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    Sea Kayaking

    The Outer Hebrides

    63 reviews

    Next Trip: 4th - 10th May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £1,695 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Rachael Gavan
    View Rachael's Profile

    Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
    Trip Type: Sea Kayaking
    Accommodation: Basic
    Max Group Size: 7
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £436

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 167kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Join us on a guided sea kayaking adventure to explore the wild coasts of the Outer Hebrides.

    Located about sixty kilometres off the northwest coast, this chain of islands are both beautiful and wild, possessing a rich history and unique cultural heritage. With an expert paddling guide, explore pristine sandy beaches, turquoise inlets and intricate rocky shores. As you kayak, look out for otters, dolphins and a myriad of birds, including white-tailed eagles, ringed plovers, redshank, oystercatchers and curlew.

    With no need to worry about logistics, relax each evening in the warmth of cosy accommodation, enjoying hearty meals and lovely company. A place of remote and windswept beauty, sea-kayaking in the Outer Hebrides is an incredibly memorable adventure.

    Trip Highlights

    • Experience the beautiful landscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery of the Outer Hebrides.
    • Paddle with an expert guide, discovering quiet, beautiful beaches and hidden, rocky inlets.
    • Enjoy learning about the unique culture, history and folklore of these remote islands.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Welcome to the Outer Hebrides

    Meet your Wilderness guide at Inverness Railway Station at 7:30am this morning and drive west to Ullapool to catch the ferry to Stornoway. Enjoy the journey, soaking up the views and looking out for whales, dolphins and porpoise. After disembarking, head out for your first paddle of the trip around Stornoway’s sheltered harbour. A lovely and relaxed place to begin your adventure; chat with your guide about the town’s history as you glide through the smooth water. This evening, settle into your accommodation in the historic village of Gearranan, which will be your base for the next three nights. (L, D)

    Day 2 – Exploring Loch Rog an Ear

    Head out this morning for a day of paddling on Loch Rog an Ear, located on the west coast of Lewis. An excellent place to potter around in a sea kayak, enjoying exploring the loch’s many islands as you keep a lookout for wildlife. With birds wheeling high in the sea-soaked air, sip a warm brew and tuck into lunch before nosing back into the water. There may be the opportunity to paddle up to the ancient standing stones of Calanais (or Callanish in its anglicised form), a cruciform-shaped stone circle erected some 5,000 years ago. (B, L, D)

    Day 3 – Paddling An Rubha

    After breakfast this morning, head out into the salty air to explore An Rubha, also known as Eye Penisula. Located just east of Stornoway and joined to the rest of the Lewis by a small isthmus of land known as the Braighe – this is a fantastic area for kayaking. Join your guide to paddle towards Tiumpan Head,  an official sighting spot for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation group. Watch for cetaceans as you chat with your group, soaking up the stunning views below an iridescent sky. Enjoy your final dinner on Lewis tonight before heading to Harris tomorrow. (B, L, D)

    Day 4 - Exploring West Loch Tarbert

    Transfer south today to paddle West Loch Tarbert – a sea loch that separates the northern and southern parts of Harris. From the water, the views are breathtaking, with the heathery, rocky hills of the island stretching up to meet the sky. Paddling up the southern shore, look out for the abandoned houses at Bàgh Slìthcleit and later a chimney and slip – all that remains of the last working commercial whaling station in the UK. Enjoy dinner in Tarbert this evening before settling into your cosy stone cottage, which will be your base for the rest of the trip. (B, L, D)

    Day 5 – The Sound of Taransay

    After a relaxed breakfast and hot, fresh coffee, join your guide to paddle around the island of Taransay– one of the many gems of the Outer Hebrides. Despite its inhospitable looking hills of Lewisian Gneiss, the island was home to a small population up until 1974. Now the largest uninhabited Scottish island, Taransay boasts powdery white beaches, amazing wildlife and fascinating history. As you glide through the turquoise water, chat with your guide about the stories that twine themselves around the isle like seaweed. This evening, return to the warmth of your stone cottage and enjoy dinner. (B, L, D)

    Day 6 - Paddling around Scalpay

    On your penultimate day, enjoy circumnavigating the island of Scalpay. As sunlight bounces off the shimmering water and gulls cry above your head, enjoy the peace of being afloat. Look out for Eilean Glas – a tiny peninsula off Scalpay’s eastern shores, home to the first lighthouse built in the Outer Hebrides. There’s a good chance of seeing seals, dolphins, porpoise and even minke whales too, as well as the opportunity to explore the raft of islands and inlets on the island’s southwest coast. Back on dry land, enjoy a lovely dinner this evening after a day thoroughly well spent. (B, L, D)

    Day 7 – Transfer to Stornoway and depart

    This morning, pack up and jump in with your guide to transfer north to Stornoway. As you drive, enjoy the sweeping views of moor, mountain and seashore, chatting with your group as you travel. Upon arrival in Stornoway, take some time to stretch your legs and have a wander around the town. Catch the 2:00pm ferry back to the mainland and ribbon your way back east to Inverness. Collect your luggage and bid farewell to your guide, who drop you at the Railway Station where your trip will conclude. (B, L)

    X
    Sea Kayaking
    The Outer Hebrides

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

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    4th May - 10th May 20243 places leftGuaranteed £1,695Book Now
    15th Jun - 21st Jun 20247 places leftAvailable £1,695Book Now
    6th Jul - 12th Jul 20245 places leftAvailable £1,695Book Now
    10th Aug - 16th Aug 20241 place leftGuaranteed £1,695Book Now
    31st Aug - 6th Sep 20247 places leftAvailable £1,695Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    For the first three nights, we will be based in a private bunkhouse on the west coast of Lewis. The bunkhouse is in a historic stone-built cottage but has a modern, cosy interior.
    For the next three nights, we will stay in another private bunkhouse on the east coast of the Isle of Harris situated on the island’s “Golden Road”. It’s in a traditional stone cottage with a slipway opposite for easy access to the water.

    At both properties, sleeping arrangements consist of bunk beds with separate rooms for males and females. There are modern shower rooms and bedding is provided. Please bring your own towel and toiletries.

    Single Rooms
    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with other travellers of the same sex.

    Meals Read More

    This trip is all inclusive.
    Some of the breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are prepared ‘expedition style’ with everyone lending a hand in both the preparation and clearing up, with our guide coordinating. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, simply let us know in advance. On the other nights, we visit some of the nearby restaurants or pubs, which offer good food. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in private bunkhouses
    • All meals, from lunch on Day 1 until lunch on Day 7. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Inverness
    • All specialist sea kayaking equipment, including sea kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids
    • The services of our experienced and knowledgeable sea kayak guide throughout your trip
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Our blue graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for fit paddlers with a minimum of 5 full days of sea kayaking experience and 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 in winds of Force 3 (up to 18km/h). On the higher Blue grade trips, you may be paddling in more exposed areas and encounter stronger winds up to Force 4 (up to 30km/h) and breaking waves.

    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.

    If bad weather prevents us from kayaking, your guide will offer an alternative activity, such as a hike.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 7.30am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness Station for 6.45pm 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/

    If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

    Photo Gallery

    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 prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Rachael Gavan

    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 Rachael a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue 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.

    Compare sea kayaking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 63 reviews of Sea Kayaking – The Outer Hebrides

    Show all star ratings

    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.

    FD

    Fred Downes-Grainger

    Reviewed on 23/08/2023

    Age: 40 - 50
    Country: United Kingdom
    Trip Date: 05/08/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A great way to explore some incredible parts of the world, with all the hassle of trip organisation taken care of for you.

    CC

    Colleen Cannon

    Reviewed on 24/06/2013

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Pls note that I would have rated the trip a 5 if not for the equipment issues I mentioned. I am grateful for the wonderful experience overall.

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