Wilderness Scotland - Canoe & Kayaking Holidays

Nothing quite beats the thrill of exploring from the water. Let Wilderness Scotland take through tranquil gorges or underneath rugged cliffs, enjoy the opportunity to get close to the local wildlife and discover hidden places unaccessible to landlubbers. 

Scotland is a wonderful destination for sea kayaking holidays with white sand beaches, rugged coastlines and fascinating seastacks. Many of our trips are suitable for people with limited experience of sea kayaking. 

Our canoeing holidays range from multi-day river descents to a crossing of the infamous Great Glen. One of the ancient forms of transport and discovery, a canoe is a great way to go out and explore new places. Pack everything you need and let the river take you away somewhere special.

Under the watchful eye of our experienced and highly qualified guides, you can develop your paddling skills while discovering the amazing landscapes and wildlife of Scotland. On each one of our trips you will receive personal coaching throughout. As well as being very knowledgeable on the local flora, fauna, history and culture - our guides will ensure that you have a safe and incredible holiday. 

Most of our guided group departures leave and return to railway stations as we encourage our clients to book rail travel where possible and travel in a sustainable way.

If you’re a beginner our Introduction Course is a perfect play to start, allowing you to learn the basic skills while exploring beautiful surroundings.

The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail is Europe's first long distance sea kayaking trail, stretching from Gigha in the south to the Summer Isles in the north. At the end of each day, you can enjoy a hot shower and a visit to the local restaurant or pub for dinner before snuggling down with your duvet in our cosy accommodation. If you (like us) enjoy your sea kayaking and your home comforts in equal measure, then look no further than these 3 trips. 

We also offer expeditions for the more experienced kayaker with wild camping on remote beaches and islands - a genuine wilderness experience.

• Sea Kayak Trail South - The Whisky Coast : This trip is designed to allow you to discover the best parts of the southern section of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, passing many beautiful Hebridean islands along the way on a series of day paddles between the Isle of Gigha and Oban.
• Sea Kayak Trail Central - The Jacobite Coast : Exploring the central part of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, this trip introduces you to wonderful areas such as Loch Linnhe, the Sound of Mull, Loch Sunart and the Sound of Arisaig. The Trail itself is completely unmarked and undeveloped so the sea kayaking offered is a pristine experience. 
• Sea Kayak Trail North - The Gaelic Coast : Kayak from Plockton, past castles, through seal colonies and, all the time, with the stunning Isle of Skye as a backdrop. Moving north, we reach the official end of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, the remarkable Summer Isles. 

• Introduction Course : If you haven’t tried sea kayaking in Scotland before, this short break will equip you with the essential kayaking skills to get you started while exploring the beautiful surroundings. At the end of a day on the water enjoy cosy accommodation at a private bunkhouse on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon.
• Orkney Isles : Go on a challenging sea kayaking trip like no other. For the experienced and confident paddler, explore the towering sea cliffs stacked with seabirds, remote beaches and sea caves which are abundant on the Orkney coastline. This trip combines bunkhouse accommodation and one night wild camping depending on the weather. 

• West Coast Explorer: The West Coast Explorer is designed to highlight the best of what sea kayaking in Scotland can offer. Experience expedition style sea kayaking with overnight wild camping, outdoor cooking and starry skies away from civilisation.
• The Summer Isles : The Summer Isles are some of the most scenic islands in Scotland. Gor for an inspiring journey through this stunning seascape. This area is known for its rich marine wildlife with dolphins, porpoises, seals and even whales inhabiting these waters. In the sky, there are many varieties of sea birds and golden eagles can sometimes be seen as well. We’ll go ashore on many of the islands, allowing you to really get to know the character of the islands during the trip, from both land and sea.
• Sound of Arisaig : Our exploration of the Sound of Arisaig is the perfect trip for sampling the amazing beauty of the West Coast and Inner Hebrides. At the end of each day unwind on remote campsites on isolated beaches and on islands covered by colourful natural woodlands.
• Island Hopping the Outer Hebrides : Kayaking around the Outer Hebrides is a superb way to discover the crystal clear turquoise waters, incredible wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. Wherever we venture you can expect to visit beautiful coastlines, uninhabited islands and some jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches. Spend 5 nights camping on rustic campsites.

• The Whisky River : Paddle through tranquil pine forests and Scotland’s most famous whisky region as you journey the length of the River Spey. Adventurous days on the river are followed by comfortable nights in Highland accommodation.
• Scottish Classics : Exploring the central Highlands and Speyside, you will experience outstanding scenery, wildlife and whisky - as well as superb canoeing!

• The Great Glen Canoe Trail : This is a classic canoe journey from coast to coast through the spectacular loch and river system of the Great Glen, including canoeing in Loch Ness.
• The North West Highlands : For a truly push-the-boundaries experience explore Scotland’s North West Highlands via canoe. Journey through one of the most primeval wilderness areas of Scotland. Be one of the few that paddle these secluded waters and enjoy the stunning scenery of undulating heather moorland, peat bogs and lochs.
• The River Spey Descent : This exhilarating Scottish river trip descends the famous River Spey passing through pine forests, heather-covered hills and Scotland’s most celebrated whisky region. Along the way we'll camp along beautiful spots on the river bank. 

We can also run private sea kayaking and canoeing trips for groups of 4 or more people - contact us to discuss your ideas and let us design the perfect itinerary for you, regardless of what standard of sea kayaker you are.

As well as sea kayaking and canoeing trips, Wilderness Scotland runs guided and self guided walking holidays, mountain biking, sailing, road cycling, wildlife and photography holidays. We also offer a range of family multi-activity holidays and self-driving itineraries, as well as a bespoke holiday service. Please see our website for full details of our trips and services.

Wilderness Scotland is committed to sustainable tourism and we have won several awards for our high quality and eco-friendly trips. We hold the award for Best Green Tour Operator in the World Travel Awards, a Highly Commended placing in the World Responsible Tourism Awards and since 2006 we have held a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. For details on further awards, please click here and for more details on our operating policies please click here. 

• We are the only VisitScotland 5 Star Adventure Tour Operator
• Rated No. 1 Adventure Travel Company in Europe by National Geographic Magazine
• Our office team and expert guides will ensure your experience is truly memorable

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