Wild SUP Expedition

FRIDAY 7TH MAY - MONDAY 10TH MAY 2021 SUP TO TRIP SUMMARY

4 day, 3 night stand up paddleboarding expedition to Knoydart, one of the UK's wildest and remote locations.

A self supported adventure, we'll be carrying everything we need with us on our boards. Wild camping on the waters edge along the route.

Created for solo travellers, fully guided and hosted adventure for Gutsy Girls. SUP EXPERIENCE

Due to the unpredictable weather conditions and the remote location, we ask that all our guests join with previous paddleboarding experience.

We will be paddling for up to 5 hours per day with loaded boards, in varying conditions with wind and chop.

To Consider

Gutsy Girls is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but for your safety and enjoyment we do ask you are realistic in your previous experience for this adventure.

There will be more adventures in the coming months if your not quite ready!

Have a good solid paddle technique. Are confident in your ability to paddle 10 Km (standing up). Have SUPed at least 10 times Can self-rescue Are able to effectively (knee) paddle against a headwind. Can swim 100 meters in open water

If you aren't quite sure about your experience level, drop us an email to discuss. LOGISTICS

WHATSAPP GROUP

We will create a WhatsApp group once you’ve booked, you can use this to plan any journeys together. This can be helpful to reduce the cost of driving/renting cars, or maybe sharing a cabin on the sleeper train!

ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE

Starting Point: Fort William Meeting time: 10:30am

End Point: Fort William Departure time: no later than 3pm

We’ll be meeting in Fort William at 10:30am, from here we will head to our launch site.

Transport from Fort William to our launch site can be provided, please let us know as soon as possible if you require this.

Alternatively, you can meet us in at 11:30am GETTING TO US

I’ve put together a few options for you for as rough guide, there may be many more routes available! DRIVING

We encourage car sharing on this adventure, if you are driving and would like to offer a space in your car to another guest, this can be arranged via our Whatsapp group.

Driving in Scotland is a fantastic way to take in the epic landscapes, it boasts some of the world's most scenic drives!

You will be able to park your car at our starting point.

CALEDONIAN SLEEPER

London Euston to Fort William, (, Edinburgh, or Inverness)

The sleeper train from London to Fort William is the simplest travel option for this trip, depart from London on Thursday 6th May, arrive in Fort William for 10am on Friday 7th May!

You can choose between a reclining seat or a cabin. You could plan to share a cabin with another guest to reduce the costs! https://www.sleeper.scot/ FLY + DRIVE / TRAIN + DRIVE

There’s plenty of flights and train options to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

As we will be meeting at 10:30am on the first day, we recommend travelling the day before our expedition to allow yourself enough time to get to us.

Driving to Fort William from Glasgow or Edinburgh is a beautiful route, passing through Lomond and Glencoe, one of the most scenic routes in the UK. I recommend planning for stops along the way to take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Glasgow to Fort William: 2h30 Edinburgh to Fort William: 3h20

CLICK HERE FOR IDEAS FOR STOPPING ON ROUTE

Driving from Inverness is another option, you could stop at Urquhart Castle that overlooks .

Inverness to Fort William: 1h40

CLICK HERE FOR IDEAS FOR STOPPING ON ROUTE

You can also travel by train or bus from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Fort William. Just bus options from Inverness:

Trains: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Buses: https://www.citylink.co.uk/index.php MALLAIG

There is also the option to meet us in Mallaig on our arrival day at 11:30am.

Alternatively you could choose to depart from Mallaig too.

Mallaig is the starting/end point for the Jacobite Steam Train, the Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter. Even for non-Harry Potter fans it's a an incredible train journey from Mallaig to Fort William or vice-versa.

On our departure day, we would be back in Mallaig in time for you to catch the afternoon Jacobite to Fort William if you wish! https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/steam-train- trip PACKING LIST

You will know what you are comfortable paddling in, the water will be cold and weather can change quickly.

Off the water we will be living outside, so warm clothes will be required as this is a coastal / mountain environment.

We Provide:

Stand up paddleboard and paddle Tent Buoyancy Aid Long John Wetsuit Dry bag Water/Windproof jacket

If you would like to use your own equipment, please send us a details on the board you have so we can check the suitability. YOU WILL NEED

KIT Sleeping Bag (3 season) Sleeping Mat (inflatable is best) Head torch (including spare batteries) Mug (plastic or metal) Spoon / knife Bowl (plastic or metal) Wetsuit boots or beach shoes (with sole to walk in on rough ground) Inflatable/camping pillow (optional) Water bottle (1ltr)

HYGIENE Wash kit including toilet roll etc (please ensure any soap is biodegradable) Towel (Microfibre/fast drying) Suncream (waterproof) Any prescription medication Trowel (lightweight)

CLOTHING Cap Warm hat Swimwear Sunglasses Trainers / boots for dry land (waterproof recommended) Waterproof jacket Waterproof trousers Insulated jacket Warm clothing for the evenings (base layers, fleeces) Gloves/Mittens (if you feel the cold) Sleepwear

OTHER STUFF Camera (waterproof, remember GoPros sink without a float) WILDERNESS

As we are going to be living in a wilderness environment we have a few codes of conduct to follow. Any materials we carry in, we carry out, any human waste will be disposed of correctly (we will explain).

If you are taking any soap etc to wash with then please ensure it is eco-friendly/biodegradable and suitable for a wilderness environment. There should be plenty of water available, please feel free to bring purification if you feel the need. All our guides are trained to Leave No Trace Practitioners and level 2 Food Hygiene.

The biggest question we get before any expedition is ‘how do we go to the toilet’?

This is one example of how we go in the wilderness:

How to poop in the woods

For those of you who will be on your period during the expedition, after many expeditions on mine, I’m happy to address any questions you may have about this!

We will need to carry any waste out with us, if you do not use a menstruation cup, remember to bring extra zip lock bags for your waste. HEALTH

We will ask you to complete an expedition medical form, please ensure that any medical information is up to date and you bring any medication with you. It is essential that during the expedition you let one of the WSA guides know if you have any medical issues.

The Scottish midge can be a problem, although this expedition is planned before they arrive, it may be a mild year so a midge net might be useful.

SAFETY

This adventure will be managed by a WSA Expedition Guides who will act as head guides on the expedition. We will be carrying a group first aid kit and communication for the environment. All our guides are qualified and insured to work in this environment. JOURNEY

Whilst we can plan and prepare for many things, travelling in this type of environment is always weather dependant. We will monitor the weather leading up to the start of the journey and during.

We will not start the journey if we feel the weather will be too challenging. In this instance we will use our extensive local knowledge to ensure we get on the water each day, this may involve some travel and maybe reduced today journeys or one night journeys. We do reserve the right to postpone or cancel the journey should it be necessary.

We will camp in rain or shine, however, in the unlikely event it is unsafe to do so, we will arrange bunk house accommodation, this could be an additional cost of £20 a night.

FOOD

We can cater for all dietary requirements, we will request information prior to your arrival. At the time of booking, there will be a place to fill in your dietary requirements.

Please ensure you arrive on day 1 having had a good breakfast and bring a packed lunch for the first day.

We will provide 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.

On our final evening, we will have dinner at the pub in Knoydart to support the local community. This dinner is not included in the price. BOOKING INFO

Due to the high demand for this adventure and limited spots available, we will release the spots at 10am on 15th April 2021.

You will receive an email with a link to pay a 50% deposit, this will secure your spot on this adventure. The remaining balance will be due on the 26th April.

You can pay with an credit or debit card.

By paying your deposit, you agree to the T&Cs of Gutsy Girls and our provider WSA. We recommend reading this before the 15th April, links below.

We anticipate that the spots will fill straight away, so remember to set your alarm clock!

Your deposit is non-refundable, unless you are required to cancel due to Covid-19.

CHECKLIST BEFORE BOOKING

Add [email protected] to your email contacts/safe list

Read T&Cs of Gutsy Girls (click here) and WSA Ltd (click here)

Consider your SUP experience and if this is a suitable adventure for you, there will be more adventures in the coming months :)

Ask any questions you may have before 3pm 14th April.

Set reminder to check your email at 10am on 15th April COVID-19

26th April We will be monitoring the situation and restrictions on the lead up to your trip. At the moment, restrictions are due to be lifted on the 26th of April that will allow us to run our trip.

We recommend that book travel that allows you to reschedule your booking or cancel for a refund. Gutsy Girls Ltd or our providers WSA Ltd are not liable for any costs incurred from the cancellation of your trip due to Covid-19.

We recommend you have appropriate travel insurance for UK trips.

If we do need to cancel your trip due to Covid-19 restrictions, we will notify you as soon as possible. We will offer you to reschedule your trip to a later date or arrange a refund.

If you test positive for Covid-19 or are required to self isolate at the time of your trip, we will offer you to reschedule your trip to a later date or arrange a refund.

We kindly request that guests opting for a refund will cover the 1.4% transaction fee on European cards or 2.9% on non-European cards.