as close as possible to the exact route they took - right down to sleeping in the same beds! However, what makes this expedition extra special is the people who lead the course; Brian Desmond and Glyn Sheppard. Both former British Military men with a wealth of knowledge about the saboteurs, the operations of Grouse, Freshman and Gunnerside and an exellent knowledge of Norweigan customs and history. Brian's vast cross-country skiing and biathlon experience assisted in bringing the group up to the base level of skiing ability required for the expedition. Glyn's mountaineering and navigational ability was invaluable up on the vidda and his sense of humour and laid back but professional approach added to the overall enjoyment of the expedition. Although I am well travelled, this expedition goes down in my books as one of this best things I have ever done. Highly recommended - Big thanks to all.
Reviewed by attendee Dave Hall on 02 July, 2010
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Course Dates, Locations & Prices
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Course Name: The Heroes of Telemark Expedition 2011 - Retracing Their Journey Location: Norway Course leader: Brian Desmond Cost per person: £2500.00 (inc VAT) Course Size: 9 (maximum) |
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This course is now fully booked. You can sign up for cancellation notifications using our Mailing List.
This is a strenuous course requiring a high level of fitness/ stamina and self-motivation.
Course price includes all return transfers from the airport with full board accommodation and all specialist equipment. Flights are not included, so you will need to arrange these yourself once you receive the recommended flight details from us. Please ensure that you have a full valid passport and EHIC card when you travel. |
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