Kayak Summer Isles: Paddling Adventures in the Scottish Highlands
Embark on a journey of discovery with Kayak Summer Isles, working out of the breathtaking landscapes of Ullapool, Coigach, Assynt, and beyond. This unique kayaking company, spearheaded by passionate local guides including Will Copestake and Tim Hamlet, invites adventurers to explore the remote Scottish Highlands’ coastline and lochs through a variety of tailored paddling experiences.
Unique Kayaking Experiences
Half-Day Sea Kayak Trips: Ideal for those new to kayaking or looking for a brief escape into nature, these sessions offer a taste of the tranquil waters and stunning scenery. Selecting locations based on weather and participant ability, these trips promise an introduction to the coastal beauty and wildlife, priced at £85 per person.
Full-Day Sea Kayak Journeys: For a deeper exploration, full-day trips delve into remote beaches, caves, and archways, allowing paddlers to immerse themselves in the local marine environment. Priced at £95 per person, these tours also include a pause for a hot drink on the shore, courtesy of a wood-fired Kelly Kettle.
Private Coaching and Bespoke Trips: Tailored to individual needs and desires, whether it’s tackling a specific journey or honing paddling skills, Kayak Summer Isles offers personalized coaching and adventures. These bespoke experiences are crafted by advanced sea kayak coaches to fit your ambitions, with prices starting at £250 per day for up to two people.
Overnight Camping Trips: Embark on an unforgettable overnight adventure, where kayaks carry all necessary gear for a comfortable and luxurious camping experience on remote shores. These trips highlight the joy of wild camping, enhanced by expertly prepared local food and the possibility of sunset paddles. Prices and trip lengths vary, providing options for every adventurer.
Summer Isles Overnight Camping Trip
The Kayak Summer Isles’ signature overnight camping trip. This adventure is designed to unveil the breathtaking beauty of the Summer Isles, a collection of islands known for their rugged coastlines, mysterious caves, and pristine sandy beaches.
Experience the Summer Isles Like Never Before
The journey begins at a pre-arranged meeting spot close to the islands at 10 am, where participants will pack their kayaks with everything needed for the adventure ahead. The trip is carefully planned to accommodate paddlers of all skill levels, ensuring a group dynamic that is both supportive and engaging. With an ethos of flexibility and adaptability, the guides at Kayak Summer Isles prepare multiple ‘Plan A’s’ to ensure the group can explore as much or as little as they wish, depending on weather conditions and group desires.
Discover Hidden Treasures
As you paddle through the archipelago, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of wildlife including seals, seabirds, otters, and even porpoises and dolphins. The exploration isn’t limited to the water’s surface; the islands boast numerous caves and archways, as well as secluded beaches that offer moments of tranquillity and connection with nature. The journey is as much about discovering the hidden treasures of the Summer Isles as it is about finding a deeper appreciation for the wilderness.
Sustainable Camping in the Wild
Kayak Summer Isles is committed to preserving the pristine environment of the Summer Isles. The trip utilizes a rotational policy for selecting wilderness camp sites, minimizing impact and adhering to a strict leave-no-trace policy. Evenings are spent in exceptional wild camp spots chosen to suit the weather, where you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner and drinks, possibly under the cover of a yurt tent if the weather turns or out on the rocks basking in the evening light.
The Magic of a Sunset Paddle
One of the highlights of the overnight trip is the chance to embark on a sunset paddle. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the ancient Torridonian sandstone cliffs glow a fiery red, offering a paddling experience that is nothing short of magical. This moment, where time seems to stand still, encapsulates the essence of adventure in the Highlands.
Lewis and Harris Expedition
For those seeking the ultimate expedition experience, Kayak Summer Isles offers an adventurous journey along the wild Atlantic coasts of Lewis and Harris. This expedition style journey is designed for the adventurous spirit, offering awe-inspiring scenery, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches, with the itinerary shaped by weather conditions and group preferences.
Canoeing Adventures
Beyond sea kayaking, the company invites guests to explore Scotland’s majestic rivers and lochs by canoe. Offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, these excursions provide a different perspective on the Highlands’ beauty, with prices starting at £85 for adults. Each trip is designed to cater to participants’ pace and ambition, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone.
Corrieshalloch Gorge Exploration
The exploration of Corrieshalloch Gorge, Britain’s most profound box canyon, presented by Kayak Summer Isles. This natural marvel, carved by the forces of the last Ice Age, presents an awe-inspiring adventure for those drawn to the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Stretching approximately 1.5km in length and plunging 60 meters deep, the gorge offers a journey back in time, surrounded by ancient geology and thriving ecosystems.
A Journey Through Prehistoric Landscapes
Visiting Corrieshalloch Gorge feels like stepping into a scene from the Jurassic period. With dragonflies darting through the air and the lush vegetation clinging to the steep canyon walls, it’s a place that ignites the imagination. The Victorian-era suspension bridge that spans the Falls of Measach adds a touch of human history to the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the waterfalls and the gorge below.
Immersive Natural Experience
Exploring the gorge, you’re invited to experience the natural world in its rawest form. The path narrows, the air cools with the mist from the falls, and the sounds of nature envelop you. The sides of the canyon, covered in ferns, mosses, and bryophytes, are a haven for endangered plants, insects, and birds. Guides from Kayak Summer Isles are keen to share their knowledge of this unique ecosystem, pointing out the diverse flora and fauna that make the gorge their home. The scent of wild garlic in summer and the echoing calls of wrens add to the sensory experience.
Navigating Corrieshalloch
The exploration of Corrieshalloch Gorge is an adventure that requires a degree of physical fitness and comfort with rough terrain. The journey involves navigating slippery boulders, occasionally submerged in water, clambering over small waterfall steps, and swimming short distances. It’s a non-technical canyon exploration, accessible to those with some experience in outdoor activities like hillwalking. The entire trek, in and out from below the falls, covers about 3km and takes roughly 4-5 hours to complete.
Commitment to Sustainability From Kayak Summer Isles
At the heart of Kayak Summer Isles is a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From adhering to leave-no-trace principles on overnight trips to promoting wildlife-friendly practices, every adventure is designed with the health of the planet in mind. The team’s passion for the local environment is evident in their efforts to provide eco-friendly adventures that celebrate the natural beauty of the Highlands without compromising its integrity.
Embarking on a journey with Kayak Summer Isles is more than just a kayaking trip; it’s an immersive experience in one of the world’s most stunning natural settings. With a variety of trips and adventures on offer, there’s something for every level of paddler to explore the serene lochs, rugged coastline, and remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
For a truly comprehensive exploration of what Kayak Summer Isles offers, including detailed trip descriptions, pricing, and booking information, visitors are encouraged to reach out directly or visit their website. Here, the promise of adventure awaits, ready to unfold the hidden treasures of the Highlands from the unique vantage point of a kayak or canoe.
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