Kayaking Scotland - Magic of the Hebrides

The Magic of Barra / The Magic of Harris.

Lying on the very fringe of Europe the Outer Hebrides are amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. This string of islands offers fantastic scenery and wildlife, and make for a truly beautiful paddling destination. We will be based on the Isle of Barra, the most southerly inhabited island from where we will explore surrounding islands to discover bays, quiet lagoons and stunning white beaches.
Sitting far out in the Atlantic off the west coast of Scotland the islands have stayed undisturbed and remain the domain of wildlife. As we slip quietly by in our kayaks we may catch a glimpse of dolphins and porpoise. We will meet the island resident seals, rabbits, otters, and a fantastic array of birds. Sea Eagles and Golden Eagles can be spotted soaring over the islands:Puffins, Guillemots, and Kittiwakes nest on the high sheer cliffs, whilst Oystercatchers and Plovers can be seen picking amongst the mussels and limpets on the seashore.

We will also take time to explore the islands on foot, and climbing the hills gives breathtaking views over the Hebrides towards, Skye, Rum, Tiree and beyond. Although small the islands are beautiful and an amazing 1000 species of wild flowers have been identified. During the spring
primroses festoon the dunes, whilst in summer blue squill, wild geranium, celandine and orchids carpet the machair. Finally there are the people. The islands have been inhabited for four thousand years, and evidence still remains of a Celtic presence. Today Barra is home to fishermen and croftersand retains a strong sense of community. Around the island Gaelic spoken, and in July Barra hosts the ‘bharraidh feis’ a traditional festival of music, poetry and dancing when visitors are all welcome to join in.

During our kayak adventures we will base ourselves in Castlebay, Isle of Barra's main village. It consists of a handful of shops, a wee cafe and two hotel/pubs, which in summer fill with the sound of fiddles, accordions and bagpipes. Once the stronghold of the MacNeil clan the 15th century Kisimul Castle sits out in the middle of the bay and gives the village its name. The accommodation is owned and run by ourselves and sits, www.dunardlodge.co.uk

Magic of Assynt

Clearwater Paddling is teaming up with experienced local guide Jules Macleod to offer the ‘Magic of Ayssnt’ in the stunning North West of Scotland, This fantastic tour, which incorporates lovely accommodation with outstanding paddling amidst a variety of coastlines and landscapes makes this a kayaker’s dream. The scenery here is unique and has been awarded geopark status for its extraordinary landscape, where the sandstone peaks of Suliven, Canisp, Quinag, Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Stac Polly stand in splendid isolation over the three billlion year old Lewisian Gneiss with its cnoc and lochan landscape. Our kayak exploration will take us to the captivating Summer Isles, where dolphins, porpoise and seals are regularly seen. We will travel along the rocky coast of Lochinver, past white sandy beaches, arches and caves and under the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Stoer. With the right conditions we will also circumnavigate Handa Island, an exhilarating Scottish Wildlife Trust bird reserve. Here on the sheer Torridonian sandstone cliffs, rising vertically from the Atlantic, nest some 180,000, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, skuas, fulmars and kittiwakes. We will be based just a few miles outside the beautiful fishing village of Lochinver, in the hamlet of Inverkirkaig. The house, which comprises of two twin rooms and two double rooms, also has a veranda from where you can enjoy the wonderful views over Inverkirkaig Bay to the Assynt mountains beyond. Or take a stroll along Kirkaig bay, or find tranquillity along the river and go in search of the great Kirkaig falls.

The Magic of Moidart.

This year we have added a new exciting adventure-‘The Magic of Moidart’. Based around the Sound of Arisaig, Moidart and Ardnamurchan this wonderful tour really has something for everyone. In parts there are gorgeous white coral beaches and a myriad islands scattered across the sea. Paddling through these islands is like finding your way through a beautiful maze. Underneath you lie turquoise seas, surrounded by stunning views of the Inner Hebrides. In contrast you will find wild rocky coastlines punctured by small coves and caves. Then there are the more sheltered sea lochs where at last trees can begin to thrive. Here are stands of ancient Caledonian pines, and woodlands of oak, birch, beech and rowan, with the long abandoned Castle Tuiam in the background. These woodlands are home to pine martin, red squirrel and even wild cats. Another fantastic trip is kayaking over Loch Shiel followed by a paddle down
the beautiful wood flanked River Shiel
into Loch Moidart. All the while there
is the backdrop of high mountains
which add to the dramatic scenery.

Exploring some of these hills offers stunning views over the Minch towards Eigg. Muck, Rum,
Skye and the Outer Hebrides beyond.

Like all our tours there are always wildlife encounterswaiting to happen. Seals can be seen on the many islands whilst the sheltered bays and sea lochs are ideal otter country.
Likewise golden eagle and sea eagles abound in this part of Scotland as walkers rarely visit these hills. In the more open water we may spot dolphins, porpoise and possibly
even whales and sharks.

During our tour we will be based
in a wonderful house on the shores of Kentra Bay. The house has four bedrooms and a lovely sitting room with an open fire. Rooms are either twin or double.

The Magic of the Inner Hebrides.

Based south of Oban this tour allows for maximum flexibility to explore some of the fascinating Inner Hebrides Islands. Each day we will set out to paddle new areas.
On a good day we could cross over to Jura to witness the world-renowned Corryvecken whirlpool, one of the biggest whirlpools in the world. Or head North of Scarpa and visit the Grey Dog.
On anther day we may circumnagivate Luing and Seil and paddle under the ‘Bride over the Atlantic’. There is a great variety of scenery from the unmistakable Paps of Jura to the wooded sea lochs around Loch Melfort and Loch Craignish.

The sea around the Inner Hebrides is paricular good for wildlife encounters, with seals, eagles and the possibility of seaing dolphins and even whales. With shelter lochs, a whole host of islands, big and small, whirlpools and much much more this trip has it all .