Sea Kayaking View Trip Dates The Outer Book Now

Trip Grade: Blue 5 The

On this sea kayaking adventure we will explore some the wildest places left in Europe - the islands of the Outer Hebrides. Facing the wild Atlantic, these rocky and intricately shaped islands offer a unique coastline to explore, with islands dotted around them, and pierced by fjord-like sea lochs.

For the first 3 nights of the trip we will be based in a bunkhouse at a thatched heritage village on the west coast of Lewis, before setting out for 2 nights wild camping on an expedition by sea kayak. For the last night of the trip we return to where a celebration meal, hot showers and warm beds await us after a wonderful time sea kayaking in the Outer Hebrides.

Highlights • Explore pristine deserted islands, wild coastlines, and white-sand beaches by sea kayak. • Paddle in the crystal clear waters, enjoying the spectacular views of the coastal mountains. • Undertake a 3 day expedition by sea kayak to explore some of the more remote islands.

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 | Travel to The Outer Hebrides Day 2 | Sea Kayaking On Loch Roag Day 3 | Sea Kayaking Off Days 4 & 5 | Sea Kayaking Expedition Day 6 | Sea Kayaking, Travel to Stornoway Day 7 | Morning in Stornoway, Return to Inverness

Arrival Info

• Your Guide will meet you at the centre of Inverness Railway Station by the fixed seating area • 7.30am on Day 1 of your trip

Departure Info

• You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station • 6:45pm 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 | Travel to the Outer Hebrides

This morning we meet in Inverness railway station at 7.30am and then drive through the Highlands to Ullapool. Here we board the ferry that carries us across to the Outer Hebrides. After disembarking we travel across the island to the historic village of Gearranan which will be our base for 3 nights. (L, D)

Day 2 | Sea Kayaking on Loch Roag

Today we do a day trip by sea kayak on nearby Loch Roag, refreshing our paddling skills and exploring amongst the many islands that dot the loch. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for wildlife such as sea eagles that can often be seen here, and may paddle up towards the ancient standing stones of before returning to our bunkhouse at Gearranan late afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 3 | Sea Kayaking off Lewis and Harris

From the fissured east coastline to the long, sandy beaches of the west coast and the skerries of the Sound of Harris, the coastline of Harris and Lewis leave sea kayakers spoiled for choice! Our guide will assess the weather and sea conditions before selecting a day trip which will live long in the memory. Return to our bunkhouse at Gearranan late afternoon. (B, L, D) Days 4 and 5 | Sea Kayaking Expedition

On the morning of Day 4 we will load the boats with everything we need to take with us for the expedition phase of our adventure. Having checked the weather, sea states and tides your guide will choose a route that explores the rocky coastline, beaches and deserted islands, wild camping along the way.

As the Hebrides are exposed to the weather of the Atlantic the route will depend very much on the conditions at the time. If conditions permit then a point to point route along the west coast of Lewis and/or Harris is an excellent adventure, further exploring the islands of Loch Roag or visiting the now uninhabited islands of Scarp and Taransay.

If a more sheltered location is needed then we are spoiled for choice as there are many superb paddling options exploring the sea lochs of Lewis’ east coast such as Loch Seaforth, Loch Sealg and Loch Eireasort. This area is also home to magnificent wildlife, including the greatest concentration of golden eagles in the world. Wherever we venture we can sure of a true wilderness trip! (B, L, D)

Day 6 | Sea Kayaking, travel to Stornoway

On the last day of our paddling expedition we will complete our route before transferring to Stornoway where we will enjoy the luxuries of civilisation once again, with our last night in a 4 star hotel in Stornoway. Here we will enjoy a delicious meal to celebrate our adventure. (B, L, D)

Day 7 | Morning in Stornoway, return to Inverness

Today we will have a leisurely morning with some time to explore the town of Stornoway under your own steam. After lunch we embark on the ferry, arriving back on the mainland at about 4.30pm. We then drive back through the Highlands to Inverness, and drop you off at the station around 6.45pm. (B, L) Trip Grading | Blue 5 |

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

For our first 3 nights we will be based in a private bunkhouse on the west coast of Lewis. The bunkhouse is in an historic stone built cottage but has a modern, cosy interior. Sleeping arrangements consist of bunk beds with separate rooms for male and female accommodation. There are two modern shower rooms and bedding is provided. Please bring your own towel and toiletries.

During the expedition part of our trip we will wild camp in remote locations. Tents are provided, and sleeping bags and sleeping mats can be reserved with us if you do not wish to bring your own. We also bring a large tipi-style tent so that we can all gather together for meals and a hot drink even if the weather is poor. For camping you will need sleeping bag and sleeping mat, which can be reserved with us. Please request these at the time of booking.

Meals will be prepared either at the hostel or while camping, except for the final night, when we'll go to a local pub for a celebratory meal. The guide will co- ordinate and undertake as much of the cooking as possible on the trip, but everyone is asked to help out with the preparation of meals and with washing up. Expedition life is all about teamwork!

On the final night of the trip accommodation is in a 4-star hotel in Stornoway.

Single Rooms/Tents

On this trip there are no single rooms available during the first 3 nights as we are based at the bunkhouse. During the expedition phase 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.

For the final night of the trip: Accommodation is based on sharing a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. A limited number of rooms for single occupancy are available on a first come first served basis, subject to a single supplement. Please enquire for availability.

Single supplements vary across our itineraries so please refer to the ‘What’s Included - Accommodation’ tab on the trip page on our website for this trip or contact our sales team. All Inclusive Inclusions

This trip includes the following:

• 3 nights accommodation in a private bunkhouse, 2 nights wild camping and 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Stornoway

• All meals, from lunch on Day 1 until lunch on Day 7. (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

• The services of our experienced and knowledgeable sea kayak guides throughout your trip (guide:client ratio 1:4). Our holidays reviewed in your words…

Perfect!! Perfect weather. Perfect location. Perfect guides. Perfect kayaking. Sea kayaking trips with Wilderness “ just gets better and better and I can’t wait for the next one!! Vanessa Santillan ”

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 Scotland’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