Sea Kayaking - Introduction Course

If you haven't tried sea-kayaking in Scotland before, this short break kayaking course for beginners will equip you with the essential kayaking skills to get you started and ready for longer sea-kayak journeys. Based at Upper Loch Torridon in the north-west Highlands, you will benefit from lots of kayaking instruction but also enjoy some of the finest sea-kayaking in Scotland as we explore Loch Torridon and the surrounding coastline in this area.

Unlike our other sea-kayaking holidays in Scotland which involve wild camping, this trip is based indoors, enjoying comfortable accommodation at a private bunkhouse on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. It has hot showers, warm beds and a cosy, rustic feel, with a wood-burning stove in the living area. This means that if you get wet in the kayaks, you can be assured that a hot shower and a warm bed await you at the end of the day!

The group size has a maximum of 8 clients so you will receive personal kayak coaching throughout the trip from our highly qualified sea-kayaking guide. Scotland is a wonderful destination for sea-kayaking holidays, and this short break is the perfect introduction to this fascinating activity, opening up the possibility of joining some of our longer sea-kayak journeys in the future.

Starts: 1030 hours, Inverness
Ends: 1600 hours, Inverness

0131 625 6635

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 & Sea-Kayaking Instruction, Upper Loch Torridon
You will be met by your guide at Inverness Railway station from where we travel to the north-west Highlands. After settling in and a welcome from the guide, you will have your first experience of sea-kayaking in the sheltered sea-loch of Upper Loch Torridon. Returning to the bunkhouse, we will prepare our evening meal and discuss our aims for the trip.

Day 2 & Sea-Kayaking Instruction, Upper Loch Torridon
After a relaxing breakfast, we will return to Upper Loch Torridon and launch the kayaks once again. Your guide will introduce you to new kayaking strokes before you set off on an exploration of this beautiful loch, perhaps venturing into Loch Shieldaig, stopping for lunch in one of the sandy bays. Surrounded by the imposing Torridon mountains, you will develop your sea-kayaking skills and gain confidence to allow a longer journey on the sea the following day.

Day 3 & Sea-Kayaking in Torridon or Applecross
Today we will build on your skills and enjoy a paddle, exploring some of the beautiful coastline or perhaps even visiting some of the islands which are located just off the coastline of the North West Highlands.

Day 4 - Sea-Kayaking in Applecross
Sea-kayaking in Applecross is superb and on this journey we explore Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island. Known for its beautiful Scots Pines, heronry and seal population, the island is protected by the National Trust for Scotland. We may paddle further along the north Applecross coast and kayak into Loch Torridon or to the remote Diabaig coastline before kayaking back to the pretty village of Shieldaig. After a warm shower at the bunkhouse, we will visit the local pub for a hearty meal and to reflect on a superb day of sea-kayaking.

Day 5 & Sea-Kayaking Journey, Applecross
The final day will see you embark on a sea-kayaking journey in Loch Kishorn on the southern coast of Applecross. We will kayak across the bay to Kishorn Island with its seal colony, using our enhanced sea-kayaking skills as we journey through this beautiful corner of Scotland. We'll kayak back to shore early afternoon, load up the kayaks and travel back to Inverness for the end of the sea-kayaking course.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On this sea-kayaking for beginners course, you will be based in a private bunkhouse located on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. The bunkhouse has a traditonal and rustic feel, with a wood-burning stove in the centre of the main living area. However, it has been recently upgraded and boasts a modern kitchen, warm showers and is cosy and dry.

Food is 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 are willingly catered for – simply let us know in advance. On the final night, we have dinner in a local pub with an excellent menu.

There are 2 dormitory-style bedrooms with 4 beds in each. One dorm will be allocated to males and the other for females.

With sea-kayaking being an activity which lends itself perfectly to longer journeys, we feel that this style of accommodation is in keeping with learning the skills necessary for trips involving wild camping, as there will be teamwork involved in preparing the meals. However, we feel it is important at the end of each day to know that you are coming back to somewhere warm and dry.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

From : £499 (£525 in July & Aug)

24th April - 28th April 2011

8th May - 12th May 2011

30th May - 3rd June 2011

12th June - 16th June 2011

3rd July - 7th July 2011

17th July - 21st July 2011

24th July - 28th July 2011

31st July - 4th August 2011

14th August - 18th August 2011

21st August - 25th August 2011

4th September - 8th September 2011

25th September - 29th September 2011

0131 625 6635