Beginner courses

The Cumbria Branch runs four informal weekend training courses for beginners each year, teaching the basic principles and techniques of drystone walling. Courses are led by two instructors — the Branch training officer or professionally accredited Branch members — supported by assistants, and take up to 12 learners.

What to expect

Our courses are aimed at the complete novice. A general level of fitness is needed: you will be handling and moving large foundation stones, and bending down repeatedly to retrieve walling stone.

Saturday — we start at about 9.00am at the DSWA Crooklands Training Site (near J36 of the M6) with an hour of basic theory, then move outside to dismantle an existing training wall and rebuild it from the ground up, finishing around 4.00pm.

Sunday — we start at about 9.30am on a field wall near Orton, finishing around 4.00pm (finishing times can vary), rebuilding a real section of collapsed stock-proof wall to apply what you learned on Saturday.

Equipment

A stout pair of boots (compulsory), tough but thin gloves, and clothing suitable for our variable weather. Bring a packed lunch — there are no facilities on site.

Cost

£130 for the weekend in 2026 and £150 in 2027. There is no separate booking fee — the price shown is the price you pay. The cost includes an invitation to join branch members at a members’ practice meeting. Bookings are confirmed once payment has been made.

Dates

Saturday is always at the DSWA Crooklands Training Site, Crooklands, LA7 7NH. Sunday is spent on a field wall nearby.

Dates	Course	Fee
17–18 October 2026	Beginners’ Weekend 4	£130
20–21 March 2027	Beginners’ Weekend 1	£150
8–9 May 2027	Beginners’ Weekend 2	£150
11–12 September 2027	Beginners’ Weekend 3	£150
16–17 October 2027	Beginners’ Weekend 4	£150

Booking

If a course shows as full, join the waiting list on its Eventbrite page and we will contact you if a place becomes available.

Any questions, please email eventbrite@drystonewallingcumbria.org or use the form below.