Folktrails
Outdoor storying...
“The modern world still holds onto its magic...if we can attune ourselves to its enchantments”
- Carolyne Larrington,
Hag: Forgotten Folktales Retold
Folktrails is a unique 'outdoor storying' project created by storyteller Pridie Tiernan in 2020.
Her series of blogs, podcasts, short films and story walks focus on the extra special inter-connectivity that exists between story and the great outdoors - and the power that potent combination has to relax, inspire and empower us.
The Covid-19 pandemic stripped us of our freedom to wander far; it locked us down in our local areas and we spent a great deal of time indoors gazing longingly outdoors! A new appreciation of the natural world and the history and traditions associated with it emerged and Folktrails aims to both celebrate and build upon this!
Folktrails is all about blending folklore and fairytales with actual outdoor experience - channeling the magic that comes when imagination meets exploration. Join us and enjoy using story to breathe new life into the landscapes we encounter when we step outside!
2021 +
Story walks
If you are looking for an unique way to experience the great outdoors, why not join me for a story walk around my home in the beautiful Brecon Beacons? The walk is an hour long, through wildflower meadows and up to The Valley of the Streams for which our farm is named, before venturing out onto the open access mountain that reigns above. You'll meet Ash, Alder, Hawthorn and Hazel; explore the haunts of hares and foxes, and venture - if you are brave enough - into the secret hidden places of the fairy folk. While we wander I'll share folklore and stories connected to all the trees, plants and creatures we encounter along the way and tell some beautiful folktales that are specially selected to relax, inspire and empower.
(You can also expect an exciting assortment of practical bushcraft tips and weird and wacky facts about such things as ancient remedies, plant magic and animal spirit medicine)!
See below
For tickets...
Coming soon on Youtube
Short films
I've teamed up with the Director of Photography Sarah Smither, freelance editor Valentina Riva and JS Productions to share the beauty of story walking with you. We hope that our short films will inspire people to get back in touch with nature and local landscapes through a special blend of walking and story.
Stepping out even when the weather is wild, our aim is to transport viewers to the beautiful outdoor spaces surrounding our city - inviting them along on our favourite walks and breathing life into those landscapes through stories and folklore found along the way.
This is about the power that outdoor spaces and their stories have to heal, inspire and empower us all!
For more info please email
Winter 2020+
Blog & podcast
Welcome to my little lockdown project where, each week, I post about a particular tree, plant, place, element of the outdoors etc that is accessible to everyone.
I'll be talking about some of the fascinating folklore associated with each week's chosen element, will recommend and link you to a particular story, and I'll also share some of our favourite outdoor storying ideas and activities for you to try out when you next slip outside for some much needed fresh air and exercise!
Click here
For blog & podcast...
GIFT A STORY WALK
Open group
story walk
£5 Concession/Child
£10 Adult
For walks in 2021 click here for gift vouchers
Max group size 6
including myself.
Private bookings
for up to two people
£30 up to two people
For walks in 2021, click here for gift vouchers
Max group size 6
including myself.
Private bookings for groups/families
£45 for a family of up to five
For walks in 2021, click here for gift vouchers
Max group size 6
including myself.
ALICIA, 2020
Pridie's story walks are such a great way to spend time connecting with nature, people and stories - she's reignited my love of the outdoors! So relaxing and so inspiring!
HOLLY, 2020
What a gorgeous and fascinating walk! As a mum, I love sharing stories outdoors with my little ones. Your walks have given me so much to show and tell them when we next go out - all about the trees, the flowers... Perfect for helping us all re-connect with nature and the outdoors!
RICHARD, 2020
I remembered so many of the stories you'd told and really enjoyed sharing them with my family.
Thank you for bringing the walk to life!
Keeping everyone safe...
To keep everyone safe, my story walks will be continuing to operate with reduced group sizes over winter, and additional safety and hygiene measures and changes to recommended kit have been put in place. We will also be following all social distancing guidance. Some of the routes have been amended and new routes added to facilitate social distancing and avoid the busiest times or locations.
Bookings
I welcome 'one to one' bookings / 'family' bookings and 'open group' public bookings via my online gift voucher system. For any booking you are able to reschedule for up to 12 months and obtain a full refund if needed as a result of COVID-19. Just contact me if you need to change your booking. If I am unable to run the walk as a result of COVID-19, a full refund or option to reschedule will always be provided. If you wish to discuss your booking please contact me at any time. I will aim to make changes wherever possible to ensure you are completely happy with all arrangements. If you are from one of the vulnerable groups, I can talk with you about how we can deliver the experience that is right for you, for example as a private booking or with other additional measures.
Further Information
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If you would like to read more about COVID-19 in the outdoor setting please read this article by Professor Ian Hill and the BMC.
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For information from the government on accessing green spaces safely please read this guidance and the associated guidance on social distancing.
What you will need:
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**Hand sanitiser and a face mask/covering ** (This is mandatory as although a face mask/covering does not need to be worn while we are observing a social distancing of 2m, it could be required in emergency situations, or when social distancing is not possible.
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Appropriate walking clothing to keep you warm on the day (no jeans please!)
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Waterproof jacket
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Waterproof trousers
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Spare warm layers (several thinner layers are more versatile than 1 thick)
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Sturdy boots (some areas are rough and uneven so boots that go above the ankle, providing good ankle support, are recommended rather than low cut walking/trail shoes on most walks. Boots will also keep your feet drier than walking shoes in muddy areas). No trainers please!
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Warm hat and gloves or sun hat if sunny
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Food, drink and snacks for the walk
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Personal first aid kit (for minor cuts, blisters, sun cream, pain relief and any personal medication)
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Rucksack with waterproof liner/bag
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Money/phone for car park fees
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Optional additions: gaiters and/or walking poles if you use them
About Pridie...
Pridie is a professional storyteller based in Bristol. A self-confessed story obsessive, she performs and delivers workshops for all ages.
Her focus is on traditional folk and fairy tale narratives, myths and legends, and her love of the Great Outdoors means that every one of her events draws deeply from the wild outside!
A qualified teacher, Mountain Leader and bushcraft enthusiast, Pridie has also been leading groups in the outdoors since she was eighteen. She's a huge fan of the wild outside with a keen interest in all the flora and fauna it holds! (As well as sharing a story, watch out for the weird and wacky facts that she'll throw into the mix from practical bushcraft tips and ancient remedies to flower spells and animal spirit medicine!)