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    Vic Rastall

    Vic Rastall

    Curious | Calm | Creative

    Mini Bio

    Growing up on a hill farm in the Trossachs, I learnt to love lochs, rivers, hills, trees, cows and dogs (not in any particular order), I’ve always enjoyed working and playing in beautiful and remote places. I spent many years travelling solo around the world, but have settled in Argyll and Bute. Although I’ve worked in outdoor education for over 25 years, with everyone from primary schools to overseas expeditions, I also built my own business creating sequin clothing, until recently trading online and at festivals, including Glastonbury, to scratch my creative itch. I love sharing and expanding my knowledge of flora, fauna and folklore with whoever I’m with.

    Favourite Place to Play

    The lesser known area of ‘Scotland’s Secret Coast’ has been my playground for the last couple of years. I’m a sucker for ancient woodland.

    Not a lot of People Know This

    I failed my Girl Guide Campcraft badge

    Qualifications Read More
    • Summer Mountain Leader
    • Winter Mountain leader
    • BCU Canoe 4
    • SPA
    • Trail Cycle Leader
    • Outdoor 1st Aid
    Experience Read More

    I’ve paddled, sailed, poled, carried and slept under my canoe all over the Highlands, as well as expeditions to the Yukon and Missinaibi River in Canada, and Ghana. I even managed to rustle up a canoe in Indonesia, but had to make do with a sea kayak in New Zealand, and a yacht in Australia, from Darwin to Perth.

    I’ve had dry land adventures aplenty – a ski season in Aspen, Himalayan trekking and solo travel throughout India to drop a couple of names. Recently I’ve been entertaining myself exploring locally on my gravel bike, and I’m hooked!

    My first solo adventure never leaves me, setting off on my own in my early 20’s for a winter month in Spain with a bicycle, involving having only an unripe avocado to eat on Christmas Day, whilst watching the locals bridge swinging.

    Biggest Adventure Read More

    My first solo adventure never leaves me, setting off on my own in my early 20’s for a winter month in Spain with a bicycle, involving having only an unripe avocado to eat on Christmas Day, whilst watching the locals bridge swinging.

    Specialist Subject Read More

    The interconnectedness of everything…

    Or maybe sequins.

    What Fellow Travellers Say About Vic

    Vic was amazing, she was the best guide, very encouraging, patient, kind, organised. She chose hikes that all of us in the group could complete. I was a bit unsure on some of the routes, with Vic, one felt safe with herself as hike leader. I would definitely consider going on further trips with Vic leading the group.

    Shirley Ng
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 06/10/2023

    Vic did a great job planning our daily activities considering the challenging weather we had during the week. She was a good communicator and made sure we all had a good understanding of the inputs and decisions she made for the group based on conditions, etc.

    Heather Mackenzie
    Wilderness Walking - Wilds of Assynt
    Reviewed on 06/10/2023

    Vic and Mike were exceptional. Highly recommended!

    Claudine Crangle
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 25/09/2023

    Exceptional guides, great knowledge

    Jimm Simon
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 25/09/2023

    The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. They gave us the confidence and support to push our limits on the rivers. Their knowledge of local ecology and history was greatly appreciated. Their ability to adapt the trip to meet the needs of the group was greatly appreciated.

    Aileen Najduch
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 20/09/2023

    Vic and Mike were incredible- flexible, interesting, educational, had lots of historic facts and anecdotes to add, which really added to the entire Scottish experience, and all with a sense of humour. Absolutely delightful.

    Carol Sebert
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 18/09/2023

    Vc was fantastic. She is an adept paddler and shared much about the local area. She made sure that everyone felt comfortable which I think is great for a trip like this.

    Iain Robertson
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 01/08/2023

    Voc was amazing. She is an adept paddler who made everyone feel comfortable. She shared lots of stories about the local area and local flora and fauna.

    Iain Robertson
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 01/08/2023

    Vic is a great guide, admirably patient with beginner me, and very good at creating a team athmosphere in the group. Thank you, Vic !

    Nicole Pauquet
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 31/07/2023

    Vic was great fun, really helpful and perceptive to the needs (and anxieties) of her group. She gave us clear options for each day taking into account conditions and weather and made sure we all made progress and had a great time. We were lucky to have her!

    Alice Fisher
    Open Canoeing - Canoeing the Scottish Highlands
    Reviewed on 31/07/2023

    Vic was amazing, a great leader for the trip. She was always approachable, calm, helpful and full of positivity.

    Charlotte Jackson
    Open Canoeing - Great Glen Canoe Trail
    Reviewed on 23/07/2023

    Vic was the best!

    Marie-Kristin Jensen
    Open Canoeing - North West Highlands
    Reviewed on 30/05/2022

    Had some tricky days with wind but our guide got us through them, and done it safely, actually one of the windy days was my most fun, although may be not for the guide.

    Graham White
    Open Canoeing - North West Highlands
    Reviewed on 30/05/2022

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