THE ISLES OF RAASAY & RONA SEA KAYAK EXPEDITION ~ SCOTLAND

from £490

For five days 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!

As this is a pack and paddle expedition we do not include accommodation on the nights before and after the trip. See accommodation options below.

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Fully Catered option

£590

-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-Fully catered: Fresh, homemade food and cakes provided on expedition.
3 meals per day.

Self Cater Option

£490 Stay at Lochcarron, Shieldaig or Applecross campsites or take advantage of the SYHA hostel in Applecross. Go to http://www.hartfieldhouse.org.uk . If you stay outside Lochcarron please take into account driving times to our kayak base at Lochcarron golf club car park. Use Google maps for journey times.

Price Includes
-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-You need to self cater throughout the expedition
bringing your own cooking kit and food

Contact these great accommodation providers in Lochcarron. All within an easy walk to the Spar, Lochcarron hotel or Bistro, & book yourself in:

Castle Cottage Bed & Breakfast accommodation Lochcarron (castle-cottage-lochcarron.co.uk) – superb location on the shore of Lochcarron in the middle of the village. B&B all year. Half board offered in the winter months.

Self Catering cottages:

Cosy Bungalow in the village of Lochcarron,Highlands of Scotland (vrbo.com)

Explore Holiday Lettings, Cottages & Apartments - HomeToGo

2 bed Cottage in Lochcarron - 10194750 - Moriston Cottage (holidaylettings.co.uk)

Places to stay outside Lochcarron within 40 min drive:

Stay at Shieldaig or Applecross campsites or take advantage of the SYHA hostels in Applecross or Torridon. Go to Hostelling Scotland | Book Direct for Best Price Guaranteed! If you stay outside Lochcarron please take into account driving times to our kayak base at Lochcarron golf club car park. Use Google maps for journey times.

Testimonials

"a more perfect venue for a trip I could not imagine. I just want to say a big, big thank you for enabling me to achieve something that I've always wanted to do. Your care and knowledge was amazing. I know you wont ever mention it but I need to point out the other guided group we met, who were lost in the dark, and who we shared our campsite with, were pretty upset that they hadn't booked with you first. Always go with the locals people and you'll never go wrong. You'll see me again on another trip that's for certain" Jennifer Brown July 2010

Isles of Rona & Raasay expedition

"some of the wild camps we stopped at were the best I've ever been to. Your knowledge of the coastline was second to none. Memories include the Minke whale in the Caol Rona, Dolphins at the north end of the isle of Rona and the Sea Eagle below the cliffs of Dun Cann. Thank you so much for all the care, patience and insight into these wonderful islands. What a privilege" James MacIlroy Aug 2014

"As a returnee to paddling I was seeking adventure, select remote locations, and people that shared my aspirations. My expectations were to see areas unknown to me, review my ability and understand a pathway forward. Mike far exceeded any expectation I had. Clear leadership, clear communication and a level of lifelong experience and safety that can only impress. Mike was consistent in his delivery to make our journey progress, to ensure safety, to widen experience, to share his enormous experience and to share his knowledge of both the immediate and wider area, including all aspects of sea kayaking safety and coastal navigation.
Mike ensures teams work , to make the team work, and facilitates an incredible experience." Jamie Gordon June 2021

Isles of Raasay & Rona Sea Kayak Expedition

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rhona Raasay Expedition

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rona Raasay Expedition

Lazy seal Isles of Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition July 2007

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

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

Taking in the sights!

The volcanic cliffs of Dun Caan, Isle of Raasay - probably the best shoreline paddle in Scotland

Guide Mike Arkley at the Northern tip of the Isle of Rona

High spirits leaving camp, Isle of Rona

Spectacular kayaking looking towards the rugged peaks of the Isle of Skye

In May and early June Puffins are everywhere

Heading home after 5 days out

an elevated kayak camp NW Raasay

About to cross from North Applecross to Rona

Heading south near the Isle of Skye

Trip Description

Sea kayaking in one of Scotland's true wilderness island locations.

This trip is available to competent kayakers who want to paddle one of our expedition single seat kayaks, or, kayakers with limited experience who will be able to enjoy the trip in one of our full sized expedition tandem kayaks.

This is an excellent progression for those who have been on our Inner Sound Expedition trip. 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 full sized expedition kayaks are available for anyone who is not a confident 3 star paddler and these are a great way to allow smaller, less physical paddlers, or older kids to join the trip. Just email us to chat about your requirements.

Our local guides will show you the hidden secrets and beauty of these islands that are right on our doorstep off the Applecross Peninsula and Isle of Skye.

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 via the Crowlin islands where there are great wildlife opportunities.

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

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!) Very good upper body condition & fitness required.
For single kayak: able to perform BCU 3+ star skills. By 'perform' we mean that you have used these skills a lot, in realistic conditions, to avoid capsize. You will also need the fitness/strength to paddle hard into strong wind for extended periods so will also have experience of this and the ability to increase kayak speed into wind and tide if required. If you are a not at these standards then you can still join the expedition but will need to opt for a double kayak shared with a partner/friend.

2024

APRIL 8-12 , 15-19 , 22-26 , 29-3 MAY

MAY 6-10 , 13-17 , 20-21 , 27-31

JUNE 3-7 , 10-14

JULY 8-12 , 15-19 , 22-26 , 29-2 AUG

AUG 5-9 , 12-16 , 19-23 , 26-30

SEP 2-6 , 9-13 , 16-20 , 23-27

OCT 7-11 , 14-18 , 21-25 , 28-1 NOV

Note: Actual activity days shown. Arrival & departure travel days are either side of above dates. Other dates may be available with demand. Email first, before booking, to check space as above dates may already be full.

Groups & Discounts

If you are in any of the following categories then you'll get a discount of 5% per person off the Trip only option shown - discounts are per person only with valid employee id.

Fire , Police , Armed forces currently serving or disabled ex servicemen/women , nurses & paramedic workers (NHS only) , students, Parents & kids - just chat to us by email and we'll apply the discount.

Private Guiding

If you don't want to join an open trip with other people, or have a family/friends group of your own, then private instruction and guiding will meet your goals. Pricing is per person and will depend upon activity, distance travelled, peak or low season. We can email you a quote. Simply let us know where, when, what and for how many people.

Need a Transfer to get to us?

Add an airport pick up or return from Inverness — 2 hours from Applecross, email for a quote for your group size.

Add transfers to/from our nearest rail station (Strathcarron on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line) + £18 each way.

Please email to arrange transfers after booking and place a note in the booking form detailing your requirements.