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Selected Trips

    Paul McCaffrey

    Paul McCaffrey

    Paddling | Pedalling | Perambulating

    Mini Bio

    I am a motivated and enthusiastic outdoor practitioner. I have always hated the idea of a mundane job and at university I even started my own business as a means of escaping this fate.  A perfect day for me, is one where I am having adventures with other like-minded people, in beautiful wild places.

    Place to play 

    Torridon or Outer Hebrides are amazing and contain some really special memories.

    Most people don’t know this about me

    I could fly an aircraft on my own before I could drive on my own.

    Adventurer's Stories about Paul

    I think our guide was very good at planning our hikes based on the weather conditions.

    Renee Bower
    Wilderness Walking - Cairngorms National Park & Royal Deeside
    Reviewed on 20/10/2023

    Paul was great. He is a good leader. He made sure we were all safe and understood which line to take through the larger, more technical rapids, we would also go first to "demonstrate" where to go, but to also set up safety at the bottom. He was very knowledgeable and made us all very comfortable. Even waiting on the banks of the river under shelter of trees in a good rain was made good with conversation and learning about the land.
    When one forgets about the rain one encountered on trip it means the whole trip was very good and led by a great guide.

    Donna McKean
    Open Canoeing - River Spey Descent
    Reviewed on 11/09/2023

    Paul was great at judging our ability and giving us advice where needed - he was had a great knowledge of the area and the wildlife

    Alistair MacTaggart
    Sea Kayaking - The Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 29/06/2023

    Already done previously

    Margaret Baker
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles
    Reviewed on 17/05/2023

    Very experienced guide who read the group mindset and finessed the itinerary accordingly and adapted the schedule to take account of the weather.

    Barry Eaglestone
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles
    Reviewed on 09/05/2023

    Paul was excellent and he designed an itinerary to suit everyone in the group

    Andrew Richard Arrowsmith
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles
    Reviewed on 09/05/2023

    Paul was great. Knowledgeable and interesting with a genuine love of the landscape and wildlife. Switched around the itinerary to suit the weather, so that every day was a fantastic experience. Can't thank him enough for making the trip really special.

    Ruth Cochrane
    Wildlife Adventures - The Shetland Isles
    Reviewed on 08/05/2023

    Paul was excellent. He was very interactive, knowledgeable and flexible. Hikes were well geared for the group and included explorations that were customized to the group and their interests.

    Scott Rogers
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay
    Reviewed on 25/04/2023

    Paul was great. Very enthusiastic about the hikes and wildlife.

    Lorise Gahring
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay
    Reviewed on 23/04/2023

    Paul catered for the group and provided a range of walks that enabled us to explore the islands and have opportunities to see wildlife.
    He has extensive knowledge of the area so was able to include places of interest.
    He brought an interesting place to life and helped to show/ share the history, wildlife and island life.
    A truly inspirational experience.

    Nicki White
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay
    Reviewed on 10/04/2023

    We can’t say enough great things about Paul! Our adventures everyday were perfect in every way!!

    Hadley Chisum
    23WSPD Private Departure
    Reviewed on 06/03/2023

    I really appreciated Paul's flexibility in planning for weather issues. He went out of his way to adapt to the vagaries of the forecast and keep us dry!

    Lorna Hemming
    Wilderness Walking - Argyll & the Isles
    Reviewed on 17/10/2022

    Paul really took care of us well. He always made sure we were comfortable with each activity. He is also very knowledgeable of Scottish history and shared many stories about our travels and destinations. Paul made this trip everything I had hoped for!!!

    Karyn Goldner
    22WSTM - Tailor Made Trips
    Reviewed on 04/10/2022

    Guides attentive to the needs of the group as far as possible and able to respond quickly when the sea became lively. Also, offered useful tips on technique throughout the trip.

    Christine Martin
    Sea Kayaking - The Atlantic Coast
    Reviewed on 18/07/2022

    Both Mike &Paul were on the quiet side, but very helpful and well organized.

    Ian Little
    Sea Kayaking - The Atlantic Coast
    Reviewed on 17/07/2022

    I liked how each evening they reviewed the course we just finished and then presented the following day’s ride. Even though the route was somewhat new to them we all had great spirit and energy despite rain, hail and wind ha ha. Our guides motivated us and gave us choices to be in the van but gave us confidence that we could all ride the distance. They made good executive decisions when appropriate on the course changes.
    As I said before, Paul and Sam are very knowledgeable and professional. Paul had “safety” first checking that all our bike lights were lite. Sam was keen on helping whenever needed with transportation, bike repair, food choices and snack preparation. They are awesome and I would ride with them again.

    Heidi Mooney
    Road Cycling - Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 13/07/2022

    Paul was our guide for the Outer Hebrides. See my comments in the first comment. Will say it again: Literally--Paul is a perfect person all around the best.

    Anne Macfarlane
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 27/06/2022

    Paul did a great job with patient and excellent knowledge.

    Peter König
    Sailing and Walking - Knoydart, Skye and The Small Isles
    Reviewed on 20/06/2022

    Paul appears shy but once we got to know each other he is a relaxed guide with quick humour.

    Fiona Mills
    Sailing and Walking - Knoydart, Skye and The Small Isles
    Reviewed on 14/06/2022

    The hikes were all varied and our guide was keen to share the routes on the map beforehand and afterwards which was really useful.

    Jan Abbott
    Sailing and Walking - Knoydart, Skye and The Small Isles
    Reviewed on 14/06/2022

    Paul was an excellent, friendly and knowledgeable guide who looked out for everyone.

    Ruth Van Ry
    Sailing and Walking - Knoydart, Skye and The Small Isles
    Reviewed on 13/06/2022

    Paul McCaffrey lead us in an assertive, fun and zen-like manner. He went the extra mile by innovating on rainy days, and also when we had to catch a later ferry out of Stornaway. He’s exceptionally intelligent, and his enthusiasm for wild life and beautiful places was contagious. I especially liked how well he understood maps and the area, and how he briefed us beforehand and reviewed our antics and progress after the fact as well. Paul is an outstanding guide and kept his chin up among the eight of us ornery women.

    Mary Bevington
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 24/05/2022

    Paul was a superb guide: knowledgeable, patient, calm. He always went the extra mile to make the day interesting and enjoyable. He successfully chose walks/exhibitions that were rewarding even when the weather was challenging.

    Catharine Wall
    Wilderness Walking - High Points of the Outer Hebrides
    Reviewed on 24/05/2022

    The guides were extremely helpful and approachable, and good fun. I was very happy that we were able to get out onto the water each day given some of the windier days we experienced, and was very impressed with the way the guides dealt with this in ensuring we were given both the best oppostunrity to get out, whilst also ensuring that we only did so if we were competent enough to deal with the conditions.

    Katy Mee
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 23/05/2022

    Paul was knowledgeable, personable, professional and with a lovely chuckle. I am indebted to him for helping me on the Coffin Road without making me feel like the idiot I was. It couldn't have been easy for him to lead around three women. I hate to think of his nightly conversations with his wife!

    Barbara Macleod
    Wildlife Adventures - Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
    Reviewed on 04/05/2022

    Paul was great, kind, interesting and always positive.
    Perfect guide.

    Rosalind Boadle
    Wildlife Adventures - Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
    Reviewed on 02/05/2022

    Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and mostly on time!!

    Erica Jones
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra and Mingulay
    Reviewed on 27/04/2022

    Paul is an extraordinary guide! He clearly had an understanding of everyone's individual ability and balanced our activities accordingly. He was encouraging and helpful when I hesitated to cross a stream in heavy wind, promising me the scenery would make it would trying - - and it was! Paul was very knowledgeable of the region's history and conditions, making all hikes interesting, in addition to the stunning scenery. We all greatly appreciated his good humor and reliability.

    Cynthia Khawaja
    Winter - The Orkney Isles
    Reviewed on 27/02/2022

    The conditions were challenging at times but Paul made the right calls.

    Ann Kirkhope
    Winter - The Orkney Isles
    Reviewed on 26/02/2022

    Paul was brilliant and helped the trip run smoothly.

    David Pike
    Winter - The Orkney Isles
    Reviewed on 25/02/2022

    Paul rocked! Witty, skilled, kind, kept a good eye on those of us who were a little slow, flexible and communicated clearly about changes in the agenda. He was encouraging without being reckless.

    Suzanne Koepplinger
    Winter - The Orkney Isles
    Reviewed on 25/02/2022

    Met the requirements of the clients and the weather

    Heather Andrew
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 04/10/2021

    Both Paul and Andrew were clearly very experienced. Their teaching styles complemented each other well, and they made us feel incredibly safe. Had a great time out paddling with them!

    Emma Wictome
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 10/08/2021

    Paul & Andrew.....The Best

    John Chapman
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 07/08/2021

    please see previous comments. Both Paul and Andrew were excellent and shared their obvious enthusiasm for kayaking and appeared to enjoy the trip as much as the clients. They were professional but fun, and were good at teaching us all the skills required. They worked hard to make sure it all went smoothly - and did not even get an evening off from us as I expected from the website.

    Fiona Taylor
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 01/08/2021

    Both Paul and Andrew were great and worked well together.

    Irina Pyke
    Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 31/07/2021

    Paul McCaffrey was excellent. Professional, informative, interesting and he changed the trip plans when they needed to be. In an evening he relaxed and was very good company.

    Stephen Smith
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 20/07/2021

    Paul was a great guide . He quickly assessed our needs and abilities and adjusted accordingly. More than happy to take us to the Harris tweed exhibition which was a bonus. Can’t fault him in any way.

    Karen Collier-Keywood
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 15/07/2021

    Paul 's attention to detail and care of guests exceptional.He included clients' different interests and was a compendium of local knowledge.

    Patricia Barnes
    Wilderness Walking - Outer Hebrides & Skye
    Reviewed on 12/07/2021

    Both Paul & Andy were excellent. They instilled great confidence in us as we hadn't done much canoeing in a Canadian previously and so the expert tuition at the start of the trip was much appreciated.
    Andy really helped my wife Nikki overcome some fears of white water when we took a slight detour to reduce the amount of lochs needing to be portaged.
    Paul was also great and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure we had a great adventure, learning many new skills along the way.

    Spence Seaman
    Open Canoeing - Great Glen Canoe Trail
    Reviewed on 11/07/2021

    Paul and Andy are very knowledgeable

    Andrew Wijnberg
    Open Canoeing - Great Glen Canoe Trail
    Reviewed on 04/07/2021

    The guides kept the trip enjoyable and provided alternative paddle when too risky to stay with the original itinerary.

    Alan Brooks
    Open Canoeing - Great Glen Canoe Trail
    Reviewed on 04/07/2021

    By any measure, Paul was outstanding, but especially given the circumstances of his appointment to lead the trip when our original guide was unable to take part at short notice. Paul led us with just the right mix of a) careful concern for our safety and wellbeing, both in terms of our survival "in the wild", and in the face of covid, and b) charm and good humour, both of which he deployed to great effect, particularly on the day we walked along the banks of the River Oich in torrential rain. His sensitive reading of the different fitness levels and stamina of the group was faultless, and I think everyone in the group appreciated his willingness to change plans based on the situation we were in and how everyone was feeling. I would very gladly follow Paul on another trip!

    Jeremy Taylor
    20WSPD_Private Departure
    Reviewed on 29/10/2020

    Paul was just great. It was a pleasure to have him with us and we all enjoyed his company. He was very knowledgeable and I am sure we all learnt a lot. The walks were all amazing and it was really good not to have to worry about where we were or where we were going as he had it all in hand.

    Liz Eksteen
    20WSPD_Private Departure
    Reviewed on 24/10/2020

    Paul was excellent and was a pleasure to be with - we’re only sorry he couldn’t dine with us at the hotel but understand that the restrictions made this impossible. He managed our group beautifully and accommodated our differing levels of energy and stamina. Thank you for finding us a replacement guide and thanks to Paul for cutting his own holiday short to guide us!

    Lucy Taylor
    20WSPD_Private Departure
    Reviewed on 24/10/2020

    Paul and Ali were amazing! They made our trip so incredible, and I am so happy they were our guides.

    Anne Richter
    Sea Kayaking - The Summer Isles
    Reviewed on 28/09/2020

    Did a great job In difficult and challenging conditions, including one person who should have been given better advice on the condition s they may face facilities etc

    Andy Cleland
    Sea Kayaking - The Summer Isles
    Reviewed on 29/08/2019

    Paul was outstanding. He was astounding well informed on a whole range of things - history, environment, geology, archaeology and bird spotting. His enthusiasm was infectious and it encouraged us to be as active as possible. On the other hand, he was flexible and sensible. For example, one morning on Rousay Is., he abandoned part of a walk when it was blowing a gale. On another occasion he he nimbly organised a tour of a spectacular water mill even though it is not at all "wildernessy".
    He was very entertaining to talk to and all the group enjoyed his company.
    I would definitely go on another Wilderness walk if Paul is in charge.

    James Hill
    Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands
    Reviewed on 08/07/2019

    Our guide Paul was patient, entertaining, inspiring and careful, and an absolutely excellent driver.

    Belinda Sale
    Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands
    Reviewed on 21/06/2019

    Our guide Paul McCaffrey was great. He was flexible and catered for the interests of the group. He was a very good driver and when necessary made the correct decision in relation to the safety and comfort of the group - eg he curtailed the route of walk on an extremely windy day.

    Fiona Gardiner
    Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands
    Reviewed on 01/06/2019

    Good planning with the camping spots and 2 nights in each place while also getting to the extremes of the Summer Isles.

    Denzil Broadhurst
    Sea Kayaking - The Summer Isles
    Reviewed on 26/05/2019

    Paul was terrific — super accommodating, personable, knowledgeable and attentive to the group.

    Kimberly Miller
    Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands
    Reviewed on 13/05/2019

    Paul was an excellent guide! He was very knowledgeable, experienced and had a quick dry wit. His backing up skills while traversing a hilly winding road are bar none!

    Joi LaFrance
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 25/01/2019

    The guides were excellent, very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I was extremely happy with them. The only small piece of improvement that I could possibly think of is that the guides could check in on the second day with everyone again that the footrests have been set correctly on the first day, or wether the position can be improved now that people have sat in the boat for half a day.

    Jonathan Stalmann
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 12/09/2018

    Paul is an excellent guide!! Changed the plans due to weather conditions so everythig was at it best.Listened to our wishes. Overall very pleased with our guide!

    Katarina Serell Nyman
    Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
    Reviewed on 11/09/2018

    Paul was great at adjusting the hikes to accomodate weather conditions and to add stops requested by us (the Diana Mackie gallery was wonderful)

    Rene Milo
    Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
    Reviewed on 11/09/2018

    I think this is where Wilderness excelled - we were lucky (?) enough to have two excellent guides both with different styles but were entirely complementary . Donald in particular added to the trip with his knowledge of the area and Scotland in general whilst Paul's geology / geography commentary was almost as good .

    Kelvin Cawte
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 10/09/2018

    Very flexible both regarding weather and responsive to desires from the group. Personal, but not too much.

    Gunnar Nyman
    Wilderness Walking - Isle of Skye
    Reviewed on 10/09/2018

    Kayaking instructions were really helpful, I learnt a lot in a few days, patient, good help, very, very considerate, full of warm humour as well
    always concerned about safety and also about the environment (they even put away the leftovers of a fire somebody else had left on a loch island we had our lunch!!!)

    Andrea Splinter
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 09/09/2018

    Both guides - Donald and Paul - were excellent in their own way - Donald clearly had a lifetime’s experience on the water and was a reassuring presence in rougher conditions, witty with his stories, and generally all round great guy. Paul had excellent local knowledge of both the history and landscape of the region, not to mention all the different sea creatures we came across. They were both excellent instructors and very good company, and kept an eye out for everyone in the group. Very efficient at organising us too!

    Penny Macfarlane
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 08/09/2018

    Paul was great! Very patient and informative.

    Ellen Parsons
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 10/08/2018

    We really enjoyed our guide, Paul very knowledgeable about all our activities, local culture and history. Wonderful guide.

    Dave Wheaton
    18WSTM Tailor Made trips
    Reviewed on 25/07/2018

    As noted before, Paul McCaffrey is truly excellent. One of the best guides we've ever had -- and we've taken at least 10 guided vacations in the past 5 or 6 years.

    Kevin Lantry
    18WSPD_Private Departure
    Reviewed on 16/07/2018

    Paul was a whizz, great fun, great route guidance, cheeky on making every walk sound shorter though!

    Alice Gubbins
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 18/06/2018

    Paul was a perfect fit for our group! His experience with the area and commitment to making each day a great one was obvious, and we all enjoyed getting to know him.

    Rachel Vipond
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 18/06/2018

    Paul was marvelous (see earlier comments). We would hike with him again anytime! He did a great job at interacting with each of us and we all felt he was the glue that held the whole group together. He had to make a very last minute adjustment to our schedule due to wind and rain and came up with a great plan so no one felt the impact.

    Kathleen Cunha
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 18/06/2018

    Both Paul and Myles were excellent guides. They were technically very capable and also helped managed the group dynamic and kept people engaged. I would happily recommend both of them as guides.

    Frances Diver
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 11/06/2018

    Very knowledgeable in all aspects of canoeing, the outdoors and many interesting subjects surrounding their ecperiences. They loaned out their personal gear to make sure we had everything we needed if we forgot our own.

    Scott Hewett
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 10/06/2018

    These 2 guys did a super natural work!!
    Myles seems to be born for this job - also when river Findhorn decided not to give us access and (just to please us in addition) have extremely low water - he arranged and managed everything to make the trip go on. Great...
    And then Paul! His canoeing capabilities are only topped by his great fine type of humour, that I would book to have at my breakfast table every day (if that would be possible ;-) It didn't even stop, when he got in trouble with his car. Also this problem was solved without having any influence on us or on the trip. ....

    Johanna Schaub
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 10/06/2018

    Paul was brilliant. I could not fault him.

    Jennifer Mirdamadi
    Wilderness Walking - Sutherland: The Great Wild North
    Reviewed on 26/05/2018

    Paul was very good! We all enjoyed his knowledge. He was able to tailor the hikes to our abilities.

    David Johnaon
    Wilderness Walking - Sutherland: The Great Wild North
    Reviewed on 25/05/2018

    Paul was 100% committed to our having an extraordinary experience in the Highlands - appreciating its history, fauna and flora, geology ... just everything. He exceeded our expectations at every turn. And, his encouraging words enabled us to push ourselves to meet the demands of a Level 7 walk and to realize the beauty that awaits those who go for it!! Sincere thanks and gratitude to you, Paul.

    Bethany DeLude
    High Points of Torridon and Wester Ross
    Reviewed on 15/05/2018

    Paul was so good and so much fun!! He did an amazing job accommodating us when I wanted to do the harder hikes when the others weren’t as keen. He was so very focused on ensuring we were happy and above all safe. We put our trust in him completely and took great care of us. Our “guest” guide Ian was also great and he’ll make a great permanent guide. Thanks to Paul this trip was outstanding from start to finish.

    Jennifer Campanella
    High Points of Torridon and Wester Ross
    Reviewed on 14/05/2018

    Paul was an outstanding guide for our trip. He had many different ways to explain the kayaking skills we needed. I think we all gained a lot more confidence as the week progressed.

    Janet Becker
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 23/08/2017

    Paul was fantastic. Very intuitive to clients' needs and desires, made a big effort to get to know everyone, tailored every day to suit everyone's ability and wishes, a good balance of coaching and paddling. Brilliant.

    Catriona McCaig
    Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course
    Reviewed on 15/07/2017

    Paul is great, a real asset. He works tirelessly and with a good nature.

    Hannah Brine
    Sea Kayaking - The Summer Isles
    Reviewed on 28/05/2017

    Book a trip with Paul

    Trip / DepartureAvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    Wildlife Adventures – The Shetland Isles
    11th May - 17th May 2024
    1 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,695Book Now
    Wildlife Adventures – Mull, Staffa & Iona
    22nd Jun - 28th Jun 2024
    8 place(s) leftAvailable £2,575Book Now
    Sea Kayaking – The Outer Hebrides
    10th Aug - 16th Aug 2024
    1 place(s) leftGuaranteed £1,695Book Now
    E-bike – The Orkney Isles
    25th Aug - 30th Aug 2024
    8 place(s) leftGuaranteed £2,395Book Now

    Make Trip Private

    Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.

    We work together with our team of guides to decide which departures they lead each year. As part of that, guides provide available dates that they are free to be booked. This means that any of the dates you see in the first field of the form below, could be perfect for your private departure or customised tour.

    Paul's Gallery

    © Paul McCaffrey / Wilderness Scotland

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