Explore the Summer Isles
3 day expedition Summer Isles Wild camp
What to Expect The Summer Isles are a group of islands off the Northwest Highlands - rugged and wild and mostly uninhabited - they form an ideal location for a sea kayak expedition. On this trip we'll explore the islands over the course of three days, tailoring our exact route to the conditions. On the way we'll pass rock arches, cliffs, beaches and bays and we'll camp in some spectacular locations.
Trip Highlights A three day kayak expedition exploring the Summer Isles.
- Explore a group of islands known for excellent sea kayaking.
- Wild camp on uninhabited islands.
- The perfect chance to build sea kayaking expedition experience and improve your skills.
Grade:
Expedition Open
Expedition Open
This trip is open to Improver level kayakers and above and can be enjoyed by those with a range of different experience levels/backgrounds.
To join this trip -
- You need to be confident that you have the fitness to paddle a sea kayak for four hours (with breaks) each day or to paddle roughly 15km in a day (actual daily distances and paddling times will vary greatly) as well as carry kayaks to and from and the water, pack equipment and set up camp.
- You need to be confident and prepared for the physical and mental demands of an expedition - being active for a lot of the day, being out in the elements, being prepared to take on both easier and tougher sections of paddling as they may occur as part of the nature of expeditions.
- You should have as a minimum fundamental sea kayaking knowledge and skill - how to launch and land correctly, how to paddle forwards effectively, how to steer and control the kayak in some wind and waves, what to do if you capsise.
- You should have knowledge and awareness of how to dress for sea kayaking and the outdoors and be able to look after yourself out in the elements.
- You don't necessarily need to have lots of experience to gain the above confidence and skill but sea kayaking should not be new to you (if it is then take a look at our courses).
- You don’t need to have wild camping experience but general experience of camping will help you know this is the right trip for you.
Expeditions are always potentially more challenging than a guided day trip or day trips based course depending on the conditions.
Typical minimum number of days experience - 2 to 10+
How an individual client reaches the above experience fitness/knowledge and skill will vary greatly (numbers above are a rough guide - numbers of days experience will vary greatly).
- You may have done a recent introduction type course where you gained confidence and skill, coped well with paddling 10km or more in a day and experienced a range of conditions or you may have experience based on multiple day trips in a range of conditions.
- You may have a substantial bank of experience from multiple trips and expeditions and are simply wanting to explore somewhere new or learn at your own pace.
- You may have little sea kayaking experience but have transferable knowledge and skill gained from a good level of experience in another paddlesport such as white water kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing.
- You may have a small amount of sea kayaking experience but have plenty of other outdoor sports experience and fitness to draw on in order to know that an expedition is the right trip for you.
Dates and Prices
Scroll down to see the story or the trip information
Day 1 - Arrive in the North West Highlands
After meeting in Ullapool we'll drive through the North West Highlands to Achiltibuie, close to the Summer Isles. A short paddle will take us across to Isle Ristol where a beautiful white sand bay will welcome us into our first nights camp.
We'll spend the evening exploring the island, which has great views over the Summer Isles, building anticipation for the next days paddling.
Day 2 - Exploring the Summer Isles
The conditions in the North West Highlands can vary and as such our exact route through the islands will also vary - we'll use our knowledge and expertise to explore the islands around the forecasted conditions, meaning no two trips will likely be the same.
We'll explore as many of the islands as possible - paddling South to Priest Island with its sea caves and rocky coastline and exploring the islands of Tanera Mor and Beag, the latter home to a sandstone arch.
As we explore we'll keep an eye out for White Tailed Eagles, Otters and the Dolphins and Whales that migrate through these waters in the summer months.
Day 3 - Journey's end
Our final day will see us paddle back to the mainland under the sandstone peaks of Assynt. We'll reverse our route home, stopping in Ullapool.
Accomodation For this trip we will be wild camping.
Food Includes Breakfast and evening meals. Evening meal on day 1 to breakfast on day 3. You'll need to bring snacks and lunch. It is also possible to self cater if you prefer.
Start and Finish Meet at Ullapool 10.00 on day 1. Trip finishes day 3, Ullapool 15.30. If you aren't travelling by car then Ullapool can be reached by bus from Inverness, take the citylink bus at 08.30, return bus at 17.00 from Ullapool.
Equipment Our expedition kit list applies to this trip. All specialist kayaking equipment and camping equipment can be provided (with the exception of sleeping bags). The only hire charge is £15 to rent a tent for the trip (MSR Elixir 2), everything else is included in the fee.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals, couples or small groups of friends. Expeditions are only open to over 18's.
To take part in a trip you need to weigh less than 110kg (17 stone). This is set to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment and to make sure the guide can apply the appropriate standard of safety for everyone in the group. If you weigh more than this then that doesn't exclude you from kayaking or paddlesports - please bear in mind this figure is specific to the guided trips we run using our sea kayaks and journeying in remote areas.
If you have sea kayaking experience particulalry including any rescue/capsise training and are over this weight limit then you may be able to join a trip, please email to let us know.
We have no fixed height limit and have had clients up to 200cm (6 foot 6) successfully take part in trips. Please bear in mind that for anyone over 190cm - leg length, foot size, flexibilty and fitness will all influence whether you can comfortably sit in a sea kayak for a days journey.
Yes - a lot of learning about sea kayaking comes from experience and is best done as individuals on the move and in context. We won't spend time on long instructional briefings or static group skills practice during an expedition but will give you hints and tips on the journey to make it easier for you and suggest improvements to your technique as we go along. We'll help you develop your knowledge and sea kayak handling skill throughout the trip but also allow plenty of time simply to enjoy the journey and the experience of sea kayaking.
The weather on the West coast of Scotland can vary through the course of the season and from area to area - Scottish islands and coastline can see dramatically better weather and more sunshine than more mountainous areas on the West coast. The wind speed and sea state are the primary factors that affect the trip - if the conditions are difficult then we will seek out a more sheltered section of coast to run the trip. You should note that it is very rare that we have to stay off the water on multi-day trips and the vast majority of trips run as planned. For full terms and conditions see the link below. You can read more about the weather/cancellation/booking on our FAQ page.
A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking, the balance is due 11 weeks prior to the trip, for cancellation policy please see our full terms and conditions.
We have a much larger FAQ page that covers all aspects of sea kayak trips with us.
