Posts for June, 2026

Our 5‑Day Survival Challenge throws participants into an immersive, scenario‑driven experience that builds real capability from day one, starting with a refresher on Survival Priorities before spending the first night outdoors to put those fundamentals into action. Across the remaining days, the challenge intensifies as you work through the Principles and Priorities of Survival, the Survival Pyramid, PLAN‑M and smart equipment choices for wild or unfamiliar environments. You’ll master protection skills through improvised and man‑made shelter building, explore the role of fire in survival (adapting to restrictions when required), and learn how to attract, hold and direct rescuers while developing the mental resilience needed for setbacks. Practical acquisition skills take centre stage as you locate, treat and manage water, identify wild edibles, and make use of every available resource. Navigation training builds confidence in moving through remote terrain, selecting safe routes, and crossing obstacles effectively. Over five demanding days, this challenge transforms foundational knowledge into genuine, hard‑earned survival ability -boosting confidence, sharpening decision‑making and proving what you’re truly capable of in the wild.

Step into the world of outdoor skills with our 2‑Day Introductory Survival Course – the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to build confidence, capability and a solid foundation in real‑world survival techniques. This course focuses on essential skills, simple planning principles, and hands‑on learning that prepares you for safe, enjoyable adventures in the wild.

Across two immersive days, you’ll explore core survival theory, learn how to make effective decisions under pressure and get to grips with the basics of shelter, fire, water, navigation and personal safety. Through guided tasks and practical demonstrations, you’ll develop the fundamental skills needed to stay comfortable, calm and in control outdoors.

From building your first emergency shelter to lighting a fire with confidence, sourcing and filtering water, understanding simple navigation and learning how to signal for help, this course gives you the essential toolkit every beginner should have. Supportive instruction, realistic scenarios and plenty of hands‑on practice ensure you leave with genuine, usable skills and the confidence to take your next steps into the world of survival.

Step up your skills with our Intermediate Survival Course – designed for those ready to go beyond the basics and take on real‑world challenges. This course puts prevention, planning and practical application at the heart of every activity, pushing participants to think sharper, move smarter and operate confidently in the wild.

You’ll dive deeper into essential survival theory while building robust tools like route cards and risk‑aware preparation methods. Across two immersive nights, you’ll construct and refine your own shelters, work as a team on natural shelter builds and apply your learning through hands‑on tasks, scenario‑based challenges and dynamic problem solving.

This is where your foundational skills become genuine capability – tested, strengthened and ready for the real world.

Backcountry Survival delivers a one‑day, hands‑on foraging course designed to introduce participants to the safe and responsible gathering of wild foods in both woodland and field environments. The day covers essential plant and mushroom identification, key laws and permissions, ethical harvesting and how to recognise poisonous or easily‑mistaken species.

Participants take part in a guided walk focused on reading the landscape, understanding where to look, and building a deeper connection to the natural environment. The course also explores storing, preparing, and cooking wild foods, along with practical additions for a forager’s survival tin.

Fully adaptable to the season and the landscape, the programme ensures every course reflects what nature is offering at that time.

Join us at the C.Nicol handbag studio on Sunday, 4th October, for a relaxed autumn shopping day in Grantown-on-Spey.

Step behind the scenes and discover how C.Nicol bags are designed and brought to life. Come and meet me, Cathleen, explore the studio, learn about the design and sampling process, and be the first to see our new Autumn collection.

Whether you’re looking for a rich seasonal update, a timeless everyday bag, or something truly unique, you’ll find fresh styles and favourites available exclusively at the studio.

Bring friends and make a day of it with lunch somewhere local, or enjoy a peaceful autumn browse – I’d love to welcome you.

Come along to the C.Nicol studio on Sunday, 2 August, for a relaxed summer shopping day in Grantown-on-Spey. Step behind the scenes and see how C.Nicol bags are designed and brought to life.

Come and meet me, Cathleen, explore the studio, learn about the design and sampling process, and discover where each collection begins.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect summer accessory, a timeless everyday bag, or something truly unique, you’ll find styles available exclusively at the studio.

Bring friends and make a day of it with lunch at a local spot, or simply enjoy some solo summer shopping, I’d love to welcome you.

Give yourself permission to step away from the busyness of everyday life and into the slower rhythm of nature.

Through a series of guided invitations, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply in need of some time to slow down, I would love to welcome you along and share this gentle practice with you.

Forest Therapy requires no previous experience of mindfulness. The invitations are open and flexible; there is no wrong way to participate, no special skills, physical exertion, or mental effort required.

The forest is the therapist; I am your guide.

£30 per person. Booking essential.

To book your place, please email foresttherapy@yahoo.com

A drink and light snack are provided towards the end of the session.

Limited to 10 participants to allow for a more personal experience.

Research has shown that Forest Therapy can support both physical and mental wellbeing. Forest Therapy quietens the overthinking mind and participants often report feeling relaxed, grounded, more connected to nature, and better able to manage stress. Studies have also shown improvements in immune function, blood pressure, pain management, memory, concentration, and emotional resilience.

I am a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner and first aider, with public liability insurance. With over 25 years’ experience as a countryside ranger, I have extensive experience of leading groups of all ages and abilities outdoors.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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As part of our Bikeathon weekend, we will be holding our popular jumble sale again. We have a good selection of bikes and things bike related to sell.

Pop along any time from 11am to 2pm to browse the items, or just to hang out and chat bikes.

If you have something to sell, please bring it along from 10am.

We will also be running bike safety checks there, so bring your bike along to get Bikeathon ready!

All money riased go directly to the charities CRY and Mikeysline.

Join us at the C.Nicol studio on Sunday, 14 June, for a relaxed shopping experience in Grantown-on-Spey.

This is an opportunity to step behind the scenes and discover how C.Nicol bags are designed and brought to life. Come and meet me, Cathleen, explore the studio, learn more about the design and sampling process, and see where each collection begins.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special or treating yourself to a timeless everyday bag or something truly unique, you’ll find styles available exclusively at the studio.

Bring friends and make a day of it by going somewhere local for lunch or simply enjoy some solo shopping – I’d love to welcome you.

Lace up your trainers for a truly wild run! Take on a unique 5K fun run (or 2.5K option for little adventurers) through the grounds of Highland Wildlife Park, where you’ll run past some incredible wildlife including snow leopards, tigers and monkeys. Every stride supports our mission to connect people with nature while enjoying an unforgettable day outdoors.

Please note, advance booking is essential for those taking part. Spectators can book in advance or pay on arrival.