You walk through the woods and see trees, mud, and sky. Most people do. They see a static landscape. But there is a hidden language written in the dirt. Every broken twig is a sentence. Every flattened blade of grass is a signature. This is the world of mantracking, and on April 13th, we are giving you the keys to unlock it.
Tracking is the oldest language on Earth. Long before we had alphabets, we had footprints. Our ancestors survived because they could read the story of the land. They knew who had passed by, how fast they were moving, and where they were going. Today, that skill is almost lost. We’ve traded our peripheral vision for smartphone screens. We’ve forgotten how to look at the ground.
We are bringing it back. On Monday, 13 April, from 10:00 to 15:00, Devon and Cornwall Bushcraft is hosting an exclusive Basic Mantracking Skills Course. This isn't just a walk in the woods. It is a masterclass in perception. It is an invitation to see the "unseen" details that everyone else misses.
Meet Your Guide: Kyt Lyn Walken
You don’t learn to track from a textbook. You learn from a master. We are incredibly proud to host Kyt Lyn Walken for this event. Kyt isn't just an instructor; she is a world-renowned tracker and the Official Representative of Hull’s Tracking School in the U.S. She is the founder of "The Way of Tracking" and has spent years training law enforcement, military personnel, and search and rescue teams across Europe.
Working with Kyt is a rare opportunity. She has authored six books on the subject, covering everything from urban tracking to the complexities of trailing at night. Her expertise is legendary. Usually, people have to travel across the continent or attend multi-day professional intensives to learn from her. We’ve brought her right here to Devon.
Kyt’s teaching style is direct and visceral. She doesn't just tell you what to look for; she shows you how to think. Tracking is 10% eyesight and 90% mindset. You will learn to adopt the "tracker’s eye," a way of observing the world that changes how you move through any environment. Whether you are a bushcraft enthusiast, a hiker, or someone interested in search and rescue, learning from Kyt will fundamentally shift your perspective.
What is Mantracking?
Mantracking is the art of finding signs left by people in the wild. It sounds simple. It is anything but. When a human walks through the woods, they leave a trail of "disturbances." Sometimes it’s a clear boot print in soft mud. More often, it’s a "shining" on a leaf where the dew has been brushed off. It’s a stone that has been overturned, showing its damp underside to the sun. It’s the way a patch of moss stays compressed long after the weight has lifted.
You will learn to decode these disturbances. On this course, we focus on the fundamentals. You will start by understanding human gait and how the body moves. You will look at footwear patterns and learn to distinguish between different types of soles. But more importantly, you will learn to follow a "track line."
Tracking is a puzzle. You find one sign. Then you look for the next. If you lose the trail, you learn the tactical methods to find it again. It requires patience, discipline, and a deep connection to the environment. By the end of the day, the forest floor will no longer look like a mess of leaves and dirt. It will look like a map.
The Living Classroom: Parke National Trust
The setting for this journey is Parke National Trust in Bovey Tracey. If you’ve never been, Parke is a gem of the Devon countryside. It offers a diverse range of terrain: woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks. This variety is essential for tracking. A sign left on a gravel path looks very different from a sign left in deep leaf litter.
Devon provides the perfect backdrop for bushcraft. The air is crisp, the greenery is lush, and the terrain is challenging enough to keep things interesting. We will spend the day outdoors, immersed in the natural beauty of the National Trust estate. There is no better place to spend a Monday in April than under the canopy of Devon’s ancient trees.
This is hands-on learning. We don't spend the day sitting in a classroom. We are out on the trail. You will be on your hands and knees, analyzing the soil. You will be walking the banks of the River Bovey, looking for signs of passage. This is active, physical, and engaging.
Who Is This For?
No experience is needed. Read that again. You don’t need to be a survival expert. You don’t need to have spent years in the woods. This course is designed for beginners. We start with the basics and build your confidence throughout the day.
Are you a hiker? Tracking will make you safer. You’ll become more aware of your surroundings and better at navigating off-trail.
Are you a photographer? Learning to track will help you find wildlife and understand the movement of animals.
Are you a parent? This is an incredible skill to share with your kids, turning every family walk into a high-stakes scavenger hunt.
All you need is a pair of sturdy boots and a curious mind. We keep the group sizes manageable to ensure everyone gets direct feedback from Kyt. This creates a friendly, supportive atmosphere where you can ask questions and hone your skills at your own pace.
Why You Should Sign Up Now
Opportunities like this don't happen often. Bringing an instructor of Kyt Lyn Walken’s caliber to Bovey Tracey is a massive win for the local outdoor community. This isn't a recurring monthly event. It is a special engagement. Spaces are strictly limited to ensure the quality of instruction, and they are filling up fast.
Think about the value of a new sense. Imagine being able to walk into any woodland and know exactly who has been there before you. Imagine the confidence that comes with knowing you can find your way back or find someone who is lost. That is what we are offering.
This is about more than just footprints. It’s about mindfulness. In a world that moves at 100mph, tracking forces you to slow down. It forces you to be present. You cannot track if your mind is elsewhere. It is a form of active meditation that grounds you in the here and now.
Join Us on the Trail
The details are simple.
- What: Basic Mantracking Skills Course
- When: 13 April, 10:00 – 15:00
- Where: Parke National Trust, Bovey Tracey, Devon
- Instructor: Kyt Lyn Walken
- Price: See the booking page for full details.
Ready to start your journey? Head over to our Courses and Events page to secure your spot. If you’re looking to gear up before the day, check out our shop for essentials like the Bahco Laplander set: it’s always good to be prepared.
Don't wait for the trail to go cold. This is your chance to learn a life-changing skill from the very best in the business. We can't wait to see you in the woods.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to us through our contact page. We’re always happy to chat about bushcraft, tracking, or the best spots in Dartmoor for an adventure.
See the unseen. Join the hunt.
