Taransay Island for a Holiday with a difference
7 Day Adventure Activity Course
Forget your package holiday and join us on Taransay Island, Outer Hebrides, for an experience of a lifetime, You don't have to take our word for it, just read past clients feedback at bottom of the page,
The island is over 3000 acres in all, The only way to and from the island is by sea or air, Your final approach to the island will be by high speed ribs, as pictured below,
We have clients who return year after year because they enjoy themselves so much on this course, this speaks for itself,
Our 7 Day Adventure Activity Course is ran in an informal way, No timetables, Nothing is Compulsory, No strict Schedules, this is the main core of this course, When you join this course you are able to forget for 1 week the pressures of work and home life, it is amazing what that can do for a person, It really lifts their life up in a way that words cannot explain,
The Island has a lot to do with this as well as the informality of the group and course, You will be among friends (or as one past client has said family) you haven't met yet,
SOME ACTIVITIES YOU WILL BE DOING
Learn how to make a Forge, also all the secrets into forging, a must if you intend to carry on at home with forging,
Flintsteels, make and finish your own Flintsteel, Take home with you,
Forge your own Knife or Tools, from old steel, forge your own rough knife, shape and finish, Take home with you,
Knife Making, make your own Bushcraft Knife from the best steels available, Take home with you,
Bow Making, make your own Long Bow, shape, stain, seal and finally test, Take home with you,
Arrow Fletching, make your own arrows to go along with your Bow, Take home with you,
Leatherwork, make your own Sheaths for your Knives, arm guards and finger tabs for your Bow, Take home with you,
Coastal Work, make your own Fish Traps (creels), put them to use, discovering Shellfish, how to catch and cook,
Beachcombing, scour the shoreline for all the gems washed up and put them to use, ie driftwood for your own Bow Drill Kits, Take Home, old drums etc for our BBQ or Ovens and so on,
Refreshing Outdoor Skills, as you go along through the 7 days you will have a refresher course on Outdoor Skills, some which include Fire by natural methods, flintsteels and how to use, skinning, gutting and preparing game, forward planning and preparation etc etc
These are only some of the activities you will be covering during your stay with us on the deserted island, other activities are included but will be put into practice when you are there
You may leave us exhausted but with an experience you will never forget, Getting to the island is an experience of its own as you cannot just walk to it,
The activities above will be split up to allow plenty of free time to explore the island at your leisure, to take photos of the abundant Red Deer, do some Seal watching, check out the caves, or simply take a walk, get in a spot of fishing (sea fishing, or fresh water Brown trout), as usual this will all take place in as humerous and light hearted and relaxed way that we can,
Also the evenings are for relaxing, usually the group relax round the fire and have a good time, this is not compulsory either but most people drop in and out throughout the evening, a great way to socialise and forget the humdrum way of life on the mainland,
Taransay 2007 |
Taransay 2008 |
Taransay 2009 |
On reaching the shoreline you will find yourself amongst some of the most picturesque beaches and breathtaking views, You will soon discover the peace and tranquility that you will be sharing with the Red Deer, abundant Seals etc, and we don't even expect you to sleep rough (unless you want to), The Island you will be going to is deserted with no civilisation whatsoever!
This island was the setting for various TV productions, Castaway 2000, The most recent we have done was for The New Paul O' Grady Show, We will have the use of all the buildings on the island so we will have basic comforts such as a roof over our heads, indoor fireplaces, WC's and even the luxury of a shower, don't be mistaken your accommodation is very basic,
A great chance for the budding photographer to entwine outdoor survival skills, outdoor activities and photography all in one,
This course is all about people sharing any of their outdoor experiences with others, putting them into practice and learning new outdoor skills,
Sandy beaches and clean sea water,
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Tranquility, peace, relaxation, all that one would expect from a deserted Island,
Apart from the activities you will have to do when you are with us on our 7 Day Course
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You are not roughing it by any means, you sleep in a bed, get 3 meals served up to you a day,
Some people are under the impression you eat what is on the island,
You couldnt be farther away from the truth,
Self service breakfast of porridge, cereal, toast etc
Lunch may be soup or bacon rolls etc
Dinner may be curry and rice, potatoes veg and meat
Supper may be scones, buns etc
Menu too big to mention
This is all cooked for you and served
And we have a traditional Scottish Dinner 1 night
The price below covers: Your Course Fee, and all travelling from our premises in Ayrshire including road and ferry costs to and from the island, all food, soft beverages and accommodation, It also covers material prices for all the items you will be taking home,
Taransay 2008 Album Pics Taransay 2009 Album Pics
2010 Taransay Dates
Places are extremely limited already
28th Aug - 3rd Sept 2010
Check out our Taransay Clients Below
Price £749
Deposit £199 Contact us if you need more time to pay we can arrange 2 payments if
you need it
If you use Paypal to pay deposit you have a 4% surcharge, Sorry but this is Paypals fees, We have added it to the postage
Some Feedbacks from this year
Any Negatives? Leaving the island. It all seems to be over so quickly. I am left with memories and midge bites, but the midge bites will fade. I still didn't get time to do everything I wanted to do, next year the fish had better watch out.
Positives? This was my second year on this course and I was worried that the first year was a fluke and I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but I did. I learned a lot of new things and made new friends and laughed a lot. I described it to my daughter and she said it sounded like an adult sleepover. This isn't just a practical course, it's a complete rest from all the pressures of home and work. I was so chilled when I got back I was almost catatonic!
Would you consider returning in the future? I have already booked for Taransay 2010 and I'm not the only one. Pete G (adopted son)
Any Negatives? Distance, but worth the travelling. That really IS all I can think of on the negatives list, unless it's that the week went by too quickly.
Positives? Oh, where to start! The informalness of the tuition, dipping in and out when you wanted or just not joining in at all. No set times for anything, minimal classroom structure, being treated like adults instead of kids, unlike some courses I've been on. You lot, big positive, you know when to push and when to hold off, and understanding that we all have different levels of ability and adjust to each of us. The fun I had was the best for a long time, and it was nice to be one of the lads and not watch my language (got to get out of that habit now I'm back in civilisation though). For me, my biggest achievement was making the trip at all, there was many times when panic set in at the thought of it, but it's certainly given me a burst of confidence and more of an 'I CAN do' attitude. It was a completely stress-free week, even the midges are forgotten, and if any wannabe islanders want a reference, give them my email, I'd be happy to give them a 'clients' point of view. Thanks for everything!
Would you consider returning in the future? Yes, definately, but with booze next time Roz
Any Negatives? yes, having to leave the island
Positives? the same as last year, I had an absolutely brilliant time; the planned activities were fun and informative. A whole week of laughing. Such a relaxing and fun week.
Would you consider returning in the future? this was my second year on this trip, just try and stop me for a third time next year Mike L (Capman)
Any Negatives? None what so ever
Positives? The boundless knowledge displayed by Alan. The relaxed coaching style which allowed us to achieve results that I would not have thought possible beforehand. Great food and masses of it produced by Jan. Good company In short it was one of the most positive experiences that I have been involved in.
Would you consider returning in the future?
I hope to return next year for more of the same. Phil S (Tesco Man)
Any Negatives? only two faults the first is that it is over all to quickly and the second is that someone keeps stealing my jelly and fruit
Positives? A great way to meet new friends and learn at the same time you should see the fantastic knife that i made lol. you also put on a few pounds thanks to Jans cooking and the large portions that she serves up , will be back next year can't wait.
Would you consider returning in the future? will def be back Big Billy
Any Negatives? Would have liked longer so I could make the primitive arrows
Positives? I had a great time and learned lots of really usefull stuff form Alan and the other people on the course. I havn't had as much fun on a holiday in years
Would you consider returning in the future? YES Andrew T (lockman)
Any Negatives? not enough diet coke or chocolate. Course not long enough. Alans sarcasam made me cry myself to sleep every nite! Downlighters! they are a big negative, don't buy em for your kitchen!!
Positives? Pretty much everything else. Food = great scones = ambrosia of the gods company = great accomadation = great island = magical beyond description Alans laid back approach to teaching helped to make, what is a full timetable, into a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience. Nothing was too much trouble, including my endless questions. Jan looked after us so well like we were her children, she piled my plate so high I could bearly carry it back to the table, I think she was fattening us up incase we got stranded on the island and she could eat us! The whole experience was amazing, relaxing and informative!
Would you consider returning in the future? without question!! Lenny G (Madnics)
Any Negatives? Not a one. Oooh, I didn't find and razor clams! I'll get the buggers next year though!
Positives? Too many to mention. It's a fantastic week where you really do get a chance to get completely away from your everyday life. No work, no shops and no pressure. Just what's on the island. You can go mental and fill your day full of stuff or just sit around and relax and have a laugh. This year was even better than last year. And next year will be even better than that!
Would you consider returning in the future? Definately. Already planning to Simon P (lecky man)
Any Negatives? I couldn't do as much hiking as I would have liked to, but that was mainly because I was so occupied with other activities, maybe allow myself a bit more free time next year!
Positives? I enjoyed every minute of my trip to Taransay with the Survival School. The island itself it truly mesmerising and magical. All I can say is wow. Alan is a total font of all knowledge and was more than willing to help, even when I did have blonde moments in the workshop. I was a complete beginner at any kind of bushcraft but did not find the atmosphere or tasks intimidating at all, just looking forward to next year when I can jazz things up a bit now I've got a handle on the basics! Aside from structured activities, the accommodation was spot on, much better than I had imagined it would be. The company in the evenings was great and I mixed with so many people I would never have done in the 'real world'. Jan dealt fantastically with my dietary needs and I have not eaten so well in such a long time.
Would you consider returning in the future? I am already booked for next year Rosie S
Any Negatives? I had to go back to college
Positives? Everything All the people were very friendly and welcoming especially Alan and Jan. The whole time was really enjoyable and I was really pleased with the things I made
Would you consider returning in the future? yes definately Huw (motoboy)
Some Testimonials from this year's trip 2008
This was a tremendous trip We all had amazing time The group was great
The staff was amazing the venue beyond expectation We are all proud of the work we did and learned to do Sophia is going to be showing her steel, knives and bow and sharing some of these photos with her class at school tomorrow Her face when she finished her final knife will always live in memory and heart
All we can all say is thank you
Being from the States don't know when or if we will get to join the survival and safety school again But if we can we will Best Joe Futerman USA (lobster man)
Any Negatives? The only one I can think of was having to come back home
Positives? I learnt a lot, worked a lot, ate a lot and laughed a lot. What more can you ask for?
I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed after a holiday,
There is a line that goes "There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet", On the Taransay trip it was more like family than friends.
Would you consider returning in the future? Definitely, I will be booking for Taransay 2009 in the next few days Pete G (adopted son)
Any Negatives? None at all
Positives? Every part of trip was just the dogs food was great
Alan knows more than any man should when you can get a real answer from him you just don,t know when he is serious
Jan makes the best scones in scotland I think i put on a stone while there
Would you consider returning in the future? Oh Yes just try to keep me away Nev O (wicksy)
Any Negatives? the whole thing was over too quickly
Positives? The whole thing was a great Experience, every thing was put across to us in a fun way
Would you consider returning in the future? i will definately make the effort to go again next year Mike L (capman)
Gift Vouchers Available All Year Round
Taransay 2007 Slideshow Click to See
Contact: Alan Jan
Toni Geoff
Telephone: 01292 532372 or 07753313906
Or you can make cheques payable to: OUTDOOR EXTREME
Send To: Hillend House, Waterside by Patna, AYR, KA6 7JH
