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Holidays

Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands

Scotland
Sea Kayak
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

See the stunning Scottish Highlands from a different perspective and learn some key sea kayaking skills on this beginner-friendly sea kayaking holiday

Trip Code: WSH
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Sea Kayaking - The Scottish Highlands

Highlights
  • The perfect trip for first-timers, combining adventure with comfort, sea kayaking in beginner-friendly sheltered waters finishing each day staying in the comfort of a Highland Inn on the coast
  • With a 1:4 guide to client ratio, you're in the perfect place to learn essential sea kayaking skills
  • Explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Torridon region
  • Price includes all high quality freshly produced meals, welcoming accommodation in a Highland Inn, an expert guide and all your technical sea kayaking gear

At a Glance
  • Group Size 2 to 8
  • 6 days kayaking
  • Join In Inverness

Accommodation & Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts
  • 6 Lunches
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 nights Guesthouse
Overview

Join us on a journey through some of the best coastal scenery in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands. Kayak through sheltered sea lochs, navigate stunning coastlines and gaze up at the towering peaks of the Torridon mountains. On the fourth day of this trip, we’ll transfer south to the picturesque village of Plockton, our home for the final few days of the trip. Paddling off the wild shores of Wester Ross, Coigach and Assynt – classic kayaking territory with many islands and sea lochs.

Stay in friendly Highland accommodation based on the shores of Loch Torridon and the picturesque village of Plockton. After a day of kayaking in Scotland you’ll return to your cosy accommodation to relax in the evenings, enjoying comfortable rooms and hearty meals.

Learn more about Sea Kayaking here.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is suitable for those with little or no previous sea kayaking experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of sea kayaking each day, with br …

This holiday is suitable for those with little or no previous sea kayaking experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of sea kayaking each day, with breaks onshore to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team. In the event of bad weather preventing us from kayaking your guide will offer an alternative activity such as an easy hike.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join. If our guides feel that you are not able to complete an activity like a scheduled paddle or hike they may ask you not to join in that day.

Why KE?

With a guide to client ratio of 1:4, you can be sure that by the end of this trip you will have mastered the basic sea kayaking skills whilst exploring one of the most beautiful spots in the highlands of Scotland. You'll stay in comfortable accomodation in Highland Inns throughout your trip, providing the perfect resting place after a day on the loch. Your breakfast and lunches, and some evening meals are included, as well as accommodation, transfers and an expert guide, plus the sea kayak, spray-deck, buoyancy aid, paddles and dry bags.

Itinerary

Meeting in Inverness, we transfer north-west to Torridon. After a welcome briefing and lunch we take to the water for an introductory skills session and a short paddle around a small island where there is a sea eagles nest. Arriving at the Highland Inn early this evening there will be time to settle in before dinner.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

L D

Today we will build on the basic skills we covered yesterday, ensuring that you have the essential tools for the journeys we’ll be taking in the coming days. With a guide to guest ratio of 1:4, there is plenty of time for individual coaching to make sure you are comfortable in the boat and on the water. We’ll enjoy a gentle journey around beautiful Loch Shieldaig. The water here is so clear you can see meters down to the sea floor. Look out for the incredible diverse sea life including starfish, sea urchins, crabs and countless different types of fish as you explore the coastline.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L

Today a short transfer around the coast will take you to the remote Applecross peninsula. Home to pristine sandy beaches and turquoise water, there are wonderful coastal features to discover. The peninsula is home to lots of free roaming Highland cattle so look out for them on the shore as you glide past. Depending on where you paddle today you might finish at the famous Applecross Inn where you’ll enjoy a drink to toast the day.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L

After breakfast today we’ll load up the kayaks as we transfer south to the beautiful village of Plockton. On the way we’ll stop to enjoy a classic sea kayaking journey on the beautiful Loch Kishorn. We’ll travel along the coast and perhaps venture to a remote deserted island for lunch. Back on dry land we’ll head to Plockton where you can settle into the accommodation before enjoying a drink with a view out to the Isle of Skye.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L

Today we’ll take a paddle from the coast near Plockton, known for its beautiful coral beaches and stunning views of the Isle of Skye and the mountains above Applecross. Seals are prevalent in this area and are known to pop up beside kayaks or watch curiously from the kelp covered rocks. We’ll return to our welcoming accommodation tonight for a final celebratory meal together.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

After breakfast and packing up today we’ll head out for a final morning paddle on Loch Duich. Well known as an otter habitat we’ll keep our eyes peeled for a dark head emerging from the kelp or the swish and splash of a tail. We’ll end the trip with a circumnavigation of Eilean Donan on which one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland sits. After lunch and back on dry land we’ll leave the west coast behind and return to Inverness for your onward journey home.

Meals

B L
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The Route
Point Point

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional English-speaking guide
  • All transfers involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • Entrance fees to a whisky distillery
  • Highland castle and wildlife reserve

  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses

This holiday is operated in association with Wilderness Scotland, and they sell their own customers directly on to this trip also. KE acts as an agent for Wilderness Scotland and by booking this holiday you are entering into an agreement directly with Wilderness Scotland under the terms of their booking conditions.

On Day 1 of the itinerary your guide will meet you at the centre of Inverness Railway Station by the fixed seating area at 10.30am.

On Day 6 of the itinerary you will be transferred to Inverness Railway Station for 4:00pm.

All meals from Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 7 are included.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Breakfasts and lunches are included, while dinner is included on the first and final nights. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, simply let us know in advance. For evening meals not included, we can dine at the Inns or visit other local restaurants, which offer good food at reasonable prices. The final dinner of the trip will be taken in the excellent restaurant of the Torridon Hotel.

On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

You will be based in a comfortable Highland Inn on the shores of Loch Torridon. The Inn offers modern accommodation in a stunning location. A great place to stay, eat and drink.

The group will be led by an experienced and qualified leader.

There is no weight limit for your luggage on this holiday, however you will need to be able to lift and move your own luggage easily.  There is also limited room in the transfer vehicles, and so one bag to be transferred and one day pack per person is ideal.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

The unit of currency in the UK is Sterling.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

Essential items for you to bring:

Upper Body

  • Moisture wicking base layer – synthetic or merino wool
  • Heavier weight fleeces / jumpers such as microfleece

Lower Body

  • Waterproof over-trousers
  • Swimming costume / trunks (if the weather is nice)
  • Shorts

Feet

  • Wetsuit socks, waterproof socks or warm wool socks
  • Neoprene shoes, trainers or wellies

Head and Hands

  • Warm wool hat and sunhat
  • Buff / neck gaiter
  • Gloves (optional - we provide Pogies, which are mitts that fit over your hand and paddle-shaft)

Essential items to have while sea-kayaking:

  • Water bottle or hydration bladder with 1-2 litre capacity
  • Full change of clothes in the event of a capsize
  • Sunglasses with buoyant strap
  • Sunscreen and lip balm

Recommended Optional Items:

  • Camera (spare batteries, memory card)
  • Binoculars
  • Plug adaptor (if travelling from outside the UK)
  • Thermos flask
  • Lunch box
  • Midge net / Deet insect repellent
  • A dry cloth for wiping sunglasses
  • Polythene bags for valuables (to keep within dry bags)
  • Gloves when not paddling

In addition, on our wild camping expeditions, please bring:

  • Travel towel
  • Antibacterial hand gel

Personal First Aid Kit:

  • Your guide will carry a comprehensive first aid kit, but you may wish to bring some of your own items for travelling. This is especially relevant to any special medication you may need.
  • Personal medication
  • Antiseptic ointment
  • Plasters and small wound dressings
  • Scissors, tweezers and safety pins
  • Tick tweezers
  • Anti-inflammatory e.g. ibuprofen
  • Analgesics e.g. aspirin
  • Anti-diarrhoea drugs e.g. Imodium
  • Antihistamines
  • Re-hydration salts or solution e.g. Dioralyte
  • Spare contact lenses and glasses (if appropriate)

Group and Safety Equipment (Provided):

We provide all necessary group equipment including: kayaks, paddles, cagoules, bouyancy aids, spraydecks and dry bags. We will also provide all group safety equipment such as first aid kit, emergency shelter, flares, mobile phone, DeLorme satellite locator etc which will be carried by your guide.

Required information for equipment hire:

Height, Weight, Right or Left Handed, Shoe Size, Chest Size, Can you swim.

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

DATES & PRICES
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