Sea Kayak Touring & Expeditions

2 Day Version - Usually a Saturday & Sunday - we'll cover all the basics on the first day and on day two we'll aim to head out for the whole day taking in some local Islands on the way and stopping for lunch at one of the many beaches.

These trips take place over any weekend in the summer and are particularly popular on the bank holiday weekends. We can also run the two days at any other time for groups of three or more. Find out what sea kayaking is all about ~ beaches, seals, otters and more.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - a relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Use of the paddle and all the basic control techniques will be covered. In the afternoon we'll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for a day tour on Sunday.

Day Two - A short planning session in the morning will allow you an insight into how to plan a day expedition safely - weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning until late afternoon we'll get out into the wilds, visit a beach or two, see some seals and more.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Schedule	Meet Fri night, kayak days Sat & Sun, depart Sun pm or stay for group farewell in pub Sun night, depart Mon morning.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness (regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience sea kayaking without the camping/expedition element.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£150	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:8	Check Dates & Availability

As above except with an overnight camp on the Sun/Mon allowing a 'mini-expedition' element to the trip.

This is the shortest overnight camp trip we do and is a great intro if you’re short of time. Our Inner Sound Kayak Expedition is simply an extended version of this trip and as such is still beginner orientated but with more time to train, explore and immerse yourself in the wilds.

Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£210	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Cost - Full Board Accommodation, all meals at guest house & on overnight camps.	£305	Full Board inclusive of arrival & departure nights, (3 nights) Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:6	Check Dates & Availability

Our most popular beginner trip with lots of time in days one & two for teaching & practice & a three day camping expedition allowing time out in the wilds.

We’ll ease you in with some splashing about on Applecross bay covering all the basics on day one, including a short coastal trip. On day two well be able to develop your paddle skills with intermediate training and learning how to get back into your kayak in the event of a capsize. For the next three days the weather will determine where we go on expedition.

Typically we paddle around the Crowlin Islands, staying at Uags bothy and maybe camping on one of the Islands eventually to return to Applecross bay. Wildlife is vibrant on the coastal fringes and local Islands and if the weather is really good then we can cross the Inner Sound to the Isle of Raasay allowing us a chance to see Puffins, whales, seasonal Dolphins, and the ever present Porpoises.

Your course base on the full board option will be Caol Mhor guest house where you’ll be well looked after by Rhona & Gerry. This trip also has a course only option if you wish to stay on the campsite.

This is the best beginner introduction to sea kayaking with time to train & learn properly, before the expedition, & enough time on the camping trip to experience some great sheltered paddling over the three days. Shell & Maerl coral beaches, as well as soft Torridonian sandstone landing spots, make for a varied coastal experience. With bothy or tent accommodation in the evenings, & the stunning Cuillin Ridge as a backdrop, this is an unforgettable trip.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - a relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Use of the paddle and all the basic control techniques will be covered. In the afternoon we’ll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for progressing towards intermediate skills tomorrow.

Day Two - some more practice of the day one skills with progression into the paddle skills that help you to be stable. The afternoon is given over to learning how to help each other get back into your kayaks — essential safety skills for anyone kayaking at sea. ( no one will be made to go upside down during this week)

The Expedition Days three to five - A planning session in the morning will allow you an insight into how to plan a multi-day expedition safely — weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning we’ll begin packing and preparing to paddle of into the wilderness to return on Friday afternoon refreshed and hooked on wilderness kayaking.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

An Inner Sound Kayak Experience ~ By Alison Dun

Schedule	Meet Sun night, kayak days Mon to Fri, depart Fri pm or stay for group farewell in pub, depart Sat morning.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience sea kayaking with a longer camping/expedition element.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£360	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Cost - Full Board Accommodation, all meals at guest house & on overnight camps.	£550 4 nights guest house, 2 on camp	Full Board inclusive of arrival & departure nights, Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:6	Check Dates & Availability

A weekend designed for anyone with basic paddle skills and an important safety weekend if you've done a little or a lot of sea kayaking.

The focus on day one will be to introduce or improve any recovery skills, rough water handling and surfing techniques concentrating on individual abilities. By day two you'll have a clear idea of what to work on as well as what works well in certain conditions. Most of day two will be spent concentrating on deep water rescue techniques. The skills covered this weekend are essential to your safety and enjoyment on the sea enabling you to be a far more confident paddler on future trips. This weekend also qualifies you to join any of our Canada, Arctic Norway or intermediate Scottish expeditions.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - Morning on low brace & high brace recovery, outrigger support, reactions to wave form, edging & turning in heavy seas (theory covered in easier conditions) and surf rudders.
Afternoon - Kayak Roll workshop looking at re-entry & roll, sweep and C to C rolls.

Day Two - Morning of self rescue skills using a variety of methods to re-enter the kayak.
Afternoon given over to group safety management in rough conditions and group/assisted rescue scenarios.

Suitable for	Paddlers at 2 star level or beyond (no need to have a certificate), advanced beginners, sea kayakers who've paddled for years and may be rusty or looking to improve/refresh. Groups of friends or clubs looking to train and improve group understanding & safety.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£150	Based in Applecross (we can run this trip near to you if you have a group of 6 or more)- you arrange your own food & accommodation. Applecross campsite available as well as bunkhouse, B&B etc - self cater or eat at the Inn, Walled Garden restaurant or campsite cafe- all details on the Peninsula home page. 10% off for groups of 6 or more.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:8	Check Dates & Availability

For nearly a week we’ll go with the winds and tides on a flexible plan aiming to circumnavigate both Islands.

This trip is available only to competent kayakers and previous course participants of Mountain & Sea Guides who have been on our Inner Sound course. A week out in the boats will allow us to get to places that are completely uninhabited and untouched by man. Even the wild life changes farther out around these Islands with whales and Dolphins being frequent visitors to the Sound of Raasay and the Minch. This is a challenging trip and as such requires good upper body fitness and condition.

Duration ~ Sunday to Friday with an expedition planning session on the Sun morning & expedition start Sunday pm. Following a preparation and packing session, and returning late the following Friday afternoon.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - Paddle to the Scenic Crowlin Islands and camp.

Day Two - Crossing of the South Inner Sound to South Raasay and continue up the West side of the island to camp Manish Point. Superb views of the Cuillin mountains on Skye all day.

Day Three - Continue via Eilean Fladday to North Rona and camp with an ever increasing wilderness feel to the trip.

Day Four - Paddle the West side of the Isle of Rona to the Caol Rona and continue down the East side of Raasay to camp at Brochel Bay.

Day Five - Paddle below the volcanic cliffs of Dun Caan to cross the Sound back to the Crowlin Islands to camp or continue to Uags bothy and camp.

Day Six - Head North to finish Applecross Bay.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Schedule	Meet Sat night, kayak days Sun to Fri, depart Fri pm or stay for group farewell in pub Fri night, depart Sat morning.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience sea kayaking with a longer camping/expedition element. Suitable for ~ Paddlers with three star ability ( no need to have a star award — ask us for advise on this) or anyone who has been on our Inner Sound Expedition. Very good upper body condition & fitness required as some of the paddling days can be long.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£395	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:6	Check Dates & Availability

Spend 5 days exploring the great sea lochs, cliffs, caves & headlands of the Misty Isle from a campsite base.

To get the best out of the paddling week we initially base ourselves at Edinbane campsite allowing easy access to locations such as Loch Dunvegan & North Skye. Towards the second half of this trip we’ll head to South Skye to camp at Sligachean campsite and paddle out to the Sound of Raasay and, probably the most spectacular paddling venue in Scotland, Loch Scavaig & the Cuillin Ridge. Being mobile each day, with mini bus & kayak trailer, we can choose the most sheltered locations to paddle each day while experiencing the best that Skye has to offer.

Typical Itinerary:

Sunday - Your travel day — get to Portree, Kyle of Lochalsh, Strathcarron or Loch Carron for Sunday night ready for pick up on Monday morning. Rail connections and bus available to all locations — see Scotrail or Scottish Citylink.

Monday - We travel from our base in Applecross with all the kayaks & kit to pick up all trip participants at the locations en-route to North Skye and settle in to Edinbane campsite early ready for an afternoon kayak trip with instruction period before hand. Explore the small Island of Isay & its nearby coral beach from the village of Stein.

Tuesday - Head to the North tip of Skye for the day to either Rubha Hunish or Kilmaluag Bay & the Flodigarry sea cliffs. Second night at Edinbane.

Wednesday - Head South to Loch Bracadale to explore the caves of the Isle of Wiay. Camp at Sligachean.

Thursday - Paddle out from Elgol to Camusunary and Loch Coruisk below the Cuillin ridge.

Friay - South to the Sleat peninsula and a paddle out around the point of Sleat. Trips ends Friday afternoon in Kyle of Loch Alsh — you can arrange to stay in Kyle on this night — details upon booking.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Schedule	Travel Sun ready for Monday morning pick up, kayak days Mon to Fri, final night Fri — travel now or sat.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience some varied sea kayaking on day tours. Not for complete beginners as this is essentially a turn up & start paddling trip. Instruction will be offered each day so all you need is reasonable paddle knowledge — ie: the ability to use a paddle and perform all the basic strokes.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£360	You pay your own camp fees & self cater throughout. (All kayak & kit provided, all transport included during trip). Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:6	Check Dates & Availability

Duration: 5 days ~ Join us on an exploration of the most Fjordlike sea loch in Scotland.

This Five day trip is based in Applecross for the first two days of training and preparation in the bay after which we’ll be ready to explore Loch Hourn.

Days three to five will be spent on expedition camping on the shores and beaches of Loch Hourn. Opportunities to scale some of the remote peaks that tower above the loch will be possible as we take the easy way in by sea.

Famed for its wildness and beauty, Knoydart & its Northern shores offer scenic sea paddling like no other. This trip requires no previous kayaking experience so presents a chance to get into Knoydart without lugging all your kit on your back.

Duration ~ 5 days

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - A relaxed morning learning the foundation skills of paddling. Use of the paddle and all the basic control techniques will be covered. In the afternoon we’ll develop these skills to put you fully in control of your kayak ready for progressing towards intermediate skills tomorrow.

Day Two - Some more practice of the day one skills with progression into the paddle skills that help you to be stable. The afternoon is given over to learning how to help each other get back into your kayaks — essential safety skills for anyone kayaking at sea. (no one will be made to go upside down during this week).

The Expedition Days Three to Five - A planning session in the morning will allow you an insight into how to plan a multi-day expedition safely — weather, tides, charts & navigation, kit needs and general safety tips all feature. From late morning we’ll begin packing and preparing our vehicle & trailer for the transfer to the North shore of Loch Hourn ready to paddle of into the great sea loch to return on Friday afternoon & return to Applecross for the last night.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Schedule	Meet Sun night, kayak days Mon & Fri, final night in pub Fri night, depart Sat morning.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience sea kayaking with a longer camping/expedition element. And a full day on one of the Knoydart mountains.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£390	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Cost - Full Board Accommodation, all meals at guest house & on overnight camps.	£580	Full Board inclusive of arrival & departure nights, Coal Mhor Guest House, Camusteel ( 4 nights guest house, 2 at camp )
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:6	Check Dates & Availability

Duration: 3 days ~ A huge natural land fault has given us the Great Glen filled with Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness. The Caledonian Canal links all three lochs allowing us an expedition which begins in Fort William at south Loch Lochy and culminates at the Dochgarroch locks, Inverness.

We allow three days and two nights for the trip, wild camping at Loch Oich and Loch Ness. This trip requires a good degree of upper body fitness as the paddling can be long and arduos. You don’t need any kayak experience as we’ll spend time training at South Loch Lochy before departure. Email us and we can discuss the trip with you.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - Meet in Fort William this morning & transfer to our Loch Lochy start point where a paddling skills session will be followed by a packing session prior to departure. We’ll paddle the length of Loch Lochy to camp at Loch Oich. Any vehicles can be left here to be collected on Tuesday.

Day Two - Loch Oich to Urquhart Bay on Loch Ness via the canals and Fort Augustus Locks. A long but varied day.

Day Three - Urquhart Bay to the Dochgarroch Locks, Inverness and finish. Continue home via Inverness bus, train or plane or catch the Citylink bus back down the Great Glen to collect your car.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Schedule	Meet Sun morning, kayak days Sun - Tue.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) and an attitude towards long, hard paddling days on this our most challenging of kayak trips.
Cost - Course Only All instruction, guiding kit & course delivery. You pay your own accommodation & self cater throughout.	£310	Stay at the Applecross Campsite in cosy winter Wishbone Cabins or camp.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:8	Check Dates & Availability

Our destination kayak venue is Johnston Strait & the Broughton Archipeligo Marine Park. Way up on the North part of Vancouver Island, starting from the haven of Telegraph cove, we will access a multitude of islands and wildlife habitat.

Johnston Strait is famous for its Orca whales, Bald Eagles and numerous Sea Lion colonies. But it’s the Orcas that people really visit this area for. As one of the most studied groups of Orca on the planet much is known about the family groups that live here all year round and sightings from a sea kayak are a unique and special experience. The area is also well known for its Black Bear population and, although a bit shy compared to the Orcas, sightings may be possible.

As part of a week long expedition we’ll travel on a self sufficient basis, fully equipped, island hopping through the Broughton Archipeligo Marine National Park. Campsites are wild but comfortable with plenty of driftwood available for those evenings round the fire. It’s a long way to go from the UK but well worth the effort as the wildlife here is intact with natural forests, shorelines and habitats allowing umbrella species, such as Bear, Eagles and Whales, to flourish.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - Fly UK to Vancouver ( from your nearest local international airport) to meet at first night accommodation in city of Vancouver

Day Two - Take the whole day to explore this fantastic city surrounded by mountains before catching a local twin prop aircraft 250 miles North to Port Hardy and transfer to Port McNeil Haida Way motel or campsite. Alternatively catch the Greyhound bus North direct to Port McNeil at half the price.

Days Three to Nine - Spend the morning gathering expedition provisions from Port McNeil stores. Mon PM: packing and preparation for expedition prior to departure mid afternoon to first night wild camp. Further expedition days — all plans subject to weather with each day being planned accordingly. Return Sunday afternoon to Telegraph Cove and a slap up meal.

Day Ten - Return to Vancouver and your first night in a real bed for over a week. Night out in the city.

Day Eleven - A day to explore Vancouver & area — this day also allows a safety margin before the long haul flight in case of any weather difficulties delaying travel yesterday from the North. You can fly this day if you are catching the greyhound on day 10 as the bus is less prone to weather problems — we still advise a days grace though to ensure catching your flight home.

Day Twelve - Fly home but usually with most of the day to see more of Vancouver before a late PM flight.

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Read Will Browns diary of the September 2007 kayak expedition

Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) and a desire to explore the wildest of places. Although this trip is suitable for beginners we will be offering taster sessions/weekends here at our base in Scotland. These will be free to people booking on this trip to Canada. We will also provide a suggested practice and training programme so as to ensure that you get the most out of your paddling in British Columbia. Anyone joining this trip who has not paddled with us before needs to have acquired all the basic paddle skills.
Cost - Course Only	£675	This includes all your guides/instructors, all equipment hire and kayak/paddle, all food, fuel and supplies whilst on the expedition part of the trip.
Not Included	Your flight from the UK to Vancouver or your internal flight from Vancouver to Port Hardy.
Guide Prices	Zoom Airlines offer great deals to Vancouver from London Gatwick often as little as £350 ( budget for up to £500 for the ten hour flight). Other carriers are now dropping prices too. Internal flight in Canada to our destination should cost £170 return.
Other Costs	Three or four nights accommodation either side of the kayak expedition plus any food during this time ( you can opt for campsite accommodation in Port McNeil & Telegraph Cove and B&B or Hostel accommodation in Vancouver city ) All details on booking. You won’t have much to spend money on once we’re in the wilds and only a couple of days around Vancouver as a tourist so not much extra expense unless you go mad — aircraft weight restrictions should keep you safe!
		Check Dates & Availability

Sea kayaking in the land of the midnight sun amidst some of the most spectacular mountain & seascapes on the planet. The Lofoten archiplego is just stunning with sheer cliffs, spectacular mountains, sandy beaches & 24 hour daylight. We run one trip per year to this unique venue with limited places.

150 -200 km north of the Arctic Circle lies the chain of rocky peaks known as the Lofoten islands. As you paddle along beside sheer waterfalls the mountains simply appear out of the sea punctuated by sandy beaches offering easy landings and amazing wild camps. Puffins, Seals and other arctic wildlife live in the deep fjords of the archipelago. Our ultimate expedition plan will be decided along with local weather plans when we meet you in Lofoten. The main aim of the week is to paddle into Trollfjorden spending several days getting in and out, wild camping along the way, exploring the Fjords & mountains of the area. At least one day in the week will involve a day trip into Bunesfjord — one of the real highlights of the southern part of the Lofoten chain.

Typical Itinerary:

Day One - Fly UK to Oslo to Bodo — you then have the option of getting the fast boat or a short 30 min flight to Svolvaer which is the start point of our trip. Alternatively you can opt to use the train to Bodo if you’ve got the time.

Day Two - Get aqainted with your kayak and kit prior to our first day paddle which will ideally be into Bunesfjord.

Days Three to Seven - Spend the morning gathering expedition provisions prior to packing and preparation for expedition & departure mid afternoon to first night wild camp. Further expedition days in the Trollfjorden area— all plans subject to weather with each day being planned accordingly. Return Friday afternoon to Svolvaer

Day Eight - Travel home

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) and a desire to explore the wildest of places. Although this trip is suitable for beginners anyone joining this trip who has not paddled with us before needs to have acquired all the basic paddle skills.
Cost - Course Only	£675	This includes all your guides/instructors, all equipment hire and kayak/kit, all food & fuel whilst on the expedition part of the trip.
Not Included	Your return travel from the UK to Norway. You will also need to be self sufficient with a light tent for the expedition and personal eating utensils ( all of which can be hired locally if you’d rather not carry them during your travel.
Other Costs	Accommodation either side of the kayak expedition plus any food during this time ( you can opt for budget campsite accommodation in Svolvaer or Kabelvag, where we begin & end the trip, or use hotels/guest houses. All details on booking.
		Check Dates & Availability

Duration One Week ~ the Kornati Islands , Croatia

“On the last day of creation, God decided to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath” — George Bernard Shaw

In warm water, and comfortable temperatures out with the baking heat of the main season, you can escape the overcrowded Aug-Sep main tourist season and enjoy the region at its best.

Our venue is just south of the Zadar & Pag Island area within an hours drive to the Paklenica national park. No experience needed for the trip as we aim to teach as well as guide you through the clear Croatian waters.

With up to 147 islands, & uninhabited coves & shorelines, the Kornati Islands National Park offers the largest and densest archipelago in the Adriatic. With an unspoilt nature, benefiting from the protection of the park status, these islands are stunning. We base ourselves at the Nord See campsite in the village of Pakostane during the non expedition days. The Cheap flights are now available to Croatia . Our destination airport is Zadar which is currently served by Stanstead with Ryanair.

Typical Itinerary:

Sunday - Paddling around the Pakostane area learning the basics ready for your expedition.

Monday - Crossing of the Vrgadski Canal to camp North of Kosara Island.

Tuesday - Continue across the Sitski Canal to get into the Kornati Archipeligo and camp in the Uvala Mir with its spectacular cliff scenery.

Wednesday - Explore the Western Cliffs of the Telascica Peninsula — spectacular paddling on the edge of the Adriatic. Second night at Uvala Mir ( Peace Bay )

Thursday - Return through the Archipeligo towards the Croatian mainland to camp on the sandy beach at Vrgada Island.

Friday - Cross the Vrgadski Canal and return to Pakostane and the Nord See campsite.

Saturday - Fly home ( or stay on in Croatia and explore the inland lakes and mountains )

Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only as actual plans will be flexible to suit group & prevailing weather.

Site is well facilitated with a bar and restaurant onsite and has its own little beach providing an ideal start & finish point for our expedition.

More information about the Kornati Islands.

Schedule	Meet Sat night at Zadar airport entrance, kayak days Sun to Fri, final night on Fri, depart Sat to transfer to airport.
Suitable for	Anyone with good fitness ( regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) wanting to experience sea kayaking with a longer camping/expedition element.
Cost - Course Only	£525	Price includes all your kayak equipment, instructor/guide for the week.
Instructor:Client Ratio	1:8	Check Dates & Availability