Sea Kayaking Journeys

Clearwater Paddling is proud to offer epic adventures, travelling through some of Scotland’s wildest seascapes.

To get the most out of these stunning Wild Journeys tours paddlers should be happy kayaking in a larger swell and making longer crossings.

The tours are suited to paddlers who have at least 10 days experience of sea kayaking in a variety of conditions. Like all our tours if the conditions are not safe, then we will not paddle.

Hebridean Journey

The aim of this tour is to explore the parts no other tours visit.
Weather depending this wild camping journey will begin in Castlebay and travel to the furthest south islands in the Outer Hebrides, visiting Vatersay, Sandray, Pabby, Mingulay and Berneray. Following this we will head north along the rocky shoreline of Barra up into the Sound of Barra. (This tour visits very remote islands; therefore the itinerary is subject to the weather conditions).

We will have the opportunity to paddle amongst rafts of puffins, razorbills and guillemots, which nest each summer on these remote islands.

See seals hauled out on the rocks, otters searching for food, and perhaps glimpse dolphins and basking sharks in the sounds.

The awe-inspiring scenery dwarfs the paddler. Kayak below massive, sheer 200m cliffs, and past caves, arches and huge stacks. This is some of the grandest and wildest wilderness imaginable.

Jura Journey

This trip will explore the incredible coastline of Jura, with the aim of a complete circumnavigation. Jura has it all, whirlpools, wild mountain scenery, rugged coasts, and its famous raised beaches.

Standing proudly off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides, Jura is
both easily accessible, yet retains an almost mystic presence.
At its north end is the world-renowned Corryvecken whirlpool, one of the biggest whirlpools in the world. The roar of the tide rushing through the sound can be heard from several miles away. To witness
this stunning sight from the shores of Jura is reason alone to make
this journey.

Passing through the sound (during slack water!) we paddle southwards down the west coast. Here lie the extraordinary raised beaches, which stand many metres above sea level.
Towering above the beaches stands the Paps of Jura, a ridge of mountains, which rise steep and proud. Along the coast we will pass through quiet sea lochs, and camp amongst the wild, beautiful scenery.

Mull Journey

Mull has many world know features, Iona and the majestic abbey, Staffa and the incredible Fingal’s Cave, and the remarkable Treshnish
Islands to name but a few. On this trip we will explore the southwest corner of Mull (Ross of Mull) with beautiful secluded beaches, high rocky cliffs, and stunning views over the Inner Hebrides towards Tiree and Coll in the west and Jura and Islay to the south.
We will take time to circumnavigate the beautiful little island of Iona, which has little coves, white beaches and great views of the Abbey.

If conditions allow we will make the crossing over to the Treshnish islands and
Staffa with the opportunity to paddle right into Fingal’s cave which is an unforgettable experience. The cave is formed from huge numbers of basalt columns. This feature carries on under the sea to end up at the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.

On both Staffa and the Treshnish Islands puffins can be seen busily flying to and fro from their burrow
nests, whilst the seas around these islands are one of the best places to see whales and dolphins.

Harris Journey

Lying at the northern end of the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris is a stunningly beautiful island. With astonishingly white beaches backed by wild ragged hills Harris is truly remarkable. The aim of our tour is to circumnavigate Harris, whilst on the way visiting the islands of Taransay, Scarp, Scalpay and the Sound of Harris. Highlights include the caves that line the coast of Scarp, and the mountain backdrop to the sea lochs north of Huisinis. Then there is the wild rocky loch encrusted east coast of Harris, which leads on to the beautiful island studded Sound of Harris.

Finally there is the beach fringed west coast and as
one passes Toe Head the full glory of Harris opens
up, with Taransay, the beaches at Horgabost and
Sellebost and the high mountains as a
backdrop. Not a journey to be taken
lightly, but one that will stay with
you forever.