Search
Trusted for 75 years
For all abilities
Book with peace of mind
LEARN MORE

North West Sea Kayak Expedition

Adventure LEVEL | 5 day(s) | Ratio 1:4

Overview

On this course we’ll journey over five days, exploring some of the best coastline and islands of North West Scotland. With self-sufficient wild camping, abundant wildlife and incredible scenery you’ll have the opportunity to build on your sea kayak skills and learn about the environment and history as we pass along the way.

Over the expedition we’ll have the opportunity to delve further into navigation, tides, essential equipment, paddling a loaded sea kayak, group and personal management and wellbeing, decision making skills, environmental identification or just to enjoy the rugged Scottish coastline and the slower pace of life that multi-day sea kayak trips provide.

This is a non-residential course, as we will be camping between days.

Course Image

DETAILED INFO

AIMS

To build on your previous sea kayak expedition experience and introduce you to the wild North West of Scotland.

PRE-REQUISITES

15 days sea kayaking in winds up to Force 4 with some overnight camping. Days to include some longer journeys of 6hrs+ duration.

IS IT FOR ME?

If you are looking for a classic Scottish multi-day sea kayak expedition, then this is the one for you. If you want to enhance your skills and become more independent in your sea kayak expedition paddling then join us.

CONTENT

On day 1 we’ll organise ourselves at Glenmore Lodge before heading up to the North West. We’ll plan a journey that balances the aspirations of the group and the forecast conditions. We’ll stop at a supermarket en route where you can buy your food for the week.


During the expedition, we’ll help you to improve your personal paddling skills, and to adapt your paddling for loaded boats. We’ll take a look at navigation, keeping the group together, dealing with incidents and all the myriad decisions that make for a great trip. Once we arrive at our camp spot for the night, we’ll think about ways of securing boats and take a look at all the practicalities of setting up camp, drying gear and being comfortable. Each day we’ll 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’ll return to the Lodge.

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

On this course we will be wild camping away from Glenmore Lodge.

The use of equipment, please see below for list of items we can supply.

Food whilst camping is not included.  This means that you have freedom to adapt your food to meet your personal needs. We will stop and buy food at a supermarket on our journey to our destination. Please see sample menu document below

There is an option to meet in Ullapool on Monday afternoon.

 

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

***May be available to purchase from Glenmore Lodge Stores

Newsletter sign-up

Want to hear from us?

Sign up to our newsletter to get inspiration for your next adventure and to find out about upcoming courses

Sign up to Newsletter

Go Bespoke

Can't find exactly what you are looking for? We are happy to create it for you. You can hire one of our instructors or guides from as little as £280 a day, including any equipment. If you’re a group, all of our courses are available on a date that suits you or if you would prefer we can tailor a course to your requirements. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.