Knockiehill Woodland Centre
Your adventure starts here
Knockiehill Woodland Centre is set in 45 acres of ancient woodland on the edge of the stunning Cairngorm National Park, North East Scotland. At KWC we deliver something for everyone from wellness workshops to wild birthday parties, bushcraft sessions and wood carving workshops. Our venue is also now available for private hire.
Facilities at KWC are off grid, rustic and natural as possible. We work in symbiosis with our environment. The car park is located a short distance from the camp. We have a basic footpath system which can be uneven.
Cooking and washing water is harvested by our rain collection. Drinking water is provided separately and hot running water is also available at base camp. We have 2 composting toilets and free standing hand washing facilities.
Lighting is provided by solar energy. The nearest village with basic amenities is located 1.5 miles and a larger village 6 miles by car, foot or bike. Given the rural nature of our location there is no public transport available.
We hope that whatever your reasons for coming to KWC, that you too, will find an experience never to be forgotten, whatever your age, whatever the weather, and with whomever you are with.
Meet The Team
Pip Delamere-Wright
Founder and Lead Instructor
Pip grew up in Tarland before moving to study for a BSc in Sport Science and Human Biology at Chester. Pip then served 17 years as an Officer with the British Army. Since returning to Scotland she has been keen to encourage children to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
Retraining as an outdoor leader, a Therapeutic Forest Practitioner and Open Water Swimming Coach, Pip enjoys working with all age groups and especially enjoys cold water, nature craft activities and wild cooking. 'I enjoy the immersiveness of working outdoors, you and the elements. There is never a day that is the same.'
Pip has spent the last couple of years focusing on 'wild wellness', supporting positive physical and mental health.
Follow her journey on instagram:
wild_wellness_scotland
Denis Lockhart
Master Woodsmun
Our local woodsmun Denis is the official head grass tamer for Tarland golf course. Denis has been bothering wood for longer than he can remember! Trying his hand and skills at anything with wood, green woodworking really is his passion. Denis says 'there are so many different things you can get up to with green wood, it is an amazing resource with so many possibilities'.
Denis always works sustainably with awareness for the wellbeing of the wildlife, woodland and people. Keen to pass on his experience Denis has been volunteering at KWC, delivering workshops to help individuals develop their own skills and confidence.
Denis loves being outdoors, buying tools attending workshops and green woodworking festival (anything that involves a laugh, good food and friends).
Stu Wright
Co-Founder and Instructor
Enthusiastic, pro-active and most found outdoors. Initially focusing on the land management, he soon realized and felt the benefits of working and spending time outdoors in the woodland.
Stu served in the British Army for 12 years, during this time he traveled alot and got to experience lots of different cultures and climates. Stu has always had an awareness for self-development and enjoys guiding people both as individuals or in groups, his attitude to coaching and mentoring is relaxed but clear showing the importance of understanding.
Stu is our qualified NCFE bushcraft instructor and loves teaching sessions to children, adults and especially families helping create lasting memories.
Follow the adventures on instagram:
stuwright_adventures
Paddington
Public Relations Officer
Paddington aka 'Paddy' is our four legged team member.
He loves to meet and greet new arrivals young and old. Paddy loves helping those who feel a little unsure about staying for a whole day at KWC, making them feel better by playing tag or wagging his tail so hard he falls over!
However Paddy appreciates not everyone loves dogs....yet!....so he only makes special guest appearances and is not on site during sessions unless requested.