Sea Kayaking
The Isle of Mull

Day 1 - Oban to Craignure

Meet your guide at Oban train station before enjoying a short ferry crossing to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Unloading the kayaks this afternoon, you’ll launch from a small jetty at Duart Point. Your guide will make sure you’re comfortable before setting out across the bay. You’re greeted by the haunting towers of Castle Duart, a stunning remnant of Scotland’s medieval architecture, strategically perched on a headland that shoulders the bay. Venturing across the island later this afternoon, you arrive at your beautifully-located accommodation and settle in for the evening. Your guide will help coordinate dinner tonight, so it’s all hands on deck – great practice for future expeditions. (L,D)

Day 2 - The Sound of Iona

After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll transfer north a short distance and begin the day’s adventure from the small settlement of Kintra. Paddling around the northern end of the Sound of Iona, we’ll explore the hidden beaches and bays that skirt the coastline, including a sheltered anchorage known as Bull Hole, located on the northern tip of the Ross of Mull. The island of Mull and its coastline provide a valuable staging for many species of wildlife so keep your eyes peeled for the inquisitive locals above and below. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Erraid Island

Launching from a nearby beach this morning, you’ll set out to discover more of Mull’s magnificent coastline, including the beautiful Erraid Island which lies to the west. Renowned for being one of the driest and sunniest places on Scotland’s western seaboard, the sheltered beaches here make the perfect spot for lunch. On a clear day, you are rewarded with incredible views across the North Atlantic and are able to identify ‘Dhu Heartach’ lighthouse, which lies 10 miles to the south-west, marking a cluster of dangerous rocks. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Rest Day - Staffa and the Treshnish Isles

Today we’ll take a break from the paddling and get to know the beautiful Hebridean island of Mull and its neighbouring islands in more detail. You’ll enjoy a spectacular boat trip out to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles – be sure to keep an eye out for the magnificent marine wildlife such as seals, dolphins and basking sharks and gaze in awe at the otherworldly basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave. Returning to the mainland this afternoon, you’ll have some time to stretch your legs on a beautiful coastal stroll. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - The Spirit of Iona

Embark on a unique paddling expedition today as you circumnavigate the Isle of Iona. If the weather is in our favour, we’ll leave the shelter of Mull’s coastline behind, paddling across the Sound of Iona and around the northern tip of the island.* Scattered with nine white-shell beaches, Iona’s coastline provides us with plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch the legs along the way. Look out for waders on the shoreline such as the ringed plover and turnstone and listen for the Skylark’s melody overhead. Upon completing our journey, we’ll set foot on the island and visit the historic Iona Abbey which is believed by many to be the final resting place of 48 kings of Scotland. (B,L,D)

*Circumnavigating the Isle of Iona is challenging and will depend on the group and the weather conditions on the day. Where this is not possible, your guide will aim to reschedule this for another day or arrange an alternative paddle in the local area and you will take the ferry to the Isle of Iona and explore on foot. 

Day 6 - Uisken Beach

After a hearty breakfast this morning you’ll transfer east a short distance and enjoy one final journey. Launching from the golden sands of Uisken Beach, you’ll follow the coastline of the peninsula, paddling between the unique rocky outcrops and skerries. Upon returning to Uisken beach, we’ll enjoy a short walk as a group up the hill to the east to a cairn known as “The Last Look Back.” On a clear day, you are rewarded with incredible views across to the islands of Islay, Colonsay and Jura: the perfect place to take a moment to reflect on your sea kayaking adventure. (B,L)