Welcome to Woodlore, The School of Wildnerness Bushcraft, founded by Ray Mears in 1983.
Bushcraft Courses
Canoeing in the Ardeche 2011
The Path of the Paddle
The Ardeche in Southern France is a perfect environment in which to learn to canoe with warm weather and stunning 300m limestone cliff scenery. During the course you will be introduced to the canoe and taught by two of the most experienced canoe coaches in the area with plenty of local knowledge. The course will start with three preparatory days on different sections of the river learning strokes, rescues, swimming rapids, poling, lining and negotiating moving water. By day 4 you will be confident and competent canoeists and we make a two-day, 32km, expedition descent of the river, tackling grade 2 rapids. We will spend the night in the gorge at a bivvy site within the National Park, where you may get the chance to see Wild Boar.
During the course we will be giving you a robust introduction to flat and white water and how to expedition using the canoe. Our aim will be to make you an efficient and self-contained tandem canoeist with both practical day sessions and evening lectures. Woodlore will provide you with an open canoe, paddles, a buoyancy aid, and a helmet for the duration of the course.
We are based at the Pont d'Arc campsite which is full of character and very hospitable. The site is located right next to the spectacular and unique 60m naturally formed bridge, Pont d'Arc, and has direct access to the river. We are there in September to get the best of the water levels before it becomes very high later in the season and to avoid the crowds in July and August.
You will need to arrange your own transport to Vallon Pont d'Arc, a small town near to the campsite, where we will meet you and take you to the campsite, a ten minute drive away. We will be able to arrange transport for you into Vallon Pont d'Arc each evening to get supplies from the local supermarket for you to cook for yourselves at the campsite.
This is a self-catering course and you will be required to bring a stove with you for cooking at the campsite and at the bivvy site.
The course will start at 17:00 in Tuesday and finish at 12:00 on Monday.
We invite you to have a look at a selection of course photos taken by staff and students in our photo gallery here.
6 Course Reviews (average rating: 100%)
What a week! I cannot remember when I had such a good time with such good company. I know Hilary will never forget it, nor will I. She is already talking about doing the Ardeche course next year. Blue and Yak you are two great guys thank you so much for looking after us and providing us with memories that will stay with us forever. James and Di thank you also for all your help and support it really was a great experience and you will definitely be seeing both of us again. I hope we keep in touch and look forward to seeing you all again soon. Regards, Mike and Hilary.
Reviewed by attendee Michael Hand on 02 July, 2010
Well it's one week on from our adventure! Despite the adverse weather conditions and change of plans the whole journey was great. Thank you again Blue and Yak for your excellent tuition, guidance and for plan B. Carlsberg is the best!!! Di and James very big thanks to you guys for your professional and attentive assistance in making this trip work. I have learnt a lot on this trip, not just about canoeing, it would be good if Woodlore arranged another trip that we got to together for another adventure as I reckon we made a good team. With kind respects to all, Laurence
Reviewed by attendee Laurence Elphick on 17 June, 2010
For Woodlore and LT adventure, a superb lesson in dealing with alternative planning and expertly delivered. Starting at the Ardeche gorge with some great wobbly canoeing on day 1, then the unpredictable torrential rain, flooded river, then bringing in plan B. However, the end result was a fantastic lake, camping in a secret location and having great fun in the process with fantastic company. Thanks to everyone for a great week. Keep in touch. Nick
Reviewed by attendee Nick Lyons on 17 June, 2010
Good morning my fellow adventurers. Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for making it such a great week. I thought we made a really good team. It was great to be with such a good bunch doing something that was well outside of my normal comfort zone & really feeling part of it & being able to contribute to it in some small way. Yak & Blue, I salute you. James & Di thanks for really adding to the experience & being so flexible about everything. I never thought I could spent the a whole week wet & sometimes cold, live on fairly basic rations, fall in a alpine river & have such a fantastic time doing it. I’d love to do another similar trip at sometime in the future. All the best Rich
Reviewed by attendee Richard Nott on 17 June, 2010
I wanted to thank you all for a wonderful trip, a massive thanks to Woodlore, Blue & Yak for the whole experience. I really enjoyed the group dynamic, and hope to meet you again on another course. All the very best, Mark
Reviewed by attendee Mark Poulsen on 17 June, 2010
Dear All, A thank you to all for making it a truly memorable week not without excitement, a great team of people and great venues. Thank you to the guys of Woodlore and LT Adventure (Sounds like an award speech now) for a fantastic week and the awesome plan B. Just a personal thank you to Di and James, it was a bit tricky with the weather and the change of venue, however at all times it was evident you were only concerned with our safety and enjoyment of the week. Kind regards Jason
Reviewed by attendee Jason Fudge on 17 June, 2010
then
the place(s) have already been taken.
Course Dates, Locations & Prices
- Please read our Terms & Conditions prior to booking
- Plick click on a date below for more details of the corresponding course
|
Course Name: Canoeing in the Ardeche 2011 - The Path of the Paddle Location: Ardeche, South of France Course leader: Tony Pape Cost per person: £1200.00 (inc VAT) Course Size: 10 (maximum) |
|
|
YOU MUST BE OVER 17 YEARS OLD AND ABLE TO SWIM AT LEAST 200M TO JOIN THIS COURSE.
You will need to make your own travel arrangements once you have received the recommended travel details from us. |
|
