What To Expect From Our Introduction to Sea Kayaking Holiday

The Introduction to Sea Kayaking trip is a five day course that takes you from having little or no experience to being able to confidently paddle a sea kayak in a variety of conditions. This is done at some of the best locations for kayaking on the West Coast of Scotland; Sheildaig, Applecross, and Torridon. This is a fantastic way to develop your paddling skills with the added comfort of great restaurants serving up local Scottish delicacies and a cosy bunkhouse at the end of each day.

What Can I Expect?

Read on for a detailed day-to-day account of what you can expect if you join us for the week. We hope to answer some of the questions you may have. Please remember that this is an example of what one of our trips could be like; all paddling trips are dependent on a number of factors, from the weather to your guides. Your Wilderness guides may have to choose other locations than those mentioned in this blog or on the trip itinerary. This decision will be explained and discussed with you so you understand why a site is unsuitable – whether tidal, wind, or skill reasoning. There are many fantastic locations to paddle within the Torridon and Applecross area to explore, so you won’t be left disappointed.

Sea Kayaking on Loch Torridon

Loch Torridon is a sea loch approx 25 km/15 miles in length. On day two of your Sea Kayaking Introduction Course, you will explore part of this loch. A there-and-back-again trip may be the itinerary, or a longer paddle where your guides have to shuttle the trailer and vehicle may be the option. To ensure you are comfortable, you will reconfirm what you learned yesterday and sort out any tweaks to your foot peg positions or backrests. The main objective is to focus on learning to keep your sea kayak in a straight line whilst paddling, and skills sessions on manoeuvring the boats. All this is done whilst exploring the loch so keep your eyes peeled for seals and porpoises and to the sky for eagles!

The course is not only to develop your paddling skills but also to enhance your independent paddling knowledge. There will be time to get our maps and sea charts to look at tidal flows, how the tide affects paddling, and how to plan for your paddle – all of which will help you be involved in where you go for the next few days. Tonight, you and your group will visit one of the local restaurants in the area, a firm favourite is Gille Brighde, in Diabeg.

Shieldaig is one of the favourite places to paddle. It is an idyllic fishing village a short drive from our accommodation and home to a nesting pair of white-tailed sea eagles that can be seen flying overhead.

There are a few options for the paddle around Shieldaig. Whichever you plan, you have a high chance of spotting seals and porpoises. And a paddle up the northern coast will take you close to film locations for Loch Ness and King Arthur. With calmer waters, you can cross the open water to the southern coast, where you may spot otters on the shore, where a running stream of fresh water meets salt water.

Skill Development

For those wanting to push their skills, looking at introducing ‘edge’ to your paddling toolbox and paddling speed are all valuable in developing your skills to be more efficient and effective. The final evening is spent in Shieldaig, eating out at the local restaurant with an array of seafood dishes, and many other options for vegan, gluten-free, and meat eaters too.

Wilderness Scotland offers several women only departures on a variety of scheduled trips, including our Sea Kayaking Introduction Course. These trips have been designed to encourage more women to build confidence and develop skills in adventure activities that have previously been considered male-dominated.

“A break away from the everyday routine that I will always remember – especially for the company of the group and the resulting shared experience. I haven’t laughed so much for ages.” – Jane Carwithen, 12/05/2023

Women in Adventure

“The guides were exceptional, I felt totally safe and encouraged. I was with a wonderful bunch – very funny and supportive.” – Ann Pamment, 08/09/2021

When guiding a women only trip, it is clear that it is not about the absence of males but more about being in a relaxed environment without competition or feeling elements of pressure. The pressure we as individuals put on ourselves internally can directly affect the levels of stress we have.  Being in a relaxed environment with like-minded women breaks down barriers, opens the mind, and allows a sense of calmness. The feeling of enrichment and enjoyment are dominant on women-focused trips, generally involving lots of laughter, forming strong friendships and having a greater sense of freedom.