Kayaking Scotland - Magic of the Hebrides

The Magic of Barra

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.

As we slip quietly by in our kayaks we may catch a glimpse of dolphins and basking sharks. We will meet the island resident seals, otters, and a fantastic array of birds. Golden eagles can be spotted soaring over the islands: guillemots, and razorbills 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, and beyond. The flowers of the islands are truly beautiful. During spring primroses festoon the dunes, whilst in summer flowers carpet the machair. Today the islands are home to fishermen and crofters and retains a strong sense of community where Gaelic is widely spoken. *Great for Beginners

On all our Barra based trips we will be staying at Dunard Lodge

The Magic of Barra Mix

This trip takes the best of the kayaking and adds a twist with other activities. We will explore the finest kayaking areas around Barra, and then add a day of exploring Eriskay and South Uist on foot and by bike, a day of walking on Barra, and a boat trip to Mingulay which will allow plenty of time on shore to explore the hills and cliffs of this stunning island. We may well see rafts of puffins, razorbills and guillemots, which nest on Mingulay each summer, and perhaps glimpse dolphins and basking sharks in the sounds. Skewers and golden eagles are often seen soaring over the massive sheer 200m cliffs and huge stacks.
*Great for Beginners

The Magic of Moidart.

Based at Marino Lodge with stunning views over to Eigg and Rum this tour explores 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 Tioram in the background. Another fantastic trip is kayaking over Loch Shiel followed by a paddle down the beautiful wood flanked River Shiel into Loch Moidart.
*Great for Beginners