Bow Drill

Friction Fire

Introduction 4 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 friction fire?

Fire is one of the oldest human technologies. Our relationship with it goes back deep in time: early hominins may have managed fires as long as 2.5 million years ago, and there is strong evidence that Homo erectus used hearths around 1.6 million years ago.

Whether those earliest fires were sparked by people or by nature, the skill of making and maintaining fire has shaped how we live.

Join us in the woods to practise one of humanity’s most ancient and rewarding skills — friction fire-making using the bow drill.

What the session covers

Duration: 4 hours (hands-on)

In this practical, instructor-led session you will:

• Learn the history and science behind friction fire (brief and accessible explanation).

• Build and use a bow drill from natural materials.

• Create an ember and turn it into a flame using proper technique and breath control.

• Troubleshoot common problems and learn how to choose and prepare tinder and kindling.

We focus on technique rather than brute force — the right setup and method make the difference. Our instructors demonstrate each step clearly, then coach you through repeated practice until you succeed.

Who this is for

Suitable for beginners with no prior fire-making experience. The session is also great for bushcraft enthusiasts who want to refine their friction-fire skills.

What to bring

• Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear

• A small backpack and water bottle

• A notebook and pen if you like to take notes

• (Optional) personal protective gloves

We provide all tools and natural materials for the bow drill and tinder during the session.

Safety & conservation

Your safety and the protection of the woodland are our priorities. We teach safe fire practices, leave-no-trace principles, and responsible handling of embers. All sessions follow local fire regulations and are run by trained instructors.

Ready to book?

Bring curiosity and patience — friction fire rewards persistence. To book a session or ask about private groups and school bookings, contact us by using the booking form below.

Experience an ancestral skill and leave with confident, repeatable technique — the moment you see your first flame from your own hands is unforgettable.

Book & Pay

£70 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