Trip created by Stevie Christie
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Region: West Highlands including Knoydart
Trip Type: Sea Kayaking
Comfort: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryThe Scottish Sea Kayak Trail is Europe’s first long-distance sea kayak trail, stretching from Gigha in the south to the wonderful Summer Isles in the north.
The central section of the route contains a number of classic sea kayaking areas that are among the best in the world for sea kayaking.
Based from comfortable accommodations, on this trip you will make day trips to paddle the highlights of the central section, under the care of our expert guides. Coastal vistas, fun paddling, wildlife and adventure await on this popular itinerary.
You will be met by your guide at Inverness Railway station at 10.30am and we’ll transfer to Loch Linnhe for an afternoon paddle, stopping en route in a local cafe for lunch. On the water, you’ll refresh your kayaking skills and be introduced to the wonderful West Highland scenery. Afterwards, we transfer to our first accommodation, located near Loch Sunart. (L, D)
Today we have a choice of areas to paddle in, one option is to head south to the Sound of Mull and Loch Aline. This stretch of water is a good place to encounter all kinds of marine wildlife such as dolphins and minke whales. After an enjoyable day’s sea kayaking, we return to our accommodation late afternoon. (B, L)
Loch Sunart forms the southern boundary of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and offers some lovely sea kayaking. We can explore the islands of Risga, Carna and Oronsay, all of which offer interest to sea kayakers. We will look out for otters which are often spotted in this sea loch.
If time permits, we will also drive to Ardnamurchan point – the most westerly place in mainland Britain – to admire the magnificent sea views. We then transfer to our next accommodation, a classic West Highland inn located at the head of Loch Ailort. (B, L)
After breakfast, we continue our journey along the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail. Today we explore the sheltered waters of Loch Moidart, kayaking past the dramatic ruins of Castle Tioram (dating from the 13th Century) to Eilean Shona (the beautiful island). This is one of the most stunning places on the West Coast. Passing magnificent Caledonian pines on the shoreline, we can paddle round the point, passing an abandoned village along the way. (B, L)
Heading north from the inn, we enjoy one of the best day trips by sea kayak anywhere in the world – kayaking through the Arisaig skerries. These beach-fringed islands which guard the entrance to Arisaig are home to countless seals, otters and seabirds, basking sharks are also regular visitors. Even without any wildlife, it still makes for an amazing paddle through the turquoise waters of the skerries. On clear days the Atlantic views west to the mountains of Rum and Skye are magnificent – this really is Scottish sea kayaking at its best. (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the inn, we’ll enjoy a morning sea kayaking before we make our way back to Inverness. We often explore either Loch Ailort or Loch nan Uamh. We follow the coastline of the peninsula, an area that played a key role in the Jacobite rebellion of the 1740’s. This is a great way to end the trip and we can reflect on the experience as we load up the vehicle and trailer and make our way back to Fort William and Inverness, arriving in the mid to late afternoon. (B, L)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
On this accommodation-based sea kayaking trip, we will stay in two different locations. For the first 2 nights, we will be based in a small guesthouse near to Loch Sunart. For the next 3 nights, we are based in a traditional Highland inn which is located at the head of the beautiful Loch Ailort. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £145 is charged.
Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Breakfasts and most lunches are included, while dinner is included on the first and final nights. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, simply let us know in advance. For evening meals not included, we can dine at the hotel or visit other local restaurants, which offer good food at reasonable prices.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at the fixed seating area of Inverness Train Station at 10.30am. You will be returned to Inverness Station for 4:00pm on the final day of the trip.
For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/
As an avid adventurer, Stevie has life-long experience in Scotland’s outdoors. He’s Co-Owner and Head of Adventure with Wilderness and been with us for over 15 years in a variety of roles, with innovative trip design being both a passion and a speciality. In his spare time, Stevie runs the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival, bringing the world’s most inspiring adventure filmmakers and athletes to an audience of over 1,500 each year. His love for adventure and knowledge of Scotland inspired him to design this exciting sea kayaking trip.
- Stevie Christie
Ask Stevie a QuestionBlue Graded Sea Kayaking Holidays 4-6
Our blue graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for fit paddlers with a minimum of 5 full days of sea kayaking experience, with a basic level of technical competence. You can expect 6/7 hours of sea kayaking each day, with plenty of breaks onshore to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.
The kayaking will be in coastal waters with few open crossings but you can expect to be paddling in some choppier conditions during the trip. This may be around Sea State 3 (with waves up to 1m high). On the higher Blue grade trips you may be paddling in more exposed areas and encounter stronger winds and waves up to Sea State 4.
If you are unsure about your experience or about Sea States, please give us a call or email to discuss. If you do not yet have enough experience we suggest our Green graded sea kayaking trips.
In the event of bad weather preventing us from kayaking your guide will offer an alternative activity such as a hike.
Rated 4.82 out of 5 based on 76 review(s) of Sea Kayaking – The Atlantic Coast
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
Rachel Cousins
Reviewed on 11/08/2019
Age: 50 - 60
Country: United Kingdom
Trip Date: 20/07/2019
Trips Taken: 2
The Bottom Line
Our kayaking holiday on challenging lochs and coastal waters with beautifully rugged west Scottish Islands and highlands for a backdrop was amazing! Wonderful guides kept us safe, great group of people, oh and dolphins! Thank you to all involved.
Karen Jantzen
Reviewed on 06/08/2019
Age: 60 - 70
Country: United States
Trip Date: 20/07/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
I felt the amount of daily kayaking was perfect for me, I enjoyed the challenge of paddling against the wind. The scenery was gorgeous, and the trip was immensely enjoyable!
Angela Glading
Reviewed on 05/08/2019
Age: 40 - 50
Country: United States
Trip Date: 20/07/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
We had a great time. This was our first trip with WS, and we weren't disappointed. The value for money is great, from the comfort of the van to the tremendous expertise of the guides.
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