Sea Kayaking View Trip Dates Book Now

Trip Grade: Blue 6 Summer Isles

This is an inspiring trip through a stunning seascape - the scenic Summer Isles. Journeying by sea kayak we are able to experience this remarkable coastal environment up close - picking our way through the numerous channels and inlets between the islands. This area is known for its rich marine life with dolphins, porpoises, seals and even whales inhabiting these waters.

Wild camping in remote parts of the northwest coast we will spend 5 nights immersed in the wilderness; paddling, exploring the islands and living the expedition lifestyle of teamwork and laughter. We’ll be able to explore the islands on foot, allowing you to get to know them from land and sea. This is the perfect trip for someone with some previous kayaking experience looking to enjoy a longer expedition in one of the best areas in the world for sea kayaking.

Highlights • Explore a wild archipelago of deserted islands, twisted coastlines, rock arches and white-sand beaches • Paddle in the crystal clear waters, enjoying the spectacular views of the coastal mountains • Camp in beautiful, remote spots with spectacular views of the surrounding island and coastlines

Book with confidence • We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 2 people have booked • Maximum of 8 places available per departure, 1 guide per 4 clients.

PLEASE NOTE – The described itinerary is just one possible itinerary for this trip. On wilderness expeditions your guides will determine the best way to spend each day considering weather conditions and the desires and ability of the group. The itinerary may be subject to change at their discretion based on these factors. Planned Itinerary Day 1 | Welcome & Begin our Sea Kayaking Expedition Day 2 | Achiltibuie’s Coastline & Badentarbat Bay Day 3 | Circumnavigating the Isle of Tanera Mor Day 4| Exploring the Hidden Shores of the Summer Isles Day 5 | North to Reiff and the Rubha Coigeach Day 6| The Climbers of Reiff and Journey’s End

Arrival Info

• Your Guide will meet you at the centre of Inverness Railway Station by the fixed seating area • 10.30am on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info

• You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station • 4:00pm on the final day of your trip

PLEASE NOTE – The described itinerary is just one possible itinerary for this trip. On wilderness expeditions your guides will determine the best way to spend each day considering weather conditions and the desires and ability of the group. The itinerary may be subject to change at their discretion based on these factors. Day 1 | Welcome & Begin our Sea Kayaking Expedition

From Inverness we travel north-west to the Summer Isles, passing 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) (L, D)

Day 2 | 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. Historical records state 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) (B, L, D)

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 island then find a quiet bay where we can camp. (12km - 6 hours kayaking) (B, L, D) Day 4 | Exploring the Hidden Shores of the Summer Isles

We leave our camp in place and 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 ’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 camp we pass a fragile sandstone arch which it is possible to paddle under at high tide. (12km - 6 hours kayaking) (B, L, D)

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. 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) (B, L, D)

Day 6 | The Climbers of Reiff and Journey’s End

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. Finally, we cruise into the natural harbour for the end of a memorable journey. We enjoy lunch in a local café, where there is often time for a celebratory drink, before we return to Inverness and drop you off at the railway station. (8km – 4 hours kayaking) (B, L) Trip Grading | Blue 6 |

Our blue graded sea kayaking trips are suitable for fit paddlers with a minimum of 5 full days of sea kayaking experience, with a basic level of technical competence. You can expect 6/7 hours of sea kayaking each day, with plenty of breaks onshore to stretch your legs. Everyone will also be expected to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.

The kayaking will be in coastal waters with few open crossings but you can expect to be paddling in some choppier conditions during the trip. This may be around Sea State 3 (with waves up to 1m high). On the higher Blue grade trips you may be paddling in more exposed areas and encounter stronger winds and waves up to Sea State 4.

If you are unsure about your experience or about Sea States, please give us a call or email to discuss. If you do not yet have enough experience we suggest our Green graded sea kayaking trips.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described sea kayaking. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described activities in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first. Accommodation and Meals

On this trip we wild camp near the shore in spectacular coastal locations. These camps may be remote and difficult to access by foot and this element of isolation adds to their appeal. We provide single tents unless you are travelling with a partner or in a group and would like a tent to share. We also carry a base camp tipi, which means that we can all gather together for dinner and a hot drink even if the weather is inclement.

Great food is essential to all our trips and expeditions are no different. While the guide will co-ordinate the cooking and help out, everyone is asked to lend a hand as this ensures the best meals in the shortest possible time after what are often long days. We will carry plenty of food to cater a varied and satisfying menu throughout the trip, and some of these may even be prepared on an open fire. Dietary requirements can be catered for but please ensure we know at the time of booking.

Single Tents

On this trip we are happy to provide single tents for solo travellers, but if you are willing to share with another traveller this does help reduce our camp size, giving us more options of where to camp and reducing our impact on the ground. All Inclusive Inclusions

This trip includes the following:

• 5 nights wild camping

• All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through to lunch on Day 6. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Inverness

• All specialist sea kayaking equipment, including sea kayaks, spray decks, paddles, waterproof cags and buoyancy aids

• All group equipment including tents, group safety equipment and cooking /eating equipment and utensils. Please note that sleeping bags are not included. However, sleeping bags and sleeping mats are available for hire.

• The services of our experienced and knowledgeable sea kayak guides throughout your trip (guide:client ratio 1:4).

• Our All Inclusive trips include all accommodation, meals, guiding and travel during the trip. We do not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave. Our holidays reviewed in your words…

This was a trip of a lifetime, expertly guided in beautiful surroundings. I would strongly recommend the wild “ camping trip to anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to get back to basics and closer to nature. Kate Taylor ”

All Trip Reviews Here Your Guide

During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for ’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages.

Sustainable Travel

Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive.

We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC).

We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in.

You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List

Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/what-to-wear-sea-kayaking-in-scotland

Eat | Stay | See

Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do

Eat | Stay | See | Inverness.pdf

General Info – Scotland

From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to to know facts.

General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance

It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip. This should include cover for cancellation prior to the trip, the activities undertaken (i.e hiking), curtailment, and adequate medical insurance for sickness/ injury and medical repatriation. We also strongly recommend you have cover for your other travel arrangements such as flights, and your personal possessions.

We suggest you do your own research to find the best insurance cover for you however the follow companies offer suitable policies.

Campbell Irvine Direct – campbellirvinedirect.com Journeyman Insurance Services – journeyman-services.com/travelInsurance

If you cancel your holiday charges will apply. Please see section 2 of our terms and conditions for a breakdown: wildernessscotland.com/make-a-booking/booking-conditions

Travel With Confidence

You can book with us in complete confidence that all trip payments made to us are fully protected.

Wilderness Scotland Ltd is a licensed and bonded tour operator. Your financial security is guaranteed through our membership and bonding with ABTA. FAQs

Looking for more information? Check out our frequently asked questions page. wildernessscotland.com/faq

Questions to Ask? Ready to Book?

If you want to get in touch please send us an email or give us a call. We accept bookings online, by email, or over the phone. A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure the trip with the balance payable 8 weeks (56 days) before departure. If booking less than 56 days before the trip start date, full payment of the trip price is required immediately.

We accept payment by credit or debit card, or bank transfer.

email: [email protected] View Trip Dates Tel (UK and Europe): +44(0)1479 420 020 Book Now Tel (US and Canada): 866-740-3890