Bushcraft Skills Courses
Join us at our stunning oak canopied private woodland set within the Harewood Estate of West Yorkshire. Our canopied basecamp and a wood fire ensure our clients keep dry and the kettle is always boiling so bring along your favourite brew.
All of our sessions are run with a maximum of 10 people, that way we can maintain a low presence in the forest in order to experience Nature up close. The small group sizes also ensure a high level of interaction with the instructor, we'll get plenty of one to one tuition through the workshops to develop your skills at your own pace.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, we're very open and there's no obligations.
Foundational Man-Tracking Course - A weekend with Kyt Lyn Walken
Foundational Man-Tracking Course - A weekend with Kyt Lyn Walken
Man tracking, often associated with the art of following human footprints or other signs of human activity, has been practiced for centuries for various purposes, such as search and rescue, military operations, and law enforcement. It involves keen observation, understanding the environment, and interpreting subtle signs that others might overlook.
Kyt Lyn Walken of The Way of Tracking leads this specialised and informative course.
“The ancient art of Mantracking may be unknown to current generations, but the detection, reading, and proper interpretation of signs showing human activity plays a huge role in the search for individuals, whether they be criminal fugitives, missing persons, or victims of crime. These ancient activities are still relevant and used today by tactical and forensic experts worldwide to investigate and find individuals as well as reconstruct what might have happened in a criminal or terrorist event. Nature provides a window to interpret for tracking, the trick is to know what to see.”
Key Aspects of Man Tracking:
Mindset
Footprint Identification
Sign Awareness
Movement Patterns
Sensory Development
Psychological and Tactical Elements
Tools and Techniques
The course will alternate THEORY and PRACTICE, and it is suitable for Outdoor enthusiasts, Bushcraft Practitioners, SAR Personnel, LAW ENFORCEMENT, ARMY Personnel, Firefighters.
In short, man tracking is both an art and a science, requiring patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of human behavior and the natural world.
Man-tracking skills are incredible for those who genuinely wish to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the great outdoors. This specialised skill set enables adventurers to interpret the subtle and often overlooked signs left by individuals navigating through various natural environments, significantly enhancing both navigation and safety during their excursions. By studying footprints, disturbances in foliage, and various environmental clues, participants will learn how to read the landscape like a well-worn book, uncovering the stories it has to tell. These skills not only improve one’s awareness of the wildlife around them and their natural surroundings but also foster a greater, more profound connection with nature itself. Whether pursued for personal adventure or aimed at enhancing wilderness survival capabilities, developing man-tracking skills offers invaluable insights into the intricate interplay between human and natural worlds. Join us on this exciting journey to explore these fascinating techniques and expand your wilderness independence.
WHAT’S COVERED:
Day one 3:00pm to 7.00 pm
Meeting, Presentation of the Instructor
Presentation of the itinerary of the course and goals
History of Man Tracking
Modern Applications
The mindset of a Tracker
Case studies where Mantracking skills have been applied (Forensic, SAR, Tactical)
Day two - 9:00 am to 4.00 pm (Night Tracking: 5:00 pm to 7.00 pm)
Analysis on human feet
Difference between footwear
Focus on the most common Sneakers and Hiking Boots in U.K.
Explanation of the Tracking Kit and Tracking Stick
Analysis on gait (features and disabilities), pitch angle
How to measure tracks
Informations we can collect from a single track and from a pair of tracks
Gaining intelligence from a track/from tracks in Track Traps area
Tracking Fundamentals
Difference between "Track Traps" and "Hostile Terrains"
Lunch time (12:00 - 13:00 approx)
Senses involved in Mantracking
How to develop your smelling, hearing and sight
How to take advantage of the sun ligh
Notions on SAR TRACKING
Informations we can collect from a single track and from a pair of tracks
Gaining intelligence from a track/from tracks in Track Traps area
Elements of visual Perceptions
How to approach a trackline on a track trap
How to approach tracks on a forest
How to approach tracks in contaminated areas
Notions on FORENSIC TRACKING
Night tracking
How to observe tracks in the dark
How to employ a flashlight in poor conditions of light
Day 3 - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cases solved with the application of Tracking skills
Long Trackline exercises
How to work in a 2 people (and more) team
Lunch time (as above)
Tactical Tracking: U.S. Tactical Tracking team versus British - historical notions, application on the field
Outdoor versus Indoor Tracking - notions and approach
Debriefing
DETAILS:
3pm Friday - 2pm Sunday
£295 per person
Please note the terms and conditions before you book
Group size with a maximum of 12 guests
A full kit list is given out on booking, but you won't need much more than a sleeping bag and warm clothing.
This course is fully catered starting with Evening meal on the Friday, and finishing with lunch on Sunday. Please inform us of any dietary requirements, we're happy to cater to any needs.
Due the involved nature of this course, we don't feel its suitable to under 16 year olds (please ask if you have any questions)
Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult
Run in a beautiful private Woodland on the Harewood Estate near Harrogate. We'll send you exact directions with the booking pack.
Lead Instructor: Kyt Lyn Walken Instructor: Jamie Dakota
