About
Leave everyday life behind and embark on an unforgettable coast-to-coast kayaking adventure through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Over four incredible days, you'll paddle peaceful canals, legendary Loch Ness and breathtaking Highland lochs, discovering spectacular scenery, fascinating history and abundant wildlife along the way. Spend each night camping beneath star-filled skies before waking to another day of adventure, knowing every paddle stroke brings you closer to completing one of the UK's most iconic journeys. It's the perfect blend of challenge, exploration and wilderness - an expedition you'll be talking about for years to come.
Expedition Highlights
- Spectacular Scenery: Paddle through diverse landscapes, from peaceful canals to the legendary Loch Ness and the vast Highlands. Every stretch reveals a new and breathtaking view
- Varied Waterways: Experience the Great Glen’s unique blend of tranquil canals, expansive lochs, and open waters framed by forests and mountains
- Wild Camping: Immerse yourself in the wilderness with three nights under the stars. Enjoy a mix of wild campsites and established spots, complete with cosy campfires and starlit skies.
- Ample Storage: Our sea kayaks provide generous space for gear and provisions, keeping your expedition comfortable and organised
- Balanced Adventure: Cover 20–25 km per day (5–6 hours paddling) at a steady pace, with plenty of time to relax and soak in the surroundings
What's Provided
We can supply all the equipment you'll need, just bring your clothing and personal items - makes it easy if you're flying to Scotland!
- Kayak & Paddles: Durable kayaks and high-quality paddles for a seamless paddling experience
- Buoyancy Aids
- All meals during the expedition
- Experienced Leaders: Knowledgeable guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip
- Tents, mats and sleeping bags: inflatable mats for a good night’s rest, tents sleeping 1 or 2 people
- Cooking Essentials: stoves and fuel, utensils, plates, mugs, and bowls
- Storage Solutions: 10L and 20L drybags, posted to you in advance, so you can optimise packing
- Hygiene Supplies: biodegradable loo roll for environmentally friendly sanitation
- Kayak Trolley: Convenient transport for your kayak when not on the water
Included Meals
- Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will also be provided and fresh drinking water is available at all times.
Sample Menu:
- Breakfast: Porridge with fruit
- Lunch: Pitta bread, cured meats, fresh fruit
- Dinner: Hearty jambalaya, pastas, curries, or steak and potatoes!
We can cater for most dietary requirements - please advise us in advance and we will create a menu tailored to your needs.
What to Bring
- Clothing: Pack plenty of layers to prepare for varying weather. Bring camp clothing and shoes for warmth in the mornings and evenings. Don't forget waterproof layers (top and bottom) and sturdy shoes (trainers, wellies, or wetsuit boots) that can get wet.
- Accessories: A woolly hat and gloves, a head torch, and a water bottle & flask are essentials
- Camping Gear: Sleeping bag, tent, and a poop shovel (a gardening trowel works great!)
- Personal Items: Toiletries, personal electronics with chargers, wet wipes or hand sanitiser
- Mindset: Bring your sense of adventure and love for the great outdoors!
- Food: Lunch for the first day of paddling, plenty of snacks, preferred drinks (excluding water, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate)
- Available To Hire: Sleeping bags, two-person tents
Experience and Fitness Required
Our expeditions are designed for paddlers with previous kayaking experience who are comfortable spending several hours on the water each day, but you don't need to be an elite athlete. As long as you're in good general health and enjoy spending active days outdoors, you'll have everything you need to enjoy the journey. Regular breaks, experienced guides and a supportive group atmosphere make these adventures achievable for many paddlers.
If you're unsure whether the trip is right for you, why not join one of our Expedition Taster Days? It's a great opportunity to experience expedition paddling, meet the team and ask any questions before booking. Alternatively, get in touch for a chat and we'll be happy to help you choose the adventure that's right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a guided expedition?
Our experienced guides know the best routes, local wildlife hotspots and safe landing places, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey while we take care of the planning, navigation and logistics.
I'm travelling alone - will I fit in?
Of course! Many of our guests travel solo and quickly become part of the group. Our expeditions are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, share unforgettable experiences and make new friends along the way. You'll have plenty of time to chat and socialise both on and off the water.
How many people will be in the group?
We keep our group sizes small to ensure everyone enjoys a personal experience. Smaller groups mean more time with your guides, greater flexibility on the water and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere throughout the trip. All our trips are limited to 6 boats, so the maximum group size would be 12 - 13 including your instructor, but we often have a mixture of paired and solo kayakers.
I'm worried I'll slow everyone down
Don't worry. Our expeditions and holidays are about enjoying the journey, not racing to the finish. We paddle as a group, take regular breaks and create a supportive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the adventure at a comfortable pace. Whether it's your first expedition or your tenth, you'll never be made to feel like you're holding anyone back.
Can you transport my luggage to Scotland?
Yes. If you're travelling by air or public transport, we're happy to transport your main luggage to and from Scotland for you, so you can travel light and avoid paying expensive airline baggage charges. Simply bring a small overnight bag or hand luggage for your journey, and we'll take care of the rest.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Yes. We can usually accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. Simply let us know when booking and we'll do our best to ensure you can enjoy every meal.
What happens if we get bad weather?
The weather is all part of the adventure! Our experienced guides continually assess conditions and may adjust routes or daily plans to ensure everyone enjoys the safest and best possible experience. Flexibility allows us to make the most of Scotland's incredible landscapes, whatever the forecast.
Day by Day
Day 0 – Arrival in Fort William
Arrive in Fort William and use the day to stock up on snacks or any last-minute essentials. The town has several excellent outdoor shops for browsing or picking up gear. In the evening, join us for a relaxed meet-and-greet over a drink. We’ll run through the final itinerary, check kit and load our van with anything you don’t need overnight to make for an easier start the next day. Then settle into your accommodation (hotel, B&B, or hostel) and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Day 1 – Fort William to Loch Lochy
We begin at Neptune’s Staircase, packing gear into our kayaks (waterproof containers provided) before setting off along the Caledonian Canal. The town quickly fades behind us as we paddle towards the open expanse of Loch Lochy, where sweeping views of the Highlands unfold. We’ll finish the day by choosing a scenic campsite along the loch’s shores.
Day 2 – Loch Lochy to Loch Ness
Wake up to inspiring views as we continue along Loch Lochy, narrowing as we approach Laggan Locks. From here, the canal leads us to Loch Oich, a sheltered and intimate stretch of water rich in history - from hidden shipwrecks to the ruins of Invergarry Castle. Depending on conditions, we may opt for the adventurous River Oich (grade 2 rapids) or stay on the canal before reaching Loch Ness. We’ll set up camp near its southern end, ready to explore the legendary waters the following day.
Day 3 – Exploring Loch Ness
Today is all about the vast, mysterious waters of Loch Ness. With binoculars at the ready, look out for wildlife such as ospreys, otters and more. Nessie sightings, of course, are never guaranteed! As evening falls, we’ll pick one of the loch’s many picturesque camping spots to spend the night.
Day 4 – Loch Ness to Inverness
Our final day offers another chance to soak in the beauty and legend of Loch Ness. As we paddle north, we’ll pass a historic castle before rejoining the Caledonian Canal for the last stretch into Inverness. The adventure officially concludes at the inland side of Muirtown Locks, Inverness, marking your coast-to-coast crossing of Scotland by kayak. A journey you’ll never forget (and one your friends will envy!)
At a Glance
Packing List
- Clothing (including wet weather gear and woolly hats!)
- Toiletries, wet wipes & towel
- Any food, drink and snacks required
- Camping gear - head torch, power bank and cable, shovel etc.
- Camera
- Personal Items - medication, wallet, phone etc.
Practical Details
- Meeting Point: Fort William - further details will be provided nearer the time.
- Duration: 4 days
- Season: Year-round
Important Info
- Location: Scotland
- Difficulty: Some Experience
Gallery
What People Say
“Beautiful environment and good safe instruction”
“The relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I was never made to feel that I was doing anything wrong and I surprised myself with my ability”
“Seeing the Seals 🦭and their pups in such beautiful surroundings on a sunny day! The guide was great. I can’t believe I’ve never done this before as it’s right in my doorstep. Totally brilliant.”
Book Your Expedition
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