Kayak and Wild Camp the West Coast of Scotland
Paddle the remote bays, rugged coastline and crystal clear waters of the dramatic West Highlands
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, certified kayak guidesWild camping
3 nights wild campingMeals
Munch on tasty food throughoutTransfers
Minibus transfers between Fort William and the kayaking start/end pointsEquipment
All your kayaking, camping and safety equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 7 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Paddle along stunning volcanic coastline, and wild camp on white sand beaches and islet-studded sea lochs
Discover hidden bays and wild skerries, eyes peeled for otters, porpoise, seals and sea eagles
Forage for shellfish, seaweed and coastal plants and brave the Atlantic Ocean for a cold water wild swim
One of the "Best adventure holidays in the UK for adrenaline seekers" according to The Independent
Key Information
Day 1
To the sea!
Kayaking
Please note, the route below is a sample itinerary. The actual route you paddle will be subject to the weather conditions at the time. The guides also vary the routes and camp spots used throughout the season to minimise environmental impact on any one location.
Meet your host in Fort William and drive for around 45 mins to Kinlochmoidart, perched on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the West Highlands. You'll then pack and launch your kayak onto the sheltered water of Loch Moidart for an introductory paddling and skills session, before gliding past the ruined Castle Tioram. Set up camp on the beach and enjoy your first night under the stars.
Day 2
To the beautiful beach of Smirisary
Kayaking
Today is all about building your skills and exploring the sheltered bays and islands of Moidart. You'll gradually wind your way northwards along rocky shores, hearing local folklore tales as you go. After a relaxed lunch stop, it's time to explore the entrance to Loch Ailort before crossing to the Ardnish peninsula and searching for a spot to camp for the night. The sunset from here is spectacular, all the more appreciated perched by the campfire.
Day 3
The Sound of Arisaig
Kayaking
Kickstart the morning with a fresh swim in the Atlantic then hop back in your kayak to continue steadily north and west across the mouth of Loch nan Uamh, taking some time to forage in the rocks and pools at low tide. The final wild camp will be in the wonderful islet-studded Sound of Arisaig, protected by hundreds of small tidal islands known as skerries, this is a spectacular spot for your final night under the Milky Way.
Day 4
Last paddle and swim
Kayaking
Another early morning sea dip for the brave before paddling for a couple more hours through the hidden sea lochs of Arisaig. You’ll reach a small road before lunch where you'll pack up and hit the road back to Fort William ready for your journey home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
You'll tuck into fresh, quality, tasty meals throughout the expedition. For breakfast, there'll be cereal or porridge with various toppings, as well as hot drinks. For lunch, you can expect wraps with a whole host of tasty fillings, fruit and some treats to keep you going. At dinner time you can expect to refuel after an active day with a three-course meal – starters might include Scottish smoked salmon, patés and oatcakes; main courses will include fresh ingredients like fish, meats and vegetables; dessert could be strawberries and clotted cream with shortbread, or cake and custard. Snacks and drinks will also be available between meals.
Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can be catered for, please just request this in advance on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Wild Camp
You’ll wild camp in twin share tents in remote and beautiful spots by the loch-side and on the beaches. Accommodation is basic but the remote locations far make up for the lack of facilities. Single tents are available upon request.
Upgrades
For solo travellers wanting their own personal space, you can request your own private tent on the trip (subject to availability). Just request when booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You do not need any previous kayaking experience as full training will be provided at the beginning of the trip and while on the water. A general level of fitness will be required. Building a little arm strength before the trip can help with sea kayaking, and hip mobility is needed. The precise difficulty level of this trip depends on the sea conditions at the time, which can change quickly. Needless to say, you should come prepared to encounter some waves. You will be in a single kayak by default however if perhaps you don't have much kayaking experience or aren't confident in having your own boat and would prefer a tandem kayak, this can be requested with your host - they are however subject to availability so please request on your booking form.
The Scottish summer is usually warm but you can expect some rain, even if it's just a little. Prepare for anything and think ‘layers'. Conditions in April and May will be slightly cooler, with the potential for frost at night. Kit-wise, the main thing is a warm sleeping bag, or an additional bag liner if you feel the cold more.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Fort William
09:00 on Day 1
Ends
Fort William
Approx 15:00 on Day 4
Transfers
2024 - Meet in Fort William (see below for 2025)
You’ll meet your host in Central Fort William at 09:00. You will then be transferred by minibus to the start. We recommend you arrive the night before to ensure you don't miss your transfer.
Your trip will end in Fort William mid-afternoon on the final day in Central Fort William.
On the final day, there is a Citylink bus from Fort William to Inverness departing at 15.30 which we recommend for those customers heading to Inverness Airport.
2025 - Meet in Inverness
You’ll meet your host in the car park at the Tesco Metro on Tomnahurich Street in central Inverness at 08:30 on Day 1. You will then be transferred by minibus to the start point of the expedition, in the Cairngorms National Park. We recommend you arrive the night before to ensure you don't miss your transfer.
Travel options
Regular trains run to Fort William from across the UK. The nearest airports are Inverness (INV) or Glasgow (GLA). Citylink run bus services from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness. You can also get a bus directly from Glasgow Airport to Fort William (twice a day in the summer).
There are buses available from Glasgow to Fort William or from Inverness to Fort William. Please note if you are flying, you will need to arrive in Fort William the night before in order to make the start time as there are no connections which enable you to arrive early enough for the start on Day 1. Citylink and Megabus offer regular services with an approximate 2hr transfer time from Inverness, and 3 hr transfer to Glasgow Airport.
There is also the option of the Caledonia Sleeper Train
For those driving - there is a long-stay public Car Park next to The Moorings Hotel in Banavie, which we recommend using.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tent
- Inflatable sleeping mat
- Cutlery, mug, bowl, plate
- Buoyancy aid
- 2 x 20 litre dry bags for personal kit
- Kayaking waterproof jacket, trousers
- Neoprene shoes (on request only - let the host know in advance)
Please let your host know an indication of size for the waterproof clothing. Either an extra small, small, medium, large or extra-large. An approx. guess will do.
Available to Hire
- Sleeping Bag - see Optional Extras.
What do I need to bring?
- Sleeping bag & sleeping bag liner (if required for extra warmth)
(sleeping bag must be in a compression sack to make it as small as possible to fit in the kayak) - Waterproof jacket for the evenings in camp
- 2 sets of paddling clothes (lightweight, quick-dry trousers, woolly socks, base layer top, t-shirt or shirt)
- Pyjamas if required (most sleep in a set of thermals or similar)
- Fleece x 2 (1 for paddling, 1 for the evening)
- Trainers for evenings (ideally water resistant)
- 1 set of warm evening clothes (we hope to have a campfire some nights so take old clothes that you don’t mind getting smoky and dirty)
- Warm gloves depending on the time of year
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Spare socks and underwear
- Sun cream/ lip salve/ sunglasses with a protective case
- Midge head net & midge repellent (June to September)
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, biodegradable shower gel/soap
- Small-medium microfibre travel towel
- Swimming costume if you fancy a swim
- Torch (preferably head torch)
- Small day sack for waterproofs, snacks, sun cream etc.
- Camera (in a waterproof bag if necessary)
- Power bank/solar charger
- Water bottle
- Personal hand sanitiser
Please note that cotton and denim clothing are not recommended for paddling in, as they have no thermal properties when wet. Bear in mind when packing - that all your personal kit, including sleeping bag and part of a tent will need to fit in the kayak. Please ensure that your personal kit (including your sleeping bag) fits in a 40ltr bag or 2 x 20ltr dry bags, these will be provided for you to use. If you like to snack, please pack your own light snacks - remember they must fit in the bag!
Sleeping Bag Hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping Bag Hire
… Per Person
Absolutely delightful holiday 4 days
Absolutely delightful holiday 4 days kayaking in Western Highlands [ helped by good weather]. Our Guide Rachel was great , very knowledgeable , courteous and respectful to all members in the group . She was very careful to adapt the activity to the abilities and wishes of the group . Could not praise her enough.
Our Purpose
To protect our world's wild places, one adventure at a time.
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