Axe & Shavehorse

Learn how to use an axe and build a shavehorse

LOCATION

Pitlochry

PLACES

2026 DATES

24 - 27 September

PRICE

£395

BOOK NOW

A display showing lots of different bushcraft axes on an axe skills course

The key to being comfortable in the outdoors is having a solid foundation in the use of bushcraft tools and campcraft, with the axe being arguably the most important tool of our UK woodlands. For thousands of years, the axe has enabled humans to shape their environment and has undoubtedly made life possible in some of the most extreme environments on the planet.

What Axe Techniques We Will Cover

This in-depth axe course takes a detailed look at this versatile tool, from the basics of anatomy and selection to advanced cutting techniques, tree felling, firewood processing and fine craft work techniques. Each student will also make their own shavehorse, which not only gives an opportunity to practice many important axe techniques, but also leave with a really useful piece of woodworking kit for future projects!

On this course you will have the chance to fell some larger trees with an axe, giving you the opportunity to practice these skills for real. The wood you process will be used for projects including making your own shavehorse. In addition, the course will take place in an ancient hazel coppice, where you will be able to learn some valuable woodland management skills.

Your instructor, Steven Hanton, has been using axes almost daily for over 20 years and has learned good axe technique from competent woodsmen and women who have relied on axes while on true wilderness journeys. Never satisfied with commercial handle designs, he makes his own to his own design and uses axes extensively in his work on paddles, wooden canoes and on wilderness trips. He his always eager to share this knowledge with others.

'I always like to have an axe nearby, it reminds me of simple things in a mad world of whirling things'

Bernard S. Mason

Axe Skills Course Syllabus:

History of the axe
Axe anatomy, terminology and axe selection
Sharpening and care of your axe
Felling large trees with an axe; how to use wedges, levers and rope up while felling.
Dealing with 'hang ups'
Axe techniques; sectioning, limbing, splitting, pointing
Fine craft work with an axe
Make your own shavehorse from native Scottish woods.
Saws and their use
Safe knife technique.
** You must bring a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe' or similar for this course - we can supply one of these at cost **

Splitting wood with an axe and learning axe skills

Man demonstrating different types of axes

Axemanship Course Details

Please contact us if you are unsure about any of the items on the kit list

CLOTHING

Underwear/socks for the duration of the course
2/3 pairs of trousers - ideally robust yet quick drying.
2/3 base layers - t shirts or merino wool
Mid- range layer - light fleece or wool shirt
Warm layer - larger fleece/wool jumper
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Warm hat and gloves
Scarf for colder months
1 pair sturdy waterproof boots
1 pair of camp shoes - old trainers are ideal.

EQUIPMENT

Small day sack (35 litres or so)
Larger rucksack for all gear
Dry bags for waterproofing clothes in daypack
Tent or Tarp and Hammock
Sleeping pad/mat
Sleeping bag, 4 season or two lighter bags (people are most often too cold than too hot! Please ensure your sleeping bag is up to the job)
Headtorch and spare batteries
Powerbank and phone charging cable.
Wash kit, towel and swimming kit for the river (optional!)
Personal medication and small first aid kit
Sun block
Insect repellant - we like Smidge, it works well on our midges
Midge headnet (only in case of infrequent bad evenings) - best are also made by 'Smidge'.
Bowl, plate, mug, knife fork, spoon.
Water bottle
Notebook and pencil
You need a Gransfors Bruk 'Small Forest Axe' or similar to complete this course. We can supply one at cost for you if you wish.

OPTIONAL

Camera
Books
Knife - no cutting tools are necessary as we will provide all tools

Travel and arrival - Meets at 1800 on the first day and finishes at approx 1600 on the final day. Detailed joining instructions will be sent out to you well in advance of the course commencing. This will include where to meet, parking arrangements and options for public transport. If coming by train, Pitlochry is the closest station. Due to licensing we do not offer a train pick up service but we can often organise a carpool with another participant if you contact us well in advance. There are several taxi companies in Pitlochry who can transfer you to the course meeting point (10 minute drive). ** PLEASE DON'T book public transport or accommodation until 8 weeks before the course start date as this is when we will confirm that the course will go ahead and that we have enough participants (usually minimum of 6)**.
Accommodation - This course includes on-site camping. You will need to provide your own tent/tarp and hammock or other. We may be able to loan you a tent if you are stuck. Camping is wild but there plenty of excellent flat sites. All other facilities are provided including large group areas, a kitchen and a toilet. If you don't want to camp, it will be your responsibility to make arrangements to travel to and from the course site each day. We can suggest off-site options if you contact us well in advance of the course.
Food and Drink - This course is fully catered from the arrival evening (light supper of soup and bread) until lunch the final day. We can cater for most common dietary requirements including vegetarians and pescatarians but we ask people with celiac disease or other dietary requirements to inform us upon booking so we can make sure that we can cater for you. We have an ample drinking water on site. Alcohol is prohibited on all courses except the cooking/food courses.
Weather/conditions. We feel very at home in the outdoors and we will set up a camp that will provide adequate food and shelter to keep you comfortable in all weather. We are in Scotland however and so weather can be changeable and unpredictable! Please make sure you bring suitable clothing as per the kit list and contact us if you are at all unsure about what to bring. Courses will not be cancelled due to bad weather.
Age requirements - 16 - 18 welcome if accompanied by an adult, otherwise 18+.
Fitness/ability - Our courses are not strenuous, but they all require a minimum level of fitness. Aside from some craft courses, most courses involve walks out from camp on woodland paths or over some uneven ground. As a guide, you should therefore be fit and able enough to cope with walks of up to about 3km over this terrain. There will be a walk of around 1.5km from the parking site to base camp, we will however be able to drive your gear in for you so you don't have to carry it. Our courses are also hands-on experiences which are educational and we expect students to get involved and not view the course as a normal holiday or demonstration style event.
Payment - We take a non-refundable deposit upon booking and the full balance is due 8 weeks before the course. If we cancel the course for any reason (unforeseen circumstances or not enough participants) then we will refund 100% back to you. See our full Terms and Conditions.
Insurance - We have comprehensive liability insurance and risk assessments, but we recommend that you have a basic level of insurance which covers yourself and your possessions for adventurous activity - no outdoor activity is free from all risk.
First Aid/Medical - Your course leader will be trained to First Response Emergency Care level 4 (Ambulance ECA) and will carry a comprehensive first aid kit with the group at all times. Please bring with you plenty of any required personal medication.
Toilets/showers - We set up a 'woodland composting toilet' - private tent with toilet seat over a big hole. It's hygienic, pleasant, ecologically sensitive to our special sites and private. We dig a fresh hole for every group. On courses longer than 3 days we also set up an expedition style shower and water can be heated up over the fire.

What happens if I'm late for a course? Please keep us informed on your journey if you are going to be late.

Where do I park and is it safe? Parking is at a private site on the estate and is safe.

Do you allow dogs? I'm afraid not. In our experience dogs are very hard to manage around food and course activities so unfortunately we have a no dog policy.

Do most people come on their own? Yes they do, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and like-minded people. We also have many people that choose to come with a friend or family member who also wants to have an awesome time.

Do I need prior experience? Not at all. Some courses are aimed at a more advanced level but this is made clear in the course description. Most courses cater for all abilities including absolute beginners.

Are there any hazards or risks I should be aware of? There's no such thing as completely risk-free outdoor activities. We have 20 years of experience of bushcraft and running these types of courses so rest assured the risks have been carefully assessed and mitigated as best as is possible. You are in good hands and a full safety brief will be given for all activities.

What is your cancellation policy? Full terms and conditions are available here but basically;

You'll get a 100% refund if we cancel the course (almost never for weather, sometimes if there are not enough bookings but 8 weeks in advance of the course). If you cancel, your deposit is non-refundable.
If you have to cancel then we will always try to refill the course place, and if we can we will refund you in full.
Full course fee is due 8 weeks before course
- If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the course you are liable for 50% of the course fee.
- If you cancel less than 4 weeks before the course then you are liable for 100% of the course fee
- This is due to the fact that courses involve a large amount of planning and expense in advance.
- Sometimes we can transfer you to another course if there is availability.

This course is run from the majestic Bonskeid Estate near Pitlochry. A mature mixed woodland site on the banks of the River Tummel. The wood is full of wildlife and we are truly privileged to be able to run our courses from this special site.

Full joining instructions and arrival details will be sent out well in advance of the course.

This site is close to Pitlochry, right off the A9, and so is very accessible by car. There is ample private parking on site for those travelling by car. There is a train station in Pitlochry and taxi companies in Pitlochry which can transfer you to the course meeting point (10 minute journey). Due to licensing we do not offer a train pick up service but we can often organise a carpool for you with another participant if you contact us well in advance of the course