Sea-Kayaking in Scotland is at its finest when exploring the many islands that dot our coastline. The Summer Isles are some of the most scenic islands and our guided sea-kayaking expedition is an inspiring journey through a stunning seascape.
Day 1 – Welcome & begin our sea-kayaking expedition From Inverness, we travel north-west to the Summer Isles passing Ullapool and the beautiful Coigach and Assynt mountains. Late afternoon sees us launch the sea-kayaks and enjoy a short paddle in sheltered waters to our first campsite, a small island located just offshore. Dolphins and whales are often spotted in these waters so we’ll keep our eyes open as we set up camp on the white sandy beach. (2km - 1 hour kayaking) Day 2 – Exploring Achiltibuie’s coastline & Badentarbat Bay Heading south, we sweep around the coastline, passing small sea-cliffs on our way to Badentarbat Bay. After lunch on the grassy bay, we round a point then cross to Horse Island to camp. History records that Spanish treasure is hidden on this island. According to local legend, 100 years ago a shepherd fell into a hole on the island and when he returned home, he found a gold coin in his shoe. Along with friends he returned to the island but could not remember where he had fallen - so the gold remains to this day! (12km - 6 hours kayaking) Day 3 – Circumnavigating the isle of Tanera Mor A 2km crossing takes us to Tanera Mor. This is the largest of the Summer Isles and the only inhabited island. It used to be a major fishing port, where up to 200 vessels would jostle for room in the main bay, known as ‘the Anchorage’. These days only a café and a post office remain. We will paddle round the north of the island then head round the west coast to the bay at Mol Mor where we will camp for the evening. (12km - 6 hours kayaking) Day 4 – Exploring the hidden shores of the Summer Isles We leave our camp in the bay paddle north to Eilean Flada Mor and its outlying skerries, admiring the spectacular sandstone architecture of these islands. We pass a seal colony before, if the conditions are suitable, crossing to Eilean a Char then paddling down Tanera Beag’s western shore to a small bay on its southern tip. Here we pull the kayaks ashore and enjoy a leg-stretching walk on this uninhabited island. On the return to our camp, we pass a fragile sandstone arch which it is possible to paddle under at high tide. (12km - 6 hours kayaking) Day 5 – North to Reiff and the Rubha Coigeach We strike camp and paddle northwards, admiring the stunning views of the Assynt peaks to the east which cut into the skyline and dominate the panorama. Leaving the main cluster of islands, we follow the channel between the wildlife reserve of Isle Ristol and Eilean Mullagrach as we journey towards our northernmost point, a tiny landing spot at Faochag Bay. This is our camp for the night, a wild spot at the very tip of the peninsula with stunning views all around. (14km - 7 hours kayaking) Day 6 – The climbers of Reiff and journey’s end If conditions are suitable, we may venture out to the Rubha Coigeach to enjoy the views towards the Old Man of Stoer from the ocean. Turning back southwards, we enjoy a leisurely paddle back to our starting point. As we pass the sea-cliffs to the north of Reiff, we will pause to watch the rock-climbers scale the sandstone cracks and overhangs. They often pause and gaze back at us! Finally, we cruise into the natural harbour for the end of a memorable journey. There’s often time for a quick drink at the local bar before we return to Inverness. (8km – 4 hours kayaking) Notes:
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