Ullapool & the Far North Sea Kayak

This coastline is awash with caves, skerries and sea stacks and wildlife is in abundance.

Important Information

The Ullapool & Far North Sea Kayak journey is a 5 day and 4 night paddling expedition. This trip can be challenging and previous paddling experience is required.

The mapping of this Scottish Sea Kayak journey on Scotland’s far north west coast, is often exposed to strong winds which could require us to alter our itinerary to ensure success and safety of the group. Paddlers should ideally have a few days kayaking experience or have done a kayak skills training course.

During the first day there will be time to have some coaching on the inland waters if required. If you wish we can help you prepare and get the most from your scottish sea kayak journeys with a sea kayak skills course.

Day1:

Ullapool to The Summer Isles

Our journey begins in the sea port of Ullapool where ferries operate to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. Leaving the harbour, the views to Beinn Gobhlach will capture your eye and, if visibility is good, you will also spot The Summer Isles in the far distance which will be today’s destination. Our route will take us to Ardmair and round Isle Martin where the steep ramparts of Ben More Coigach sweep up from the sea to the North. On reaching the Summer Isles we will take time to explore. These islands are populated with seals and otters and further out we hope to get sightings of basking Sharks and porpoises.

Day2:

The Summer Isles to Achmelvich

Continuing on from our campsite near Ailanthus, we pass round the coastline of Reiff whose immaculate cliffs are popular with rock climbers. If time allows, we may take some time to try some rock bouldering. Once around here, we enter Enard Bay to get spectacular views of the mountains of the Inverpollaidh Nature Reserve in the distance. If time allows, we will call into the small fishing village of Lochinver before heading round the coast to make camp at one of the stunning beaches at Achmelvich.

Day3:

Achmelvich to Oldany Island

Today’s section around the Point of Stoer is the most exposed part of the journey, however with a reasonable weather forecast we should get round to Culken Bay without drama. It is on this section that we pass The Old man of Stoer – an impressive 200 foot high sea stack of Torridonian Sandstone. With some luck we may catch a glimpse of some rock climbers and White-tailed Sea Eagles. Coming round the headland into the shelter of the bay, we catch sight of Oldany Island where we will make camp.

Day4:

Oldany Island to Scourie

Continuing our journey we hope to spot many seals today as we weave our way through the tiny islands of Eddrachillis Bay, beneath the bare slopes of Quinag. Making our way North to camp at Scourie, the coast here is littered with caves, skerries and beautiful hidden coves. Great fun can be had here playing around in the rockpools. As we reach Scourie you may be surprised to catch sight of palm trees – yes, they are real and believed to be the most northerly palm trees in the world.

Day5:

Scourie to Loch Laxford

Leaving Scourie, we head out of the bay towards Handa Island. The island is a nature reserve and during the summer months is home to over 100,000 seabirds including guillemot, razorbill, great skua and puffin. The sandstone cliffs rise some 330ft straight out of the sea. The island’s South end has some amazing beaches and sea stacks and otters and seals are a commonly sighted. Continuing North, we enter the sheltered waters of Loch Laxford, the final leg of our journey and a fitting end to this spectacular journey.

Notes

Depart Craigower Lodge Sat 9am

Pick up at Inverness Train Station 10am

Drop off after Ullapool and the Far North Sea Kayak Journey in Inverness station around 5pm on Wed

Return to Craigower 6pm

We do not recommend booking flights or other public transport for the final evening of the journey. Allow at least 24 hours after the proposed journey finish time when making any arrangements.

Travel:-

to Newtonmore

to Inverness

to Scotland