Description
Join a small group for an interesting, rewarding and productive 2 days in the glorious hills of mid-Wales! Have Fun, Learn New Skills, Make and Take home your own beautiful traditional and strong little boat! It can fit in your car or on your roof rack and you can enjoy it on ponds, lakes, canals and rivers. Coracles are possibly our earliest boats. There is historical evidence in almost every part of the world of some sort of keel-less watercraft, made of local materials. You will be making a version of the Irish Boyne coracle - a willow frame with a calico cover, waterproofed with black bitumen paint. It is big enough for one person and easily carried, a simple and elegant construction, possible to make in only 2 days, and requiring only a few hand tools. This coracle was used on the River Boyne in Co. Meath until the 1940's. You will also be able to try out a coracle on water and practise the paddling technique. We have been making coracles and running successful coracle making workshops here at Gorfanc in mid-Wales for nearly 20 years, meeting many interesting people and having lots of fun! Rob has been a woodworker all his working life, and Pippa has been willow basket making and teaching since 1988.
What's included in the price?
The cost is for one OR two people making ONE coracle. All materials, use of tools, printed handouts, tea/coffee/cake, a home-made lunch including hot soup and home-baked bread are included. On site S/C accommodation in The Gorfanc Hideaway may be available. Camping on site with open fires is free.
Duration
2 days
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Children
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Advanced/pro level
- Accommodation offered
- Easter
- Parking provided
- UK Holiday
- Suitable for beginners
- Public transport
- Intermediate level
FAQs
We will be working out of doors on the first day so you will need to be prepared for the weather!
You need to be able to bend and to kneel or sit on a low stool reasonably well, to use your hands and to tie knots. It is useful if you book with a partner but there will be help available and you will be well-supported throughout. You don't need any pre-knowledge or special skills, although any previous experience of willow work can be helpful.
The nearest train station is 7 miles away. There is a 2 hourly bus from there to within 1.5 mls of the venue, or we can pick you up at the station. However - you would have to make other arrangements for transporting your finished coracle home!
The usual size is about 1400mm x 950mm x 300mm and the weight only about 8 - 10 kgs. The method of making allows for adaptation of the size if necessary, and the Boyne-style coracle is exceptionally light to carry.
So that you can transport your coracle home without damaging the interior or roof of your car with wet paint you will do the waterproofing at home. We will give you the paint, white spirit and a brush to take with you.
Yes, we like dogs! There are sheep and hens about so however well-behaved you think your dog is he/she must always be on a lead or securely tethered.
Yes, children can accompany adults and participate as they wish, but whatever age they are and whether they are participating or not they must be entirely the responsibility of their adults.
Ask us anything you are unsure about; as long as people with learning difficulties are well-supported they are very welcome.
Yes! Just let us know and we will do our best to provide for your needs.
You won't have time to make a paddle on the course but you can buy a unique one made by Rob or discuss with him different styles and how to make your own.