Summer Isles – Improver Sea Kayak Expedition
Adventure LEVEL | 5 day(s) | Ratio 1:6 | From £695.00
Overview
This expedition aims to be based on the world class coastline of the North West of Scotland, among the stunning archipelago of the Summer Isles in the mouth of Loch Broom. We will aim to paddle and camp among the islands which include Tanera More, Tanera Beg, Isle of Ristol, Priest Island and Horse Island. The weather, combined with the group’s aspirations, will ultimately decide on our destinations and itinerary.
This improver expedition is designed for those who may have attended our Discover Sea Kayaking or Introduction to Sea Kayaking courses, one of our improver courses (or similar introductory training), or those who have already been introduced to the basic skills of forward paddling and turning, on coastal journeys in light winds and gentle waves. You should also have experience of some overnight sea kayak camping trips.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
To introduce you to all the skills required for the adventure and pleasure of expedition sea kayaking.
PRE-REQUISITES
These Improver expeditions are aimed at paddlers who may have already attended our Discover Sea Kayaking or Introduction to Sea Kayaking courses (or similar training and experience of some overnight sea kayaking camping trips), and have already been introduced to the basic skills of forwards paddling and turning, whilst paddling on coastal journeys in light winds and gentle waves. You should have a reasonable level of fitness for paddling up to 4-5 hours each day.
IS IT FOR ME?
This will be a chance to continue developing your foundation paddling skills, whilst also learning the expedition skills of camping from a sea kayak, cooking outdoors, and being self sufficient from a sea kayak on a multi-day trip. On these expeditions, if weather permits, we may paddle for around 4-5 hours/15-20km each day.
CONTENT
Day 1 will involve a preparation day at Glenmore Lodge, where we will go through the full planning process for our week ahead, providing opportunity to learn about weather forecasts, tidal predictions and the navigation skills we need to aid our decision-making. We will also prepare all the kit we need for both paddling, camping, and cooking, so we can take the time to ensure we will be comfortable and prepared for our multi-day adventure.
We shall also go for a paddle locally at one of the nearby fantastic lochs in the Cairngorms for a ‘shakedown paddle’, getting used to being back in a boat again and polish our foundation skills ready for the trip. Night 1 will then be spent at Glenmore Lodge (accommodation is available to book at the checkout stage of your booking), prior to departure to the Summer Isles first thing on the morning of Day 2.
We’ll aim to find a journey that balances the aspirations of the group and the forecasted conditions.
During the expedition on days 2-5, we’ll make time to continue developing our personal paddling skills, noticing the difference in handling we find when we are in loaded boats and developing our tactics to deal with any conditions we find. We could look at navigation, keeping together as a group, and the myriad decisions that make for a great trip.
We should also find some time to consider the people, communities, history, landscape, and wildlife of the area.
On arrival at our camp spot for the night, having prepared camp, we’ll thing about ways of securing boats and the practicalities of drying gear and being comfortable. We will likely journey to new camp spots each day. On day 5 after a short paddle, we’ll return to Glenmore Lodge, with memories and stories from a fantastic week on the water.
DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date23/06/25 | 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?
Instruction
Use of kit from our Stores
In-course transport
On this expedition we’ll be wild camping away from Glenmore Lodge for days 2-5
We ask that you arrive with your expedition food prepared – please see the expedition suggested menu document below for tips and advice. There will be an opportunity on Tuesday (day 2) to stop at a supermarket/outdoor shop for last minute items, but please see this as a quick stop, rather than a big shop. Food is not included within the trip price, allowing you freedom to cater to your own dietary needs and preferences.
DOCUMENTS
NEED TO KNOW
WHAT WILL I NEED
Glenmore Lodge has a large Store of clothing and equipment. You are welcome to use your own equipment and just pick and choose from odd items from the store as required. Your Instructor will want to check that your personal 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
Stove & gas, bowls, mugs, cutlery
Sleeping bag
Camping mat
Towline
Laminated maps
Listed here are the essentials; this is not an exhaustive list and you are of course welcome to bring as much of your own equipment as possible.
EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED WHICH WE ARE UNABLE TO SUPPLY:
Head torch
Off the water clothing
Insulating layers for paddling
Hat & gloves
Water bottle
Small personal first aid kit
Personal toiletries & medication
Sun cream (you just never know!)
Sun hat & sunglasses
Insect repellent and midge net
Towel
Food storage containers
