Spring bushcraft course at GTC is a surprisingly sunny success

Last Saturday saw the GTC team head down to the woods for the first time this year, running another Travelskills survival and bushcraft course for women travellers. Unlike last time, when the heavens opened and we clung to our hot chocolates round the covered fire, this time the weather was truly beautiful; mild, sunny and with green shoots sprouting all around. And there was cake.

The group learnt many skills, including how to light a fire using tinder and a battery, as well as purifying water and learning how to make a tent peg. The latter doesn't sound overly thrilling, I grant you, but is useful for SO many things, from making a pot hanger (to suspend your billy can of tea safely over the fire you've just successfully lit) to er, well, putting your tent up. And blimey, as for the uses of lavender oil and a small handbag mirror, where do I start?

And the lunch, well, I can safely say it was truly amazing as I didn't have anything to do with it; once again the lovely Val cooked up a dribble-inducing side of trout, new potatoes and stir-fried vegetables cooked over the open fire, with muchos beveragos hottos to warm one's cockles.

For those more concerned with the, ahem, lavatorial facilities, we were delighted to unveil Wayne's new facility, a composting toilet of such wonder and glory that we will be bringing you photographic evidence shortly, as well as instructions in case you wish to forgo 21st century plumbing and build your own at the bottom of the garden. If you fancy joining us on the next course, please ring us on 0800 012 4116, or send an email to info@girlstravelclub.co.uk and we'll send you all the details you need.

"Thank you for a great day last weekend down at Arundel, Emma and I really enjoyed the course, we learnt so much. It was a lot better than anything I have learnt on Duke of Edinbrough. We especially enjoyed learning the fire skills and trying to light a fire without matches. We now feel ready to head out into the wilderness with our new skills! Thanks again, Sarah"