Bow Drill

Friction Fire

Comprehensive 8 Hours

Age 12+ with Parental assistance throughout.

Minimum group size - 4 plus parents/guardians

Maximum group size - 12 plus parents/guardians

Ancient Fire Making

How Old Is the Bow Drill?

The true age of the bow drill is difficult to pinpoint. Because these tools were made from wood, bark, cordage, and other natural materials, they rarely survive in the archaeological record. Instead, archaeologists look for indirect evidence of their use.

One of the earliest clear examples comes from Mehrgarh, a Neolithic village in what is now Pakistan, dating to around 4000–5000 BC. Here, researchers discovered that at least nine individuals had carefully drilled holes in their molars—evidence of early dentistry performed using a bow drill. Remarkably, the patients survived these procedures.

At the same site, archaeologists found circular hearths and large granaries. While we cannot say for certain, it is possible that early inhabitants used bow drills not just for carpentry and dentistry, but also to create friction fire for daily tasks such as baking bread.

When you join us in the woods, you will be practising one of the oldest hands-on skills in human history—reviving a craft that spans thousands of years.

8‑Hour Immersive Bow Drill

& Fire-Making Session

Our 8‑hour course includes everything from the 4‑hour session, but with far more depth, practice, and personal experimentation.

What You’ll Learn

Build Multiple Bow Drill Sets

You’ll craft several bow drill kits using different types of wood—lime, willow, ivy, clematis, hazel, pine, and more—so you can feel how each combination behaves. This experience gives you a much deeper understanding of what makes a successful friction fire setup.

Master Ember-to-Flame Skills

Creating an ember is only half the challenge. In this extended session you will:

• Make a three‑layered tinder bundle using hay

• Forage for natural tinders in the woodland

• Learn field-tested tricks from our instructors to make flame creation more reliable

Forage, Build, and Take Home Your Own Set

Toward the end of the session we’ll guide you through selecting and harvesting natural materials from the woods to craft a personal bow drill set. You’ll take it home with you—along with the skills and confidence to keep this ancient tradition alive.

Shropshire based Spirited Adventure, experts in bushcrafting and survival skills, were called on to share their knowledge with a Hollywood star last summer.

Book & Pay

£125 per person

All children under 16 must be accompanied with *parent/guardian.

Booking & further details

All you need to do is contact Spirited Adventure

and we'll call you back and arrange your Adventure with you