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    | Bridge over the Atlantic

    Sea Kayaking

    Inner Hebrides & Argyll


    Region: Inner Hebrides including Skye
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Anna Brownlow


      On this 6 day fully guided sea kayaking adventure, explore the beautiful waters of Argyll and some of the most interesting islands of the Inner Hebrides. From the sheltered sea loch of Loch Fyne to the picture-perfect sandy bays of the small island of Gigha – take in the diversity of Scotland’s quiet and ever-changing coastline.

      Accompanied by an expert guide, explore rocky, uninhabited islands and secluded inlets. Learn about the region’s rich history, from herring fishing and castle ruins to standing stones and island ghosts. Visit the swirling waters of the Gulf of Corryvreckan, learn about the area’s slate mining heritage and cross the Atlantic Ocean via a charming stone bridge (which you may later paddle under).

      This area teems with wildlife, so look for white-tailed eagles, seals, porpoises, whales, and otters (known in Northwest Scotland by their Gaelic names, Dobhran or Beaste Dubh).

      After engaging and relaxing days on the water, unwind in two beautiful hotels – including a stunning loch-side country house hotel – and enjoy warm hospitality and delicious local meals.

      Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or new to the joy of paddling, this trip offers the perfect opportunity to experience the tranquillity, history, and natural beauty of Scotland’s west coast.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Arrive and Afternoon Paddle on Loch Fyne Read Less

      Day 1

      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

      Day 2 – Exploring the Isle of Gigha Read Less

      Day 2

      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

      Day 3 – Loch Sween and Linns Mhuirich Read Less

      Day 3

      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

      Day 4 – Bridge over the Atlantic & RIB Trip Read Less

      Day 4

      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

      Day 5 – Luing Island Read Less

      Day 5

      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

      Day 6 – Loch Melfort & Depart Read Less

      Day 6

      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

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      Sea Kayaking – Inner Hebrides & Argyll

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now Learn More
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      Sea Kayaking – Inner Hebrides & Argyll

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This sea kayaking holiday is based in two welcoming and comfortable accommodations. Both are in prime locations to access the wonderful local paddling opportunities. They offer warm hospitality and a lovely place to eat, relax, and sleep after a great day out on the water. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

      Meals Read More

      All meals are included on this trip. Dinners are two courses as standard. Any dietary requirements can be catered for; simply let us know in advance. For evening meals, we will dine at the accommodation or visit other local restaurants.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group. However, if you would like to make alternative arrangements, you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip when they do not eat with the group.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 5 nights accommodation in 3 star and 4 star hotels/inns.
      • All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
      • The services of our experienced and knowledgeable sea kayaking / hiking guides (guide ratio 1:4) throughout your trip.
      • All transport as needed during the trip starting and finishing in Oban.
      • All specialist sea kayaking equipment, including sea kayaks, spray decks, paddles, waterproof cags and buoyancy aids.
      • A boat trip and activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
      Grading Read More

      Green graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for those with little previous sea kayaking experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip.

      You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of sea kayaking each day, with 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.

      In the event of bad weather preventing us from kayaking your guide will offer an alternative activity such as an easy hike.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Oban Railway Station at 12:00pm on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Oban Railway Station at 1:00pm on the final day.

      Oban Railway Station is the final stop on a branch of the West Highland Line from Glasgow. Regular trains run throughout the day.

      Speak to an Expert

      Chris Page

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Chris a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Green graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for those with little previous sea kayaking experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip.

      You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of sea kayaking each day, with 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.

      In the event of bad weather preventing us from kayaking your guide will offer an alternative activity such as an easy hike.

      Find Out More

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      Amazing. Exceeded my expectations and look forward to doing it again. The enjoyable company of my small group this time obviously added to the overall experience too.

      Suzanne Taylor
      Road Cycling - Arran, Islay & Jura
      Reviewed on 22/07/2019

      Rated 4.90 out of 5 based on 7,790 reviews

      Read More Reviews
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