Inner Hebrides & Argyll

Arrive and Afternoon Paddle on Loch Fyne

Meet your Wilderness guide at Oban Railway Station. From here, transfer south down the western edge of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch which has given its name to the locally owned Loch Fyne Oysters. Stop along the way for a packed lunch and the first paddle of your trip. Enjoy the fresh sea air and look out for the many seals that lounge around on the skerries. After time on the water, return to shore and travel a short distance to your first accommodation, where you can settle in and relax before a delicious dinner.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Exploring the Isle of Gigha

This morning, ribbon your way down the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula and catch the ferry to the Isle of Gigha. The southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, Gigha has been community-owned since 2002 and inhabited since prehistoric times. Accompanied by your guide, explore this magical island, where small sandy beaches are lapped by clear, turquoise water. Perhaps paddle over to the neighbouring Isle of Cara, which is known for being the home of a broonie – a somewhat helpful but easily offended household spirit from Scottish folklore. From your kayak, look out for the broonie’s whinstone chair, a natural rock formation said to be his resting place.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Loch Sween and Linns Mhuirich

Today, enjoy exploring the beautiful waters of Loch Sween and the sheltered sea inlet of Linns Mhuirich. From a quiet stretch of shoreline, paddle along the edge of Taynish National Nature Reserve and into the tidal narrows of Linns Mhuirich. The shallow water reveals anemones, maerl beds, brittlestars and starfish, and the mellow tidal flow provides the perfect playful swell. Later, perhaps paddle east towards Caol Scotnish and the Faery Isles, where a scattering of inlets and skerries frame some of the west coast’s finest coastal scenery. Return to shore this afternoon and transfer to your second hotel, which offers stunning views across Asknish Bay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Bridge over the Atlantic & RIB Trip

After breakfast, travel to Clachan Bridge – a charming stone arch known as the “Bridge Over the Atlantic.” Tides permitting, glide beneath its span and paddle through Clachan Sound, where tidal flows shape inlets, skerries and quiet bays. Depending on conditions, the route may continue towards Balvicar and the oyster beds or up the narrow sound beyond the bridge to explore secluded bays with views of Mull. With slate-mining history and wide views across the Firth of Lorn, this area offers rewarding paddling.

After lunch, enjoy a change of pace with an afternoon RIB trip, skimming across open water to reach remote corners of this rugged coastline – including the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world in the right conditions. This exhilarating boat trip also offers excellent chances to spot white-tailed eagles, wild goats, and marine wildlife such as whales and dolphins.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Luing Island

Today’s paddle explores the waters between Luing, Shuna and the mainland, an area shaped by shifting, salty tides and a rich history. Follow the coast of Luing Island, once home to a thriving slate-mining industry, where the remnants of old quarries still line the shore. If conditions allow, cross open water to reach Belnahua – a now-deserted island once so heavily quarried it’s said to have partially collapsed during storms. Look out for common seals hauled out on the rocks and seabirds such as guillemots and black guillemots navigating the channels. With varied tidal flows and sheltered stretches, this quiet corner offers a memorable day on the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Loch Melfort & Depart

Enjoy a final morning on the water, exploring the sheltered bay near Loch Melfort. Watch for red-throated divers and terns as they skim the surface, and savour the quiet rhythm which has been your companion for the last few days. With views out to the islands of the Inner Hebrides, it’s a peaceful and fitting end to the trip. After coming ashore, transfer north to Oban, where your guide will drop you off at the railway station for your onward travel or journey home.

Meals Included: Breakfast