Introduction to Sea Kayaking

Based in beautiful Torridon, this short break will equip you with the essential skills to get you started sea kayaking, while you enjoy paddling in fantastic locations. These sheltered stretches of water are the perfect place to learn the basics of sea kayaking and develop your skills further under the close eye of our highly-qualified sea kayak guide.

Throughout the trip, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation in a private bunkhouse located on the loch shore, with hot showers, a wood-burning stove and comfortable beds.

After meeting in Inverness we make the 2-hour drive to our accommodation on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. After settling in, we’ll have lunch and our guide will outline what lies ahead. Later that afternoon, we’ll get on the water.

Upper Loch Torridon is a very sheltered sea-loch which makes it the perfect place to enjoy your first paddle. The surrounding scenery is superb, with the Torridon mountains of Liathach and Beinn Alligin rising steeply from the side of the loch. Returning to the bunkhouse, the guide will co-ordinate dinner, which everyone helps prepare – good training for future expeditions! (L, D)

After a relaxing breakfast, we will return to Upper Loch Torridon and launch the kayaks once again. Your guide will introduce you to new kayaking strokes before you set off on an exploration of this beautiful loch, perhaps venturing into Loch Shieldaig, stopping for lunch in one of the sandy bays. Surrounded by the imposing Torridon mountains, you will develop your sea kayaking skills and gain confidence to allow a longer journey on the sea the following day. (B, L)

Today we will build on your skills and enjoy exploring some of the beautiful coastline or perhaps even visiting some of the islands which are located just off the coast of the North West Highlands. (B, L)

Sea kayaking in Applecross is superb and on this journey, we explore Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island. Known for its beautiful Scots Pines, heronry and seal population, the island is protected by the National Trust for Scotland. We may paddle further along the north Applecross coast and kayak into Loch Torridon or to the remote Diabaig coastline before kayaking back to the pretty village of Shieldaig. After a warm shower at the bunkhouse, we will visit the local pub for a hearty dinner and reflect on a superb day of sea kayaking. (B, L, D)

The final day will see you embark on a sea kayaking journey in Loch Kishorn on the southern coast of Applecross. We will kayak across the bay to Kishorn Island with its seal colony, using our enhanced sea kayaking skills as we journey through this beautiful corner of Scotland. We’ll kayak back to shore early afternoon, load up the kayaks and travel back to Inverness for the end of the trip. (B, L)