The Bank Holiday often brings a shift in pace, whether that’s time outdoors, a walk in the woods, or simply planning the next trip. It’s a good moment to check over your kit, replace what’s needed, or pick up something you’ve had in mind for a while.
Whether you’re topping up or starting fresh, we’ve added a little extra to go with it.
I was recently lucky enough to catch Ray between one adventure and another and took the chance to ask a few questions about something deceptively simple: the compass case. What followed was a wide-ranging conversation, moving from craftsmanship and materials to navigation, reliability, and the quiet confidence that comes from understanding the land.
Here at Woodlore, we’re busy preparing to welcome everyone who has chosen to join us on a course this year. From the woods to the classroom, there’s a quiet sense of anticipation as we get ready to share skills, stories, and time outdoors with you.
The fire crackles low against the dusk, its warmth battling a cool wind drifting through the gaps in the shelter. Muscles ache, hands are calloused, and yet there’s a quiet confidence among the group. These are not just students of bushcraft anymore. They are Journeymen.
But here’s the surprising truth: the Woodlore Journeyman Coursewas never designed as an elite summit of bushcraft training. When it was first conceived, it was intended simply as the next step beyond the fundamentals. Yet over time, it has gained a reputation—a test of grit, a course people whisper about with hesitation.
Live from the land – don’t just dream about it!
“I’m not sure I’m ready,” many say.
And yet readiness is not the point. The only requirement is completing theWoodloreFundamental Course. Some students take a gap to consolidate their skills; others step straight into Journeyman. Either way, what they discover is that the course isn’t about being fully prepared—it’s about finding out how much more capable you are than you ever imagined.
We love Winter camping and the challenges that can bring, Spring, on the other hand, is an open invitation to all, a call to step outside and embrace nature at its most vibrant! In this blog article, Ray and the Woodlore team want to bridge the gap to summer camping and help you get outside and enjoy the great outdoors for there is an electricity and anticipation in the air that is truly exciting to be part of!
With short days and sometimes less-than-favourable weather, the winter season is often the time when many choose to stay indoors, hanging up their gear until spring returns and the world ventures outdoors once again.
We love to see our customer’s projects and crafts, making beautiful items and this is no exception. Thank you to Steve Brewster for sending in these photos and words about his recent knife project using the Julius Pettersson knife blade he purchased from us.
Well after a few “rookie mistakes” and spending more on reindeer antler than the blade, I have finally finished my knife build.
The Ray Mears & Woodlore Bushcraft Blog 