Each year we run expeditions- mainly to Scotland, where the spectacular scenery and many lochs and islands provide some of the world’s best seakayaking.

On all our expeditions, the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than deprivation. On catered trips, we offer high quality food, and can cater for any specific dietary requirements.  Locations are chosen that offer paddling possibilities for all ranges of ability and experience, together with bad weather alternatives.

In 2008 we are running three expeditions:

Arisaig novice/inter                                 14th-18th July 2008

Shetland Inter                                             20th-26th July 2008

Mull and outlying isles - int/adv               28thJuly- 2nd August 2008

what categories mean : see “what you need” page for a full description of  what each grade means. If in any doubt, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to discuss our expeditions.

What you can expect on an expedition

Whilst every expedition varies, the emphasis is on allowing you to enjoy the experience of multi-day kayaking. Rather than concentrating on covering a large mileage, days are planned to allow you to see as much as possible. The higher grade trips may involve longer crossings and exposure to tide races and overfalls, but routes are planned with contingencies in case of adverse conditions or unforseen circumstances.

The expeditions are not training courses, but active holidays. However, you will certainly gain in knowledge and experience during the expedition, and it may be possible to gain a higher level BCU award by participating (this may be subject to prerequisites demanded by the BCU)

Arisaig FULL                                5 days      £415

 Arisaig offers the perfect location for your first sea kayaking expedition. The entrance to the sheltered waters of Arisaig itself is a mass of small islands with coral beaches. These offer hours of fun exploring, and are home to a large seal colony. Out of the harbour, the coast up to Mallaig provides magnificent scenery, dominated to the west by the islands of Eigg and Rum. On shore, there is the famous sands of Morar, used as the location for the film Local Hero

Our time will be spent exploring the area around Arisaig, with the possibility of an overnight camp on one of the many uninhabited islands, or a trip to kayak on one of the Small Isles, making use of the local ferries. Other possibilities include the beaches and bays of Ardnamurchan, or a paddle from Mallaig to Britain’s most remote pub on Knoydart, which is only accessible by water or on foot

 

All local transport is included in the cost including a maximum of one return ferry journey. Should the group wish to further explore the kayaking possibilties of the Small Isles, this can be easily accommodated. Accommodation will be a simple hostel with the possibility (optional) of an overnight camp. All meals are included in the price.

Shetland                 7 days               £545

A real contrast to our Arisaig trip, Shetland offers some of the world’s best sea kayaking. A chain of islands , Shetland regards itself as distinct from Scotland. The nordic heritage is everywhere evident in the placenames. These islands are truly magical, and offer a unique experience for the sea kayaker.

The sheer wealth of magnificent coastline means that there is a lifetime’s worth of paddling here- during our trip we will attempt to visit some of the highlights. Weather is often unpredictable this far north, but Shetland offers many sheltered waters, or voes as they are known locally.

Some of the highlights which, weather permitting, we may hope to see during the week inlcude the stacks and caves of Muckle Roe, the cliffs of Eshaness, Mousa and its famous broch, and possibly a paddle around Muckle Flugga and Out Stack, the most northerly point in Britain. The ultimate kayak trip is regarded by many local paddlers as Papa Stour- an incredible island which is literally pierced with caves, including one of the world’s longest sea caves- an amazing experience to paddle through!

Wildlife enthusiasts will have a wonderful time here. Large seabird colonies such as the cliffs of Noss, marine life in abundance, and Europe’s largest otter population mean a Shetland visit can almost guarantee a sighting of something special. The northerly latitude means a more arctic fauna, such Great Skua (Bonxie), Arctic Skua and Red-throated Diver should all be seen. Cetaceans such as Minke Whale are also reasonably common sightings.

Accommodation will be in hostels, and all food is provided. As we will be driving up to Shetland from Scotland, we can possibly assist with transport to Aberdeen- contact us if this is of interest.

See the Shetland Gallery for more photos

Mull and outlying islands          6 days             £465

Mull has an intricate coastline which varies from the relatively sheltered sound of Mull to the exposed west coast, with its spectacular granite and basalt scenery. We start our expedition by catching the ferry over from Oban (possibility to paddle this if you wish), then we will head to the southwest part of the island and the Ross of Mull.

There are numerous paddling possibilities here: exploring the granite islands of Iona and Erraid, or heading further out to the world famous Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. Beyond Staffa lies the Treshnish Islands, a chain of small uninhabited islands of remarkable beauty, and large numbers of puffins. If the weather is not suitable for open crossings, then there are lots of other areas to explore, including Ulva (numerous otters present) and the stunning beaches of Calgary.

Accommodation will be in hostels, all food is provided, and there is the possibility of one or two overnight camps.    

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