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Sea Kayaking in Scotland, Canada, Croatia, Arctic Norway

Kayaking in Scotland: Isles Of Raasay and Rona Expedition

from £380

For nearly a week we’ll go with the winds and tides on a flexible plan aiming to circumnavigate both Islands. Expedition food is provided with fresh, local ingredients and our own secret cake recipes!

Trip Option 1

£420

-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-Free pick up at local rail station (Strathcarron)
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-Fully catered: Fresh, homemade food and cakes provided on expedition.

-Add an airport pick up or return from Inverness — 2 hours from Applecross add £35 each way.

Trip Option 2

£380

-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-Free pick up at local rail station (Strathcarron)
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-You need to self cater throughout the expedition

Add an airport pick up or return from Inverness — 2 hours from Applecross add £35 each way.

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rhona Raasay Expedition

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rhona Raasay Expedition

Lazy seal Isles of Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition July 2007

Lazy seal Isles of Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition July 2007

Up close personal with one of our locals Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition

Up close personal with one of our locals Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition

Volcanic scenery on south Isle of Raasay Inner Sound paddling July 2007

Volcanic scenery on south Isle of Raasay Inner Sound paddling July 2007

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Taking in the sights!

Trip Description

Sea kayaking in one of Scotland's true wildernesses.

This trip is available only to competent kayakers and is an excellent progression for those who have been on our Inner Sound Expedition course. A week out in the boats will allow us to get to places that are completely uninhabited and untouched by man and experience the true beauty of sea kayaking and wilderness living. 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 and rewarding trip and as such requires good upper body fitness and condition and  3 star paddle skill levels for those wanting to paddle a single kayak (no certificate required). Double kayaks are available for anyone who is not a confident 3 star paddler.

Our local guides will show you the hidden secrets and beauty of these islands that are right on our doorstep off the Applecross Peninsula. Our itinerary involves open crossings via the Crowlin Islands to South Raasay with crossings of the North Inner Sound as well. This is the wildest and best way to explore Raasay and Rona as we avoid the short access points via the busy Raasay ferry area at Sconser. The majority of paddlers and expeditions use the easier Sconser route limiting paddling and missing out the adventure of crossing the Inner Sound. 

Duration: Monday to Friday with an expedition planning session on the Monday morning and setting off following a preparation and packing session. Returning late the following Friday afternoon.

View a Typical Itinerary
 

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 heading North to finish at Applecross Bay.

On some trips the itnerary allows crossings of the North Inner Sound from North Rona across to the great beaches of Cuaig Bay and Sands on the Applecross Peninsula.

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

Schedule

Monday morning meet
Monday to Friday kayak days
Friday pm depart or stay for group farewell in pub Friday night, departing Saturday morning

Instructor Ratio

1:6

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 advice 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.