Open Canoe Wilderness Trips

The canoe is the craft that has been used by generations to travel across vast tracts of wilderness. Its ability to carry you and a huge amount of gear is something that we utilise on this course. Firstly, your guide will show you how to pack your boat, looking at trim and lashing styles, then we will be off - seeing amazing views, getting close to nature, and learning new skills. Upon landing you will see and learn new and different ways to set up camp, and to cook on an open fire. We will demonstrate methods of fire-lighting, and you will, of course, get to try this art form for yourself! Two-day or five-day options available.

Currently available on the following dates:

North Wales - 2 Days (1 night camping) £211pp

2008:
Days	Dates	Days	Dates
Thurs/Fri Thurs/Fri Sat/Sun	21st-22nd August 4th-5th September 25th-26th October	Sat/Sun Sat/Sun	8th-9th November 6th-7th December

 

Scotland - 5 Days (4 nights camping) £500pp

This course is for paddlers who would like to enjoy the experience of an extended canoe journey, without having to organise the planning and logistics unassisted.

Our aim is to operate as a self-sufficient team, carrying everything we need with us as we go. We meet on the first morning, pack the canoes with food and equipment for the trip, and set off. Throughout the journey your guides will share with you their knowledge and experience in such areas as:

Route planning                           Weather
Loading a canoe                        Campcraft and Bushcraft
Navigation                                 Wildlife
Portage skills

We also include the coaching of various paddling skills as appropriate, to ensure the group has the necessary skills to undertake the journey safely.

The exact itinerary will depend on the prevailing weather conditions and group ability.

The trip will include skills tuition but is not just about paddling - we will also look at other useful skills such as poling and sailing. Added to this we will have a dedicated bushcraft instructor going along who will be teaching firelighting by friction, various methods of cooking on an open fire and anything else which may be of use on the way!

We will also be taking along a Tipi for group use, so you can experience this fantastic form of camping firsthand!

2008:
Days	Dates
Mon-Fri Mon-Fri	8th-12th September - Loch Shiel 6th-10th October - Loch Ness and the Great Glen
2009:
Mon-Fri Mon-Fri	20th-24th April - Loch Shiel 7th-11th September - River Spey

Loch Shiel
The plan is to paddle the length of Loch Shiel, then down the river Shiel to explore Loch Moidart, and back into Loch Shiel, camping at various sites along the way (all depending on the group and the prevailing weather conditions).

Loch Ness and the Great Glen
A classic trip in Nessie territory - a big loch with options to paddle on the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal, in the midst of stunning scenery of grandeur.

The River Spey
This brilliant salmon river takes us all the way from the Cairngorm Mountains through to the east coast of Scotland, it's a fast moving and beautiful introduction to moving water canoeing for the novice.

All trips are suitable for beginners but those with experience will be sure to add to their existing skill sets with the help of our superb coaches.

Also available on any other date throughout the year - please call us to check availability!

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Our pdf paddle sports flyer is available here