Outer Hebrides Expedition
7 days Outer Hebrides Camp & Wild Camp
On this trip the primary aim will be to paddle a continuous expedition. We may also paddle day trips from a fixed camp in one or two different locations or a combination of day trips and expedition. The conditions in the Outer Hebrides can vary greatly - through a flexible approach we can visit multiple areas of the islands if necessary and take advantage of the conditions that are forecast.
What to Expect An expedition aiming to explore the Outer Hebrides - focussed on the Isle of Lewis, Harris or the Uists and Benbecula. This is a classic and very committing journey featuring some of the finest coastline in Scotland. It features everything that makes the Outer Hebrides such a special place to paddle - exposed cliffs and rugged coastline, sheltered white sand bays, and islands packed with social and natural history. Over the course of the expedition we'll experience all kinds of sea states and all kinds of coastline - making this trip one that will live on in the memory for a long time.
Trip Highlights A 7 day kayak expedition, suitable for confident intermediate paddlers, aiming to explore wild and exposed islands.
- Journey from sheltered bays past exposed headlands and tidal channels - the contrasts on this trip are incredible.
- Build advanced expedition experience and develop your sea kayak skill and confidence in wild and committing environments.
- Wild camp on uninhabited Hebridean islands above white sand bays.
Grade:
Intermediate
Intermediate
To join this trip -
- You should be confident holding a moving speed of 6 km per hour (3 Kn) and covering distances of 15 - 25 km for successive days.
- You should have some experience of handling a sea kayak in force 4 winds and be very confident controlling a sea kayak in force 3 winds including the use of a skeg and turning your kayak efficiently in the wind and in waves.
- You should be practised at paddling effectively as part of a group and know how to react and take instruction in common sea kayaking situations - including rescues and capsizes.
These trips are for those who have a good level of knowledge and experience gained from time spent in sea kayaks in varied conditions. These trips may feature single days of up to 25 km (daily distances and paddling times will vary greatly) and its likely we will be paddling in wind and waves as part of the trip.
Typical minimum number of days experience - 8 to 20+
How an individual client reaches the above experience, fitness, knowledge and skill will vary greatly.
- You may have done an introduction type course followed by some further sea kayaking to develop your skill and experience. This might be in the form of a series of day trips, an improver or intermediate course or an expedition.
- If you have only ever paddled in calm water or never received any instruction, help or coaching from other sea kayakers or coaches then an intermediate trip is not the right one for you.
- You may have a substantial bank of experience from multiple trips and expeditions and enjoy exploring as part of a guided group.
Dates and Prices
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Day 1 - Ferry across the Minch
We'll meet in Inverness or Ullapool on the morning of day one, ready to take the Ullapool to Stornoway ferry across the Minch.
Once on Lewis we'll drive to where we intend to launch for our expedition - we have the ability to drive anywhere on the islands to start our expedition. We may also choose to paddle a short trip on day one, or to split the time in the way that suits the conditions best, flexibility allows for the best paddling out in the Islands.
Day 2 to 3 - Exploring the Sound of Harris
The Sound of Harris offers a wonderful paddle with a mix of open water and islands to explore.
We'll meet the Atlantic swell here that will be present for much of the trip and crossing between the islands features some areas of stronger tidal flow that makes for interesting and varied paddling.
The Sound features several islands that offer an inviting place to camp.
Day 4 to 5 - Exploring Harris
The Isle of Taransay is definilty one of the places we could explore. The island forms a trap for the deposiition of the white sand that charachterises the Hebrides and we can land on the sand spit of Corran Ra and look out to endless stretches of sand - the only difference between here and the famous Luskentyre on the Harris side of the sound is that we'll likely have the place to ourselves - the advantage of being able to travel by sea kayak.
Scarp is another island well worth exploring and features the same mix of white sand beaches and rugged coastline (you'll not get bored of it!). Towering Lewisian Gneiss cliffs, riddled with caves, give way to a hidden sandy lagoon protected from the swell.
Both of these islands are in areas that are also excellent for two or three day expeditions or connecting in one longer expedition.
Day 6 to 7 - Exploring Lewis
Another place that offers us a full range of possibilities - from the shetlered inner sounds to the exposed islands and stacks of Little Bernera - we can find somewhere to paddle that works really well for the conditions we have.
The coastlines are lined with History waiting to be discovered - from the ancient standing Stones of Callanish through Iron age houses to Norse settlements - there is visible time in the landscape in every part of the coasltine.
Little Bernera offers a highlight of any trip to the area - the calm white sand lagoon serving as the perfect counterpoint to the swell lashed rocks beyond - journeying here in a sea kayak and landing on a beach without a single footprint is a really special experience.
Day 7 - Ferry home
We will return to the mainland on the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry in the mid-afternoon, giving the chance for either a morning paddle to finish the expedition or an explore of the historic town of Stornoway.
The ferry journey offers a great way to end the expedition - looking out for Minke Whales and Common Dolphins as the Hebrides fade into the distance.
Accommodation For this trip we will be camping - this will either be wild camping or in a basic campsite, this is best described as where we camp within walking distance of the vehicle and facilities but not on enclosed or fixed pitches - semi-wild camping is probably the best description! Or we may camp within walking distance of the vehicle but not on an organised camp site. Camp site fees are not included but are only £5 per person per night if use the campsite. The primary aim will be to paddle a continuous journey and wild camp.
Food Includes breakfast and dinner - Dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7, you'll need to bring lunch and snacks. We can accommodate any dietary requirements if notified in advance.
Start and Finish Meet at Inverness at 07.30 or Ullapool at 09.00 on day one. Finish Ullapool at 16.30 or Inverness 18.30 on day seven.
Kit List Our expedition kit list applies to this trip. All specialist kayaking equipment and camping equipment can be provided (with the exception of sleeping bags).
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals, couples or small groups of friends.
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 25% deposit is required at the time of booking, the balance is due 6 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.
