Peter Faulkner

In the village of Leintwardine, in the Welsh Marches, lives the man dubbed as “The Oracle of Coracles”.

Internationally renowned enthusiast and boatmaker, Peter Faulkner is a leading specialist in cowhide craft. He is widely sought by those interested in this most ancient of skills, both for his informative talks and his practical abilities.

He has been the subject of numerous TV programmes, and appeared in countless features and articles in magazines and news items. Read more...

Peter was a founder member of The Coracle Society and was instrumental in starting up the Leintwardine Coracle Regatta.
He is a Yeoman member of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers.

Peter has made many river voyages himself in his own craft, with the following being of particular note:

By coracle

• 2010 – 80 miles on the River Spey. Trekking the first 10 – 15 miles from the source, on 10th August, until enough water for the coracle to float. Then 80 miles to the sea at ‘Spey Bay’ just east of Elgin. Peter made a replica of a Spey coracle (hide covered) which was presented to the Elgin Museum on completion of the trip.
• 2003 – 135 miles on the River Thames
• 1992 – 100 miles on the River Wye
• 1990 – 35 miles of the Shannon (Eire)
• 1989 – 165 miles on the River Severn
• 1987 – 85 miles on the River Teme

By currach

• 2002 – crossed the English Channel with a crew of 5
• Peter has also taken part in the 22 mile ‘Great River Race’ on the Thames on 4 occasions.

Peter makes all his boats from traditional and sustainable materials: willow, cut from his own willow beds, hazel sticks, and cow hides from his nearby butcher. Hence his motto “The Greenest Boats Afloat”.

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