Try before you commit to the expedition
Thinking about our Great Glen Expedition but not sure if you're ready? This taster day on Chichester Harbour lets you test your stamina, try paddling with expedition kit loaded and chat with the team about what the multi-day adventure really involves.
A full day of practical preparation in a safe, familiar environment, so you can sign up for the Great Glen trip with confidence.
A day that answers your questions
The Great Glen Expedition is four days of paddling across Scotland — lochs, canals, and rivers, with all your camping gear in the kayak. It's an incredible trip, but it's a commitment. This taster day exists so you can find out whether you're ready without booking flights to Inverness first.
We load the kayaks with expedition kit - the same weight you'd carry on the Glen - and paddle Chichester Harbour for the day. It feels different with a loaded boat. It turns differently, it sits differently in the water and the paddling requires a different rhythm. We'll work on the techniques that matter most for multi-day trips: efficient paddling that you can sustain for hours, not just minutes.
Conditions permitting, we'll head beyond the harbour mouth to experience open-water paddling with a loaded kayak. We'll talk about what to expect on the expedition - the daily distances, the camping, the logistics and answer every question honestly. By the end of the day, you'll either be booking the Glen or you'll know exactly what to work on before you do.
Preparing for your taster day
- Meeting Point: Itchenor, PO20 7AW
- Duration: Full day
- What's Provided: Kayak, expedition kit (for weight simulation), safety equipment, and coaching
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water
- Experience: Some kayaking experience required. This is preparation for a multi-day expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the Great Glen Expedition to do this?
What makes it different from a normal course?
How fit do I need to be?
What if I decide I'm not ready for the expedition?
Where does it take place?
At a Glance
Skills You'll Cover
- Paddling a loaded expedition kayak
- Forward paddling for distance
- Pacing and stamina for multi-day trips
- Packing and trimming a loaded boat
- Group and expedition awareness
- Preparing for the Great Glen Expedition
- Level: Improver
- Prerequisites: Some kayaking experience. This is preparation for a multi-day expedition.
What to Bring
- Towel
- Complete change of clothes
- Camera and snacks, if required
Practical Details
- Season: Year-round
Gallery
What People Say
“The beautiful scenery and the back support on the kayaks for someone with posture issues it made all the difference”
“Going a place never been before. Upstream from Pulbrough”
“Getting out into the water again after two years absence - absolute joy ! Not having to transport the kayak on our car or store the kayak at home. Perfect easy entry to the kayak from the beach.”
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