Sea Kayaking Holidays

Pre-Trip Service
The introduction to kayaking trip was well planed and organised. The base location was excellent and provided the opportunity to travel by car to the different nearby locations for kayaking. The coaching was extremely helpful and provided the required skills and confidence to explore the more challenging sea water areas and adapt to the worsening weather conditions. The choices for the group dinner meals were outstanding ! Also, the variety of food choice were provided for breakfast and packed lunch. What can be done better : providing the kayak carrying strap's set from the beginning of the trip , which would give the easiest option to carry a kayak by 4 females. There was some issues related to finding the right size of waterproof gear every single day of the trip. It would be much easier if some sort of identification were provided to mark the set of gear for every group member in the first day in order to avoid the further complications.

Accommodation and Food
NA

Your Guide
NA

The Bottom Line
I recently came back from my first introduction to kayaking trip. It helped me to discover that the kayaking is providing the unique opportunity to travel to the remote areas, enjoy the stunning sea coast view and observe the coast line and sea-water wild life. The trip has not only helped me to develop the kayaking skills but also gave me the opportunity to meet new people and explore the local cuisine, which was a bonus. It is clearly exceeded my expectations! I must admit that I enjoyed every minute of my first experience of kayaking and already thinking to make pans for my second trip.
I would highly recommend this trip to everyone who enjoy being close to the nature and keep physically active.

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Trip Comments
This is a fantastic area, and a great way to experience it

Your Guide
Could not have been better. They used their skills and local knowledge every day to cope with some very poor weather but still make sure we had a good experience whilst keeping us safe

The Bottom Line
Professional trip, well run and great staff

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Pre-Trip Service
Thank you particularly for Live Chat option, which helped to allay my fears about metre-high waves (which, actually, we didn't meet...)

Trip Comments
NW Scotland is the most beautiful landscape in the world. So spending days and days of quiet time paddling around in it was... overwhelming, really. In a good way.

Accommodation and Food
Quiet, comfy bunkhouse. Excellent campsites -- the one at the top end of Raasay goes on my list of Ten Best Wild-camp Sites EVER.

Your Guide
Craig and Paul were better-than-excellent guides: always there when needed, never intrusive, skilled, informative, supportive, empowering.

The Bottom Line
Best canoe/kayak trip EVER. Of course I want to do another kayak trip next year, but... if I had access to a time machine, I would be dithering about whether to do something new, or just replay this trip...

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Pre-Trip Service
Always keeping in regular touch. Answered all my questions. Made me really look forward to the trip.

Trip Comments
My highlight was being surrounded by seals paddling towards the Applecross Inn. Then the experience of different locations where Craig took us, and his "neeps and tattles" What a guy!

Accommodation and Food
OK, not the Torridon Hotel, but the bunkhouse was perfect for our needs. Any more than 6, though, would have felt cramped. Plenty of good quality food and supplies.

Your Guide
Does Craig ever get angry? The guy's a saint! Organisation, planning and choice of restaurants was outstanding. Thanks Craig. Your guidance and warm enthusiasm has meant I'll return year after year.

The Bottom Line
Forget the North 500 and see the genuine Scotland. I've been with many good tour operators over the years, and WS is up there with the best. I feel I can book a trip, confident in knowing I'll have a good time. Many thanks.

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Pre-Trip Service
Well informed and efficient process. Also, very helpful when I needed to make changes to the date of my trip.

Trip Comments
I couldn't fault the organisation and our guides Craig and Paul were so positive, extremely informative and fun. Nothing was too much trouble. There were so many highlights from the distance travelled, the wildlife we saw and the great team we became at the end of our trip.

Accommodation and Food
The accommodation was as expected and we managed to sort sleeping arrangements out between us which worked well. Camping was good, apart from the midges!!

Your Guide
The two guides, Craig and Paul, were beyond excellent. I honestly couldn't fault them. They were extremely knowledgeable, positive and good fun to be around. They organised a fantastic trip, which was varied and within our capability. I can't thank them enough for making the trip so memorable.

The Bottom Line
This has been an amazing adventure and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Wilderness Scotland and their staff to anyone thinking about doing this activity. The overall experiences has been beyond my expectations. Thank you so much.

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Pre-Trip Service
Simple and easy to book. Quick phone call and it was done as had details from previous trip.

Trip Comments
Each Day!!!

Accommodation and Food
Glad to see that the Kitchen had been upgraded along with the table mats etc. Accommodation is ideal for this type of trip

Your Guide
Excellent had met Hannah on a previous trip same location but did not know it was going to be her until she arrived. Very informative, and in control, considerate for all levels. Jude was a very good support to Hannah and once again was in control. Would be happy to Kayak with them both again

The Bottom Line
This is the 4th time on this trip and I have done others with Wilderness Scotland, That alone must say how great it is!!!! Each time has been slightly different but always learning something new.

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Pre-Trip Service
Booking was straightforward. Office staff were friendly and helpful on the phone. Pre trip information was good.

Trip Comments
I had a great time. My first time kayaking and my first group holiday with Wilderness Scotland. It was a wholly positive experience and I came home feeling like I had achieved something! I particularly enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of the little islands we paddled to, the peace and quiet when out on the water and being watched by curious seals.

Accommodation and Food
The bunkhouse was fine, I shared the small bunk room with just one other guest and it seemed that neither of us snored (unless my fellow guest was just being kind). Kitchen, bathrooms and drying room were all adequate.

Your Guide
Both Hannah (leader) and Jude were excellent. They were very capable, experienced and knowledgeable and gave really good support and instruction to us novice kayakers! When the conditions became a little more choppy ( for me as a beginner) Hannah was very supportive and encouraging enabling me to keep paddling and not get overwhelmed. I felt like I could trust them both completely. They were interesting and fun and I enjoyed the time that I spent with them. Totally in awe of the driving around those tiny roads with a van and trailer too.

The Bottom Line
A really great trip. It was exactly what I was looking for. I have already booked a course locally to improve my skills further and will definitively be looking to join another Wilderness Scotland kayaking trip in the future. Thanks.

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Pre-Trip Service
The staff were extremely helpful in enabling me to assess which trip best suited my level of experience and make suggestions about preparation.
They were quick ro respond to practical questions and pre-trip information was excellent (even if the suggested kit list was a bit more extensive that necessary!)

Trip Comments
A strange highlight; however I was greatly reassured that when we found ourselves in unexpectedly challenging conditions and two members of the group capsized at the same time the guides were able to give instructions to the rest of the group on staying safe while very efficiently getting the other two back in their kayaks. Very reassuring.
Was also delighted to come across a family group of young otters playing on the shore.

Accommodation and Food
Heatherbank was extremely comfortable and in a lovely location with amazing views.
LochAilort Inn was a little dated, rooms were smaller and lacked the views but it was comfortable and adequate for our needs. The bar was a nice facility to have too.

Your Guide
Competence already mentioned.

The Bottom Line
If Wilderness Scotland could control the weather this would be a perfect trip!

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Pre-Trip Service
No hassle - and you remembered my special spraydeck!

Trip Comments
Simply all the joys of sea kayaking - sunshine, turquoise water, silver sand (forget about the rain. . . . .)

Accommodation and Food
Easy to cope with damp kit in both locations, but could have done without an extractor fan running all night at Lochailort (but turned off the next two nights so not really a complaint).

Your Guide
Don and Sarah worked well togther. They both looked after us and inspired great confidence!

The Bottom Line
The worst part was getting all my luggage from the car-park to Inverness station - after that, everything was absolutely fine!

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Pre-Trip Service
I contacted the team by e-mail they were very helpful and assisted me with my queries.

Trip Comments
Great accommodation, also very accommodating as we met in a different place than intended. Nothing was too much trouble.
Staff in the Torridon Inn were also polite and made the experience even better.

Accommodation and Food
Very comfortable. Would stay there again. Food great and bedrooms spacious with good factilities.

Your Guide
Howard was obviously a very experienced kayaker. Yet he was very patient and we really enjoyed our time with him. He was a good teacher but the experience was enhanced by his knowledge of the local area and by pointing out the wildlife along the way.

The Bottom Line
Loved it and will be looking at another holiday with Wilderness Scotland soon. Its never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

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Pre-Trip Service
The e mailed information was thorough and when I had a couple of queries I spoke to one of the team who was very helpful .

Accommodation and Food
The main contraint of the accommodation was that the loos were in the bathrooms and with each bathroom allotted to either male or female that did cause some difficulties for some people .However the bunkhouse is not owned by Wilderness so there is probably no alternative that itself does not have compromises . From a practical point of view we were asked to clean the accommodation before leaving ( which is quite reasonable ) however there was only a broom and vacuum , no dustpan , brush or anything sensible to wash bathrooms , floors etc.. One of the rings on the hob did not turn off unless it was switched off at the mains .

Your Guide
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 .

The Bottom Line
A really good trip in every respect .Excellent guides who managed I am sure a typically mixed group with professionalism.The organisation was very thorough and the planning for each day which had to accommodate the changing Scottish weather ,seamless. We had pretty good weather for Scotland , very few midges and little wind which made paddling in the sea lochs fabulous.

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Pre-Trip Service
I highly appreciate the friendly communication and excellent organization of the pre-trip customer service.

Trip Comments
Every trip since 2014 I made with wilderness scotland has been an excellent experience. This is the fourth year I went on vacation, sea kayaking in scotland, organized by wilderness. Still so much more to explore, I am looking forward to next year.

Accommodation and Food
A very nice spot for our camp in the wilderness of the summer isles for the first three days and nights, due to wind and weather conditions we had to move to the mainland for the last two, but that was ok as well.

Your Guide
Both guides were excellent! Howard has an enormous expertise on every single dimension of sea kayaking. He is extremely skilled, brilliantly calm and friendly, with a lovely sense of humor and he is always attentive to the participants needs and wishes and the situation. It is such a pleasure having the opportunity to be on a trip with him; you learn a lot without even noticing. Sarah is a wonderful guide as well, very skilled, always helpful and attentive. Both were working perfectly together.

The Bottom Line
It was a brilliant experience, loved every moment of the sea kayaking trip with Howard and Sarah. If wilderness would offer longer trips (10-12 days) I would love it even more. Thanks!

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Accommodation and Food
Torridon Inn was a little disorganised, but the staff in general were helpful.

Your Guide
Ali was very patient and gave confidence to novices. He was always on top of what needed doing and made the group feel involved in what was happening.

The Bottom Line
Fine!

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Pre-Trip Service
Great trip details sent out in the dossier

Trip Comments
Great location, lodging, accurate skill ratings

Accommodation and Food
The Torridon was comfortable and clean

Your Guide
Craig was great!

The Bottom Line
I would definitely recommend Wilderness Scotland, and this trip.

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Pre-Trip Service
Regular updates

Trip Comments
Well planned trip good accommodation

Accommodation and Food
Heather barn was great. Loch Ailot Hotel a bit shambolic on arrival. Some staff need more customer service training. But overall very adequate accommodation.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE:

Thanks for your comments. We will pass these on to the accommodations concerned, however we are glad you enjoyed them overall.

The Bottom Line
Great trip, good accommodation experienced knowledgeable guides good company

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Pre-Trip Service
All of my questions were solved promptly. I might suggest alternative pick-up locations (i.e. Ullapool ) being displayed on the website. Inverness is nice and well connected, but once you've been there a couple of times it makes more or your time to visit other locations in the Highlands.

Accommodation and Food
Tents were great, easy to pitch, tough and ample for one person. The sleeping bag that I rented from you was warm and light. Nice thermarest too.

The Bottom Line
A true adventure, where I had the paddle of my life. As all adventures you need to make allowance for the weather

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Pre-Trip Service
When ever I contacted Wilderness Scotland either by e-mail or phone I always received a prompt and helpful responce

Accommodation and Food
We stayed at the bunk house in Torridon. It was ideal - right on the Loch. Clean ,bright, good kitchen, wood burning stove, drying room. Every thing worked well and was well located for the different locations we vistied

Your Guide
Craig is just the best.Always cheery and helpful. Selected the best paddling locations on what was a pretty windy and at times wet 5 days.
He explains things well and takes things in easy stages - gives you time to learn and try things out.

The Bottom Line
This holiday is the ideal way to have a go at sea kayaking in the most beautiful of surroundings - just fantastic.

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Trip Comments
Excellent planning and organisation by Donald, our guide for most of the trip.

Accommodation and Food
Three superb campsites

Your Guide
Sam our first guide set a relaxed holiday mood, and Donald injected the organisation needed for a multi-day camping trip. Both were great, but the use of two successive guides for the same trip (though caused in this occasion by the illness of another guide) should be avoided if possible. Their different priorities meant that we ended up returning to the van on Day 2 and again on Day 3, retracing earlier routes and taking away from the concept of the trip as a single journey.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m sorry you did have 2 different guides for this trip, as you mentioned it was due to ill health and is not something that normally happens. The routes were planned to make sure we were paddling in the best conditions and that does sometimes mean retracing our steps although we do try and avoid that when we can.

The Bottom Line
Aided by expert guides, wild camping by kayak makes for an unforgettable holiday. More such options, please!

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Pre-Trip Service
I found everything to be of a great standard

Trip Comments
Really great guide and teacher , couldnt of asked for anything else

Accommodation and Food
The accomodation was excellent , very friendly but staff were often forgetful of requests but thats the only gripe

Your Guide
Howard was an excellent guide

The Bottom Line
A must do trip for anyonr taking up sea kayaking pr even for experienced paddlers looking fpr amazing scenery

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Accommodation and Food
The bunkhouse at Torridon is good, great location and the fact we have sole use is a bonus. I know its a bunk house but now they have improved the mattresses and provided mattress toppers I'd really like to see them go the whole hog and just provide made up beds with a sheet and duvet. I'd be willing to pay a little more not to have to consider a sleeping bag and have a more comfortable bed and sleep.
My next comment is for whenever they refurb, having the toilets in the shower is a bad idea, it limits access to basic facilities (if someone is showering no one can use the loo), when they refurb have toilets with a sink separate to the showers and somehow (not sure how) squeeze in an extra loo.

The Bottom Line
Another excellent trip, and the sun even made an appearance! I'll be back.

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Pre-Trip Service
very detailed information, very quick responses, very polite and friendly when answering questions still open to me after reading and watching the video (kayaking equipment), clear instructions on how to find the accomodation as we were travelling on our own (not to the pick-up point in Inverness)

Trip Comments
trip exactly as described, instructors very friendly, warm-hearted, great instructing (adapted to the level needed perfectly), very informed about Scotland, great humour ....

Accommodation and Food
we booked a bunkhouse accomodation, and as such, it was good
the drying room wasn't really up to the job (kayaking equipment)

Your Guide
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!!!)

The Bottom Line
well-planned, well-organised, absolutely great people (and landscape), love to repeat

one idea to improve: just give every participant some coloured ribbons or such to put around their kayaking equipment to keep things apart - would save a lot of time sorting stuff the next morning - just a little minor bit

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Pre-Trip Service
It was fine: I had a pretty good idea of what I was letting myself in for and have been to that part of Scotland before.
We were told in advance there was a change of guide. Arrangements to meet up with party were communicated to me and worked out fine.

Trip Comments
A good trip with a friendly group of clients, one of whom I knew, and a confidence inspiring well organised leader. The paddling was not challenging to me but it was great to be outside in the wilderness.

Accommodation and Food
Nice tent provided. my own sleeping mat and bag.
The tepi was great, refuge from midges. We had a dry trip but it would have been very useful if it had been raining.
The locations where we camped made the trip not the actual accommodation.

Your Guide
both Sam and Donald were enthusiastic and good company on the water and around camp. The routes were very suitable for the group and weather. I was prepared to paddle more but it was a relaxed trip and I enjoyed it as such: not an epic journey plugging into waves for hours!

The Bottom Line
A quality package.
Good equipment and guide/leader, nice food and superb locations and weather.
No one can guarantee the weather, and the inevitable Scottish Midges are always around but I don't think Wilderness Scotland could be beaten for the trip. It is in the higher price range but worth the money.
(I am probably not quite your typical client, I would go for roughing it more and harder physical trip but spending less money) I was very happy on the trip and appreciate how demanding some clients can be!

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Pre-Trip Service
Very quick response to queries,easy forget through to a human rather than automated system!

Trip Comments
Howard was the perfect guide.Professional but relaxed,keen to ensure that we got the most from our trip.His experience, skill and local knowledge were apparent and he was great company.

Accommodation and Food
Accommodation was very clean and comfortable. Minor quibble was that room was not serviced every day so big not emptied and drink making facilities not restocked.

Your Guide
Howard was the perfect guide for 2 novice kayakers. He was calm, reassuring and encouraged us to get the most from our time on the water.

The Bottom Line
As soon as the trip finished i wanted to do it all over again! Would have no hesitation in booking another trip in future.

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Trip Comments
Fabulous holiday made by the location, leaders & group

Accommodation and Food
Hostel was surprisingly good

Your Guide
Both Paul & Craig were excellent

The Bottom Line
Great Introduction to expeditions

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Pre-Trip Service
Thanks for reassurance for Sue about potential big waves

Trip Comments
Hard to pick out highlights when the whole trip was so good, but the sea eagles were amazing

Your Guide
Absolutely first-class; couldn't be better. Craig and Paul looked after their "ducklings", inspired confidence in the nervous ones, helped to bring on everyone's skills, and knew lots about sea life, geology, folklore....They both made a huge contribution to an excellent trip.

The Bottom Line
We were very lucky with the weather, which obviously made things even better, but I think we would have had a great time anyway...we are already planning what to do next with Wilderness Scotland

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Pre-Trip Service
I had asked for information on places to stay before & after the trip but received nothing. As I was bringing my own Kayak & travelling by car the details of where to meet were sent quite late.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks for your feedback. I am sorry to hear this, we do have a list of great accommodation that we recommend so I am really sorry this didn’t get to you. I’ll follow up with the team to find out what happened here. The final trip information was sent out 4 weeks before the trip, I’m sorry you didn’t think this was soon enough, but we do find that if it gets sent earlier it is really easy to lose the details!

Trip Comments
Fabulous group of people & leaders, everyone mucked in together

Accommodation and Food
No accomodation provided but wild camping sites were spectacular

Your Guide
Zoe & Sarah were terrific, their enthusiasm & helpfulness was unbounded.

The Bottom Line
Fabulous location for a sea kayak trip, glorious scenery. Great leaders & group to experience this with, everyone chipped in & created additional enjoyment overall

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Your Guide
Hoard and Ross gave us a great trip, thank you. At all times I knew I was safe, I had fun and I learned a lot.

The Bottom Line
The trip was wonderful. It was well organised beforehand and during the week. All the kit, including the minibus, was in fine condition and well maintained; there was plenty of delicious food and paddling with Howard and Ross was great, their local knowledge meant we were in the best place weatherwise each day to get out on the water, improve our skills and do some journeying.

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Trip Comments
Great guides, sharing lots of history and wildlife know how & driving as well very save on the single roads!

The Bottom Line
Weather & guides & locations perfect!
In a group travel it depends though also on the group. If a person needs a private guide a private guide should be booked. I understand its very difficult to get a group together with about the same experience as people can simply just book the trips and you can only describe the level as good as you already do.

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Pre-Trip Service
Comprehensive guidance on kit list. Good, helpful flexibility on meeting and departure arrangements.

Trip Comments
Rain and high winds made for a worrying start to the trip, but the guides were very good and explaining options, consulting with team, making recommendations and settling on a general concensus course of action. When good weather arrived we were well-prepared to make best use of it and the trip finished on a high in good spirit and satisfaction.

Accommodation and Food
Tents were fine and great, albeit basic, campsites were selected with great views and interesting walking. Our guide Sarah worked tirelessly and efficiently to provide 3 good meals each day, either in a cave or tipi mess tent. Always plenty of food and good variety, albeit some problems locating correct menu items due to some mis-labelling.

Your Guide
Zoe and Sarah are two very experienced and enthusiastic guides. Zoe generally led the techniques instruction with good appreciation of different levels of experience ands expectations. Sarah provided ever-watchful back-up and excellent support to individuals.

The Bottom Line
Very experienced team enabling apsiring kayakers to enjoy the geat locations in confidence, comfort and safety. Thanks for a very memorable experience and appreciation of how much more there is to learn!

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Trip Comments
We had two wonderful and caring guides and the trips we did were absolutely awesome.

Accommodation and Food
My room in Plockton was very small but the central location of the Inn and the friendliness of the service people made up for that.
Ullapool was luxurious: big room, beautiful views, caring people.

Your Guide
they were very considerate and helpful. I felt well taken care of.

The Bottom Line
We were extremely lucky for it felt as if we had booked a trip on the Mediterranean.
No idea what it would have been like in typical Scottish conditions with more wind and higher waves. However, whenever the conditions changed, the guides either changed the route or interrupted the trip, returned to the starting point and went to a different, more protected place.
Also, the second guide stayed behind with those who were a bit anxious which gave them more confidence.

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Your Guide
Jonny was wonderful to trip with - positive, optimistic, helpful.

The Bottom Line
Awesome experience.

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Pre-Trip Service
Don't send to many marketing mails. It's kind of looking that you are too short on clients...

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks so much for your feedback. Sending out newsletters is a tricky balance and what’s too much for one person is not enough for another. We do try and manage this carefully but there is always the option to unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive them.

Accommodation and Food
I think you can't necessarily do more on it. Plockton Inn's rooms are fairly small - but that's all to tell.

Your Guide
Well selected routes; very good decisions made during the trip.

The Bottom Line
I liked style, quality and performance of the trip. Overall, I suspect that UK insurance laws are due to the rather high pricing?

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Pre-Trip Service
I found the sales team very helpful. I had originally planned a different kayaking trip but was contacted directly, informed that the trip was likely to be too advanced but offered alternatives more suited to my capabilities.

Trip Comments
The comments box would not be big enough for all the highlights. From booking the holiday to being dropped off at the end everything was exceptional.

Accommodation and Food
The bunkhouse was clean, equipped with everything we needed but still retained a basic charm

Your Guide
Craig was absolutely tremendous. While he had everything organised he always gave us options to all agree the days activities, it made me feel a part of a group. His energy and support really did make the holiday more memorable.

The Bottom Line
This was my first experience of Wilderness Scotland and I definitely want more. Everything about the experience was positive. Whether an outdoor enthusiast or someone that just wants to experience something different then Wilderness Scotland is the place to start

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Trip Comments
You can't control the weather!

Accommodation and Food
Wilderness requires wild camping and the tents and equipment were first class and stood up to wind and rain!!!

Your Guide
Thank you to Zoe and Sarah for looking after us so well. Hope you didn't mind the impromptu capsize exercise Zoe?!!!!

The Bottom Line
Zoe and Sarah did an excellent job in keeping morale high during enforced maroon on Isle Ristol. I felt sorry for those who had travelled so far to take part and were scuppered for a couple of days with bad weather. However, lessons learned in managing wind and waves!

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Pre-Trip Service
I spoke to Bridget a couple of times by phone. She has a lovely warm welcoming voice and always helpful and friendly.

Trip Comments
Small group, brilliant guide, stunning locations.

Accommodation and Food
Well equipped kitchen, spacious communal area, good drying-room.

Your Guide
Craig was an excellent guide who naturally inspired confidence from the start. Obviously being a guide is not just about showing people the ropes. It requires multiple skills - they're responsible for the participants' safety, comfort, enjoyment of the entire holiday (on and off the water) and for delivering professional instruction. Underlying all this is the need to have excellent people skills. In fact I think being a good guide is much more than just a job - it's a vocation.

The Bottom Line
This was my 2nd wonderful trip with Wilderness Scotland, but my first time kayaking. Hoping to go again in the not too distant future.

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Pre-Trip Service
I liked being acknowledged as a previous client. My questions were answered and requests followed up. This sounds petty, but my Haglofs Jacket offer was the wrong size (my fault!) but WS couldn't change it.

Trip Comments
An expedition trip necessarily requires a lot of food and equipment. This is part of the experience but it did make for some extremely heavy lifting and time needed to pack that did eat into the time available for kayaking AND flexibility about moving on. I accept its difficult for WS to balance this with those who want full and quality meals every day..Which I enjoyed!

Accommodation and Food
This was a wild camping trip and the choice of sites, and the standard of tents and group equipment was very high

Your Guide
Zoe, who led the expedition and Sarah who was the second guide were both brilliant. Zoe has years of kayaking experience and was always willing to share her knowledge in an encouraging and inspiring way whether it was paddling technique, decision making or reading the conditions. Sarah was always working hard at meal times as well as being equally competent and reassuring out on the water. The 2 guides worked well as a team.

The Bottom Line
As a slightly experienced novice kayaker, this trip introduced me to a beautiful area of Scotland that I will return to. I learned a lot about wild camping, which was new to me, the guides gave me absolute assurance and the group dynamic was fun. Be prepared for changes to the schedule, though.

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Trip Comments
Inquisitive seals watching us watching them........

Accommodation and Food
For personal reasons we made our own arrangements but from what we saw the accommodation looked very good.

Your Guide
Made the best of increasingly poor weather conditions allowing us to get the most out of our trip safely.

The Bottom Line
Had a great time. Looking forward to another trip.

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Pre-Trip Service
The person I spoke with on the phone to book the trip was friendly and helpful. She also seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the trip i had chosen.

Accommodation and Food
We stayed in bunkhouse accommodation when not camping out. It was well equipped, in a lovely location and worked well for our group.

Your Guide
Paul and Craig were fantastic. They took the time to find out about the group expectations and the things we wanted to get out of the trip. They worked very well together and provided a great balance between teaching us skills, encouraging us to be independent and make our own decisions, and giving us information about our surroundings. I learned a lot, and felt inspired! They were great ambassadors for Wilderness Scotland.

The Bottom Line
It was a fantastic trip and met all of my expectations and more. I'm already planning my next adventure!

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Pre-Trip Service
The only thing that I can think of is the document for what to bring was time sensitive and I missed the email then didn't have access to it. It would be easier if it was a downloadable attachment. Other than that, all communications were great!

Trip Comments
We were fortunate to have a small group number. It was perfect! I think it allowed us to get more miles in. My highlight was kayaking with seals!

Accommodation and Food
Very cozy bunkhouse!

Your Guide
Paul was great! Very patient and informative.

The Bottom Line
Absolutely amazing!

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The Bottom Line
Another enjoyable trip with Wilderness Scotland. What we could do was limited because of weather conditions, but we were
in capable hands with Howard.

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Pre-Trip Service
The detailed equipment list and itinerary were really helpful and accurate.

Trip Comments
It was a really great itinerary. The accommodation and food arrangements were very good and the guides were both excellent. I felt in really safe hands. The equipment was good. We were lucky to have fabulous weather but I would have enjoyed it regardless. The highlight was a day exploring the summer isles and so many close encounters with birds and mammals, including an otter!

Accommodation and Food
I really liked both places. The hotel in Plockton was fun, ideally placed in the village and had excellent food and a bar. The B+B in Ullapool was a little out of town, but the rooms were amazing: spacious with great views and lovely furnishings.

Your Guide
The guides Ali and Crayston were wonderful. Both had a great sense of fun but also good at planning the itinerary and very safety conscious. Both gave the right amount of technical instruction. In addition, Ali's knowledge of Scottish history, geology and wildlife really makes him stand out as an excellent guide.

The Bottom Line
I would recommend this trip to anyone with a who wants to explore the North West Scottish Coast in a kayak, while enjoying lovely food and accommodation.

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Trip Comments
Ma trip was amazing from start to finish the whole trip was a highlight.

Accommodation and Food
Bunkhouse was very comfortable and when on expidition the tents were of good quality.

Your Guide
Craig and paul were amazing guides always teaching us the things about the area we were in and the skills we were developing so big thumb up for craig and paul.

The Bottom Line
I had an amazing week with wilderness Scotland and will be back in the future.

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Trip Comments
Very close up encounters with otters and seals. Seeing twisters on the lochs for the first time ….. thankfully from dry land.

Accommodation and Food
Torridon Inn accommodation excellent .

Your Guide
Craig was outstanding ……. a true professional. Nothing was too much trouble. Wonderful customer care

The Bottom Line
2 slightly nervous customers had a truly memorable 5 days despite the poorish weather, largely due to Craig's knowledge and experience of the area to get the very best out and safest fabulous holiday.

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Trip Comments
Very good with excellent and knowledgeable guides

Accommodation and Food
It would have been very tight and almost impossible with 4 people in the room however we just about managed with 3

Your Guide
They were very caring and were very good at predicting the weather

The Bottom Line
Very good enjoyable but wouldn't like to be on a fully booked course

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Trip Comments
Highlight has to be the amazing opportunity to get close to wildlife, particularly otters within a few feet of my kayak!

Accommodation and Food
Not over impressed with the menu at the Inn but everything else was excellent.

Your Guide
Could not have been better. Craig's knowledge of the area and it's wildlife added to our enjoyment of the excursions and meant he could find the best place to go each day to suit the conditions. His awareness of the needs of the group and his vigilance in helping the weakest link, usually me!, was very comforting.

The Bottom Line
A great holiday, exhausting, exhilarating, unforgettable!

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Pre-Trip Service
Great response to my booking. Some confusion over kit list though - one attachment was sent at the start with link to a one page list, but I never received the detailed advice on kit that others in my group received. This would have been extremely useful, especially about the detail of waterproof trousers and which footwear to have! Could it not be sent in the post if requested?

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONSE:

Thanks so much for your feedback. Your equipment list should have been attached to your trip confirmation email, but we are always happy to post documents if asked. Glad you had such a wonderful trip!

Trip Comments
Absolutely awe inspiring trip - great guides, wonderful group dynamics, brilliant instruction, fantastic food and of course mind-blowing scenery! A life-changing experience.

Accommodation and Food
Basic comfort. Definite pressure on only one bathroom/WC between five.. Warm and dry. Slight lack of space in drying room and trivky manoeuvring out of top bunk!

Your Guide
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!

The Bottom Line
See comment at the start.
Excellent photo gallery - so lovely to have a record from an onlooker rather than just our own slightly precariously taken shots with the iPhone! Great memories, thank you.

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Pre-Trip Service
Very helpful staff , flexible , helped change of dates

Trip Comments
Great group of people on the trip . Out guides were excellent, very good a teaching us individually and getting the best out of our group

Accommodation and Food
No to keen on the bunk house. Especially as we went as couple, luckily we managed to get a twin bunk room but not sure why we couldn't have booked this in advance as we only had as we were lucky no one else was staying at the bunkhouse.

TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:

Thanks for your feedback, as with most bunkhouse the rooms are split into male/female dorms so depending on mix of people on the trip we do sometimes have to split up couples. Having said that if we can keep you together we do which is what happened on your trip.

Your Guide
As before excellent guides

The Bottom Line
A great introduction to sea kayaking and exploring the Scottish coastline. The camping made the trip even more special but we were incredibly lucky with the weather

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Pre-Trip Service
Prompt response to questions and clear about what the prerequisites were. this ensured we had a very evenly matched group which added to the enjoyment.

Trip Comments
One of the best things I have ever taken part it , weather helped but still a great experience.

Accommodation and Food
Basic but good

Your Guide
Craig and Paul were both excellent in all aspects . I learnt more about the technical side of paddling , safety and self rescue that I though I would have achieved.
I also learnt a good bit about Scottish history , wildlife etc .
All round two excellent hosts...….now if they could only take care of the midgies :0)

The Bottom Line
Just an all round excellent experience

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Pre-Trip Service
Only had correspondence with Bridget before the trip, but nothing was too much trouble and everyone was very accommodating. Impressive service.

Trip Comments
The trip was fantastic - brilliant guides, wonderful scenery and well paced and judged for all abilities, making sure we got to see a lot. In terms of making it 'excellent' rather than 'good' - there was a bit of disorganisation surrounding food and meal preparation. I think we just had too much stuff! On a longer wild kayaking expedition like this, I think you could get away with less food, fewer heavy items and better packed items so we compress down into kayaks.

Accommodation and Food
Good quality tents

Your Guide
Both Sam and Donald were fantastic. Engaging, informative and friendly. Thank you!

The Bottom Line
All in all a fantastic trip. Other than perhaps limiting the food that's packed a bit, I wouldn't change a thing. The highlights were the fantastic, knowledgeable guides, and it made the whole Wilderness Scotland trip easy and stress-free. Wonderful scenery and weather helped!

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Trip Comments
Plenty to eat. Donald and Howard were great.

Accommodation and Food
The hotel was more than adequate. Everything was just right.

Your Guide
Both Donald and Howard were great. Lots of knowledge. Easy to work with.

The Bottom Line
Far and away the best option.

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