2024 Sea Kayaking Expeditions Roundup
We are so lucky in Scotland. We’ve got a beautiful coastline, a myriad of uninhabited islands, some of the world’s best tidal races, coupled with access legislation that gives us the right to wild camp responsibly. Put all that together and Scotland is a genuinely world-class destination for sea kayaking expeditions.
With that in mind, it’s fair to say that 2024 unfortunately did not bring us vintage conditions! Throughout the summer we never really got a sustained period of stable weather. But in spite, or perhaps even because of the uncompromising forecasts, I had some great trips, with some lovely groups of paddlers. We managed to find the conditions that put our paddling under pressure, but didn’t end up with us all bobbing around in the water! Here are some of the highlights from this year’s sea kayaking expeditions.
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Summer Isles – September
On our ‘Introduction to Sea Kayaking‘ courses, we do our best to include an overnight trip to show people that sort of adventures sea kayaking can take them on. One of our favourite spots is the Summer Isles. They give a lovely feeling of remoteness, but they’re fairly sheltered and you don’t need to paddle huge distances to get there.
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Following a breezy week, we had absolutely stunning conditions for our mini expedition. After getting the tents up, we went for an evening paddle out around Glas-Leac Mor (the big green flat rock in my very amateur Gaelic translation). A curious seal came out to investigate us and we had stunning light from the low sun, dipping towards the horizon as we paddled back to our camp spot.
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Firth of Lorn – August
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This expedition featured not one, but two storms. We made the most of our Tuesday weather window to get round the island of Luing. Wisely choosing to do the hard bit first, we set off into a force 4-5 headwind. That set us up for a cracking downwind run along the Sound of Luing. We crossed over the sound to peer into the tidal race at Bealach a’ Choin Ghlais (the Grey Dogs), but given the swell from the previous storm, we decided as a team not to head through. We managed to find enough excitement coming up the sound. As the north going flow ricocheted off the Cobblers of Lorn, it pushed across the South-westerly wind, giving us a few hundred metres of short choppy waves, with the odd breaker. The group coped admirably, and with strong winds forecast for the following day, we camped in the most sheltered place we could find, inside one of the old slate quarries on the north of Luing.
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The following day, the winds were as forecast, so the morning was spent in the Atlantic Islands Centre in Cullipool, learning about the history of the Slate Islands and enjoying some excellent coffee and cake. In the afternoon the wind had dropped off to force 5. Most of the team were happy to enjoy the sunshine at our sheltered camping spot, but one intrepid individual was keen to experience a bit of rock hopping and tidal flow around Cuan Sound.
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North West – September
With a wet and windy forecast, we opted to spend a couple of nights at Uags bothy, south of Applecross.
On our first day at Uags, the forecast had winds from the Northwest at force 5-8. Stepping outside the warmth of the bothy confirmed that it was indeed pretty windy! Nonetheless we got on the water with a plan to have a quick coaching session working on paddling in the wind, and then try to paddle over to the Crowlin Islands.
The bays north of Uags gave us some marginal shelter to chat and regroup. We looked at the obvious things like trim, skeg and stroke combinations for upwind and downwind turns, but also worked on some “get-out-of-jail-free” cards for turning nudging the bow of the boat through the wind. It also gave me a great chance to see folks paddling under pressure, in a relatively safe place – helping to shape the plan for the rest of the week. By now we were in a good force 5-6, with spray being picked up off the waves in the stronger gusts; after about 10 minutes of trying to cross over to the Crowlins and more or less staying put, we turned and ran with the wind, towards Loch Kishorn and into shelter.
The following day was forecast to have an early lull to a “mere” F4, increasing again mid-morning. We were all up before dawn, getting packed with head-torches, and on the water by 0630.
As we came into the shelter of the Crowlin Islands, it was feeling pretty manageable, and we were all keen to push on. After a swig of water and a handful of Haribo, we committed to spending the next hour with the wind and wave hitting us more or less side on. Coming into the shelter of Scalpay, feelings varied from relief to mild regret that it hadn’t been gnarlier!
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What to expect from our sea kayak expeditions
The story usually begins a week or two before the expedition, with an email or phone call from the Instructor. They’ll want to find out a bit more about what you want out of the week and where you’re at with your paddling. We’ll also try to find out what (if any) kit you want to borrow before the course, so we can have a relatively slick getaway from the Lodge.
For all our sea kayaking expeditions’ venues, there’s an option to meet at Glenmore Lodge on the Monday morning, or to meet en route if it’s easier for you.
We’ll do our best to come up with a plan that fits with the weather forecast and suits everyone. That plan can change during the week as the weather forecast unfolds.
We can provide sea kayaks, paddles, paddling gear, tents, sleeping bags, mats, stoves, pans, water containers, and many, many dry bags to put them in!
You’ll need to bring your own off the water clothing, base layers for paddling, hat and gloves, water bottle, wash kit, medication, sun cream, insect repellent, sunglasses and cord.
We’re also relying on you to bring your own food – you can see some ideas HERE. It’s no problem to stop at a supermarket on the way to the sea, but try to have spent at least some time thinking about what food you’re planning to buy and what quantities. As ever, if you’re not sure or would like some advice, get in touch.
After our initial packing faff, we’ll paddle out onto the sea, with a plan to wild camp for the next four nights of our sea kayaking expeditions.
Which sea kayak expedition should I book onto?
Have a good read of the course description, then think about which ones best match your experience and the conditions that make you smile. If you’re not sure, email us and we can arrange to chat.
There’s always a range of abilities in a group, but it’s a much better trip for everyone if folks have broadly similar aspirations. Equally accept that it’s Scotland – plans may have to change both before and during the expedition. Hope for the fabulous weather that would get us out to the Garvellachs or around Cape Wrath, but come mentally prepared for wind, wave and wetness!
We have a range of 5-day trips aimed at different levels, including two new options that are better suited for those seeking an introductory experience.