Bushcraft Courses

Canoeing in the Ardeche 2011

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The Path of the Paddle

Whilst learning to canoe several years ago, Ray came up with the excellent concept of learning to canoe in warmer water than we would normally experience in places like Wales or Scotland. This would give a little more enjoyment to learning rescue techniques and falling in. Therefore Ray decided Woodlore should teach people to canoe in Southern France. The Ardeche is a perfect environment in which to learn to canoe with warm weather, warm water and stunning 300m limestone cliff scenery.

During the course you will be introduced to the canoe and taught by one 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 fairly competent canoeists and we make a two-day, 32km, expedition descent of the river, tackling exciting grade 2 rapids. We will spend the night in the gorge at a bivvy site with toilet, shower and BBQ facilities, within the National Park, where you may get the chance to see the local Wild Boar.

The range of wildlife in the region is impressive with sightings at our camp site alone including: scorpions, snakes, preying mantis, frogs, lizards, and slow worms. Whilst in the gorge there are often sightings of eagles, kite and beaver.

The whole region is steeped in history with the area being famous for its prehistoric cave artwork and dolmen burial sites. This area also housed a number of resistance fighters or Maquis, which caused the Nazi occupation many problems during the Second World War. The wooded hills and deep inaccessible valleys made this a perfect area for such partisan operations and the area is littered with pointers to this part of history.

During the course we will be giving you a robust introduction to flat and white water and also 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 and all other necessary canoe equipment for the duration of the course.

We are very pleased to say that whilst on this course you will receive training equivalent to the British Canoe Union 3 star level, and will have the opportunity to take an assessment for the British Canoe Union 2 star award at the end of the week if you wish to do so. If you already have some prior experience of canoeing there is also the possibility of gaining the BCU 3 star award. Once you have a BCU star award it will make hiring a canoe and taking an adventurous wilderness canoe trip yourself much easier.



We are based at the Pont d'Arc campsite which is full of character and very hospitable, and unlike at our more wilderness courses the campsite has toilet and shower facilities and a shop/cafe. 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 the campsite. We will be able to arrange transport for you into the local village of Vallon Pont d'Arc each evening to get supplies from the local supermarket for you to cook for yourselves at the campsite.

We will meet for meal on Tuesday evening at the campsite, where you will have the chance to get to know the staff and your fellow canoeists. You will also find out about the course and what to expect over the coming days. Woodlore will provide the final meal of the week on Sunday evening at a local restaurant to give out certificates and for a debrief about the course.



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 18:00 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. Prices and dates can be found below.

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 (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Michael Hand on 02 July, 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

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

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 (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Richard Nott 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

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!!! (continued...)
Reviewed by attendee Laurence Elphick on 17 June, 2010

Course Details

Course Name: Canoeing in the Ardeche 2011 - The Path of the Paddle
Date: To be announced.
Previous Location: Ardeche, South of France
Course leader: Tony Pape
Cost per person: £1200.00 (inc VAT)