The west coast of Scotland is one of the best paddling locations in the world …. with stunning scenery, exhilarating tide races, historic islands, sandy beaches and plentiful wildlife. With our excellent local knowledge and specialist equipment we will take you on a trip to remember. If you are interested in booking please fill in the online booking form, or or call us to discuss your expedition.
The Firth of Lorn
Designated as a Marine Special Area of Conservation due to its rocky reefs scoured by tidal currents, sheltered lochs and deep water, the Firth of Lorn is a stunning and exhilarating environment to paddle in.
The area is well known by sea kayakers for its tide races and overfalls. The world famous Corryvreckan and Grey Dogs lie in the south of the area but are within easy reach for a day paddle.
The area has an abundance of wildlife with frequent sightings of porpoises, dolphins, eagles and otters. Historic sites in the Firth include Holy Isle in the Garvellachs, once Saint Columba’s retreat, and the abandoned slate island of Belnahua. We offer day paddles, weekend and 3 day expeditions in the Firth of Lorn.
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The West Coast of Mull
Lying to the west of Mull are the islands of Ulva, Gometra, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles. Staying in a private bothy we are perfectly located to make the most of this area, and experience island living at its most beautiful.
Over the course of 5 days we explore the area including the sea bird colonies of Treshnish which are renowned for their nesting puffins, and many other sea birds. A highlight of the trip (weather permitting) is to paddle into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and see the hexagonal basalt columns from a unique perspective. Closer in to the coastline of Mull lies the small island of Inch Kenneth with its ruined 13th century chapel, graveyard and sandy beaches.
Find out more about our week-long expeditions to the West Coast of Mull.
The Small Isles
This is one of the last truly wild areas of the UK, and is a memorable trip for experienced paddlers. The islands of Rùm, Eigg, Muck and Canna are renowned for their varied wildlife, stunning locations and scenery and each island has a character of its own which you can experience as we explore them by water. There are frequent sightings of dolphins, basking sharks and minke whales as well as the thriving sea bird colonies, otters, seals and red deer.
By using local bothies and camping we can experience the best locations that the area can offer. With committing crossings and challenging conditions this is one of the ultimate British sea kayak expeditions, which is why our local knowledge and experience is essential.
Find out more about our week-long sea kayak expeditions to the Small Isles.
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Introduction to Sea Kayaking WeekendAimed at novices and those that want to build their skills. Based in Oban, and the waters around, which offer sheltered bays as well as more challenging conditions. We provide the sea kayaks and all clothing and equipment needed. Bespoke weekends available. |
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| 2018 Dates: June 8th-9th July 28th-29th |
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| Duration: 2 days | Group size: 4 + Instructor | |
| Cost: £190 | Accommodation: Not included. Ask us for a list of the best local places to stay when booking. | |
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Tide Race Paddling Introductory WeekendAimed at introducing paddlers to moving water and tide races. We’ll coach you on the basic techniques of handling your sea kayak, on how to surf over falls, safety procedures associated with being in a group in a tide race and rolling. |
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| Dates: To be confirmed | ||
| Duration: 2 days | Group size: 4 + Instructor | |
| Cost: £180 | Accommodation: Not included in price | |
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Explore the Firth of LornThe Firth of Lorn has some of the most varied paddling in Scotland, amongst uninhabited islands with an abundance of wildlife. We will be day paddling and aim to visit a different island every day. Weather permitting we may be able to paddle through the Grey Dogs and the Corryvecken and out to the historic Garvellachs. Bespoke available: |
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| 2018 Dates: May 26th-28th August 17th-19th | ||
| Duration: 3 days | Group size: 4 + Guide | |
| Cost: £290 | Accommodation: Will be a mix of wild camping and bothies | |
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Explore the Firth of Lorn (weekend)The stunning islands and tidal races are a paddlers playground and we give you a taster of the scenery and wildlife of the Firth of Lorn in a weekend. Bespoke available: |
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| 2018 Dates: June 16th-17th | ||
| Duration: 2 days | Group size: 4 + Guide | |
| Cost: £210 | Accommodation: Bothy accommodation included | |
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West Coast of Mull ExpeditionThis expedition is a full-on 5 days of sea kayaking. We aim to paddle out to the breath taking, world famous Fingals cave on the island of staffa, marvel in the bird colonies of the treshinsh isles and then finish the week exploring the waters around the stunning island of Iona. |
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| 2018 Dates: May 26th-30th inclusive. | ||
| Duration: 5 days | Group size: 4 + Guide | |
| Cost: £650.00 | Accommodation: Private hostel | |
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Small Isles ExpeditionA week spent exploring the islands of Eigg, Rum and Canna and the waters between. Accommodation is simple but the scenery, paddling and wildlife are stunning making this a “must do” trip. Bespoke expeditions to the small Isles available. |
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| 2018 Dates: August 5th-11th | ||
| Duration: 7 days | Group size: 4 + Guide | |
| Cost: £750.00 | Accommodation: wild camping and bothies | |
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Navigation Skills TrainingTwo day course covering all aspects of coastal and open water sea kayak navigation. One third of the course will be classroom based with the rest of the time spent on the sea, learning to navigate in a real environment. |
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| 2019 Dates: April 27th-28th | ||
| Duration: 2 days | Group size: 4 + Instructor | |
| Cost: £190 | Accommodation: Not included in price | |
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Five Star Syllabus TrainingAimed at experienced sea kayakers who don’t necessarily want to take the whole five star training and assessment course, but would like the training part of the syllabus to add to their skill base. Based around the Slate Isles where the waters lend themselves perfectly to this course, with strong tides and good exposure to the prevailing south westerly wind with guaranteed tidal race in the Grey Dogs. |
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| 2019 Dates: October 5th-6th | ||
| Duration: 2 days | Group size: 4 + Instructor | |
| Cost: £210 | Accommodation: Bothy | |
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One Day Sea Kayak TripsThe region around Oban known as the Firth of Lorn lends itself beautifully to sea kayaking day trips, with a multitude of venues to start from. We can offer beginner sea kayaking trips, right through to more advanced guided days on the sea. If you are up in the area for a kayaking holiday, then make the most of our local knowledge and experience and let us take you to explore areas that you wouldn’t be comfortable exploring on your own. |
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| Dates: On demand | Duration: 1 day | |
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Cost: £85 per person. Price includes all equipment needed. Group rates available, contact us for details |
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Bespoke ExpeditionsWe can tailor any of our sea kayaking expeditions and courses to meet your requirements and dates. |
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| Dates: On demand | ||