Overview
A chance to sea kayak in the tidal waters around Luing, Scarba, The Garvellachs and Jura.
With this course you will journey over the 5 days exploring some of the best tidal waters in Scotland. With self-sufficient wild camping, abundant wildlife and incredible scenery you will have the opportunity to build on your sea kayak skillset daily and share environmental knowledge along the way.
Over the expedition you’ll be able to build your knowledge and experience of navigation, tides, essential equipment, paddling a loaded sea kayak, group and personal management and wellbeing, decision making skills, environmental identification and local history.
This is a non-residential course.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
To sea kayak the classic Scottish tidal waters and coastlines around Luing, Scarba, Jura and the Garvellachs.
PRE-REQUISITES
20 days sea kayaking in winds up to Force 5 with some overnight camping. Days to include some longer journeys of 6hrs+ duration and some tidal stream paddling.
IS IT FOR ME?
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to paddle the tidal waters in the Firth of Lorn – around Luing, Scarba, Jura and the Garvellachs – then this is the expedition for you.
CONTENT
On this five day expedition, we’ll explore the wild tidal waters around the Firth of Lorn. We’ll have famous tidal races such as the Corryvrecakan, Dorus Mor, Cuan Sound and the Grey Dogs on our doorstep as well as the rugged coasts of Jura and the beautiful Garvellachs.
On day 1 we’ll organise ourselves at Glenmore Lodge then head for the North end of the Sound of Jura.
On our way we will visit a supermarket so that you can buy your food for the trip.
We seek out a journey that balances the aspirations of the group and the forecast conditions.
During the expedition, we’ll make time to look at personal paddling skills and develop our tactics to deal with any conditions we find. We could look at tides and tidal streams, navigation, keeping the group together, dealing with incidents and all the myriad decisions that make for a great trip. We’ll look at how to minimise our impact on this stunning environment and share our knowledge of local history. Once we arrive at our camp spot for the night, we will think about ways of securing boats and the practicalities of setting up camp, drying gear and being comfortable.
Each day we will plan the journey ahead and when we set off the following morning, we’ll make sure we leave our overnight spot just as we found it. On day 5 we will return to the lodge.
DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date19/05/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£695.00 | Places | ||
| Date07/07/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£695.00 | Places | ||
| Date01/09/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£695.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Guiding, coaching and equipment.
This course is based away from Glenmore Lodge.
We will stop to buy expedition food en route. Food is not included in the trip price, providing you with flexibility to meet your personal dietary requirements. Please see sample menu document below
Transport between the Firth of Lorn from Glenmore Lodge – or if it’s more convenient you can meet us in Oban on Monday afternoon.
DOCUMENTS
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
Glenmore Lodge has a large store of clothing and equipment. You are welcome (and we encourage you) to use your own equipment and pick and choose odd items from the store. Your instructor will want to check that personal your equipment is suitable for the expedition.
GLENMORE LODGE CAN SUPPLY:
- Sea Kayak
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Aid
- Spraydeck
- Helmet
- Cag
- Paddling trousers
- Wetsuit
- Wetsuit boots
- Pogies/mitts
- Dry bags
- Tent – under Covid we are currently operating single occupancy tents unless you’re part of a bubble.
- Stove & gas
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mat
- Towline
- Laminated maps
- Cutlery and crockery
Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list and you are of course encouraged to bring as much of your own equipment as possible.
EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED WHICH WE DO NOT HAVE IN STORES
- Headtorch
- Off the water clothing
- Insulating layers for paddling
- Hat and gloves
- Water bottles
- Small personal first aid kit
- Personal toiletries & medication
- Sun cream – you just never know! ***
- Sunhat and sunglasses & cord
- Insect repellent – it can be midgey!***
- Towel
- Book/MP3 player
Items marked *** are available in our shop subject to availability.
