GUIDED SEA KAYAK EXPEDITION
Summer isles
On the north-west coast of Scotland lies a scattering of remote islands, rugged and isolated, these islands are a kayakers paradise. The Summer Isles has a deep history in crofting, fishing, and named for their summer grazing opportunities. These islands are almost completely uninhabited and offer endless adventure opportunities for a curious kayaker with more than 20 islands, rocks and skerries to explore.
The Summer isles
Location
The Summer Isles are situated off the north-west coast of Scotland, just north of the small fishing port of Ullapool. The area is easily accessible from Inverness with a scenic drive through stunning mountains and the islands sit just 2km off the shores of Achiltibuie.
2023 Dates
2023 dates coming soon! FULL
6 days of kayaking
£895
Who's this trip for
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Paddlers with 3 or more days previous experience kayaking (single day trips are perfect).
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Feel happy in and around the water.
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Fitness level to cover 15km a day.
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Inspired to wild camp, and happy to live without regular campsite facilities.
If you would like to discuss any of the above requirements, please get in touch. We have training courses running in spring and autumn or 1:1 coaching.
Route
Our expedition will start from the small fishing harbour, Old Dornie. Perfectly sheltered by the Isle of Ristol, a Scottish Wildlife Reserve, alive with flora and fauna. We will explore the sheltered bays and white sandy beaches of Ristol, and hopefully get a glimpse of the elusive sea otters. Setting up camp in a beautiful bay overlooking the impressive Coigeach Peninsular.
In the morning will paddle out to the main archipelago of islands, with the goal of circumnavigating the largest, Tanera Mor. This is the only island with seasonal inhabitants, a tiny cafe and remote post office which welcomes visitors once a day when the wildlife tours stop in. Once home to a huge herring industry, it's hard to imagine the quiet Anchorage Bay was a bustling centre for fishing.
On the outer side of Tanera Mor, we will spend a day exploring the maze of skerries and small islands, home to a curious colony of seals, nesting sea birds and hidden beaches which only appear when the tide is low enough to expose the gorgeous coral sand.
Depending on the weather and sea state, we will explore some of the outermost islands. These rugged rocky islands are home to some impressive cliffs and caves, amazing birdlife, and if we're lucky, we may get to experience a pod of local porpoise.
Our journey will take us back towards the inner islands which lie close to the mainland, tucked beneath the towering peaks of Ben Mor Coigach, we will follow the coastline back to Old Dorney. Keep your eyes peeled for a pair of golden eagles which live on the steep mountain-side of this remote coastline.
WIldlife
The waters in and around the Summer Isles is rich with wildlife! Nesting sea birds use the remote islands to rear their chicks, feeding in the surrounding waters. We've enjoyed sightings of puffins, peregrines and eagles!
Kayaking through the islands is the best way to experience the local seals, during the high tide they'll be busy fishing, but can't help but take a few minutes out to investigate a fleet of passing kayaks. At low tide, you'll get to enjoy them basking in the sun, hauled out on skerries and beaches.
Camping
Scotland's vast wilderness, remote beaches and hundreds of coastal islands make it perfect for remote wild camping. On this expedition we will carry everything we need to be self-sufficient for the trip, we'll pitch our tents on secluded islands and enjoy stunning sunsets as the even sun sets into the sea.
You'll need to be happy with the simplicity of life that comes with wild camping. Washing in refreshing streams, or taking a dip in the sea. Toilet facilities will also be the natural kind, and you'll be given all the equipment needed to do your business.
Testimonial
Erin is a great guide, she works amazingly hard to make sure everybody has a really great trip. She thinks of every little thing, she has good gear, in good condition for everyone to use. Erin leads trips in places she knows well so she has heaps of local knowledge to bring to expeditions, she knows the best campsites with the best white sand beaches and turquoise sea!
Rachel
Arrival/Departure
Participants will need to arrive in Inverness for a 10 am pickup on the morning of the trip start date. We will meet at Inverness train station easily accessible by bus from Inverness airport or the regular rail service. After the team have been greeted by your guide Erin, you will travel to the launch at Old Dorney. Here we'll organise kit and pack kayaks before a delicious picnic and an amazing afternoon paddling.
The team will pack up camp for the last time on departure day and enjoy a morning paddling before returning to the van with the aim of dropping off in Inverness for 4 pm.
What the Price Includes
Evoke's wilderness sea kayaking guide.
Sea kayaking safety equipment.
All kayaking and camping equipment.
Cooking equipment and all expeditions meals.
Return transport from Inverness train station.
Price does not Include
Travel to Inverness.
Travel insurance.
Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances.
Booking
A 25% deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remainder due 6 weeks before the expedition start date.
If you have any questions about the expedition or would like more information you can contact us