I am seeking expressions of interest in 2- and 3-day training courses near Aviemore, Cairngorms.
With the hope that covid cases, and therefore restrictions, have eased in the New Year, I will be offering survival training courses for anyone interested in Arctic Ultras. The plan is to offer these 1-2-1 or in very small groups, and entirely outdoors.
The course will include presentations about race strategies, physiology, cold injuries, nutrition and, most of all, maintaining safe progress along the trails. There will also be elements of bushcraft (how to get a fire going, navigation, comfy beds), and an opportunity to test your equipment on forest trails, to include a night out with your kit. Those really keen to review their experiences and try alternatives, are welcome to make this a two-night, three-day course. The plan is to have a variety of equipment available to look at, to help determine what would be right for you. Snow will not be guaranteed, but cold nights will be. Fingers crossed there will be discounts available on equipment purchases from a variety of companies, which may help off-set the cost of the course.
The course will be based out of the Dalraddy campsite and holiday park. You are welcome to book to stay at the campsite, whether in your tent, motorhome, campervan or caravan, or to book into one of the very impressive chalets. Anybody attempting to retreat to the comfort of these during the nights out will be shot (only in the leg, and with a paintball gun - safety first). Those with partners and families should consider bringing them along and using time before and after the course to enjoy the area, which includes hundreds of acres of forest and with easy access to the mountains. Activities available on the site and on the greater Alvie estate include bushcraft lessons, quad biking, archery and deer feeding/photography.
At this point I am seeking expressions of interest. The courses will be run from mid-January through to March, covid-restrictions-dependent. Full refunds will be given if restrictions prohibit travel for your booked course. The two day course will be £120 and the three day will be £150, and all the presentations will be included in the two-day course (the third day is more for discussion and brain-storming solutions to any issues encountered during the nights out). Please contact me to request further information.