Outer Hebrides Sea Kayak Expedition

Duration: 9 Days (includes travelling days)

Minimum Standard: This will be a challenging undertaking and you should be an experienced sea kayaker able to paddle in wind and sea conditions of force 3 to 5 with the fitness to cover 20km per day. Please speak to one of our kayak coaches if you have any concerns about your suitability for this tour.

Minimum Age: 18yrs +

The Outer Hebrides - also known as the Western Isles - stretch for 130 miles and look out on their western side to the Atlantic Ocean. Here on the edge of Europe is a striking mix of landscapes from windswept golden sands to harsh, heather-backed mountains and peat bogs. An elemental beauty pervades each of the more than two hundred islands that make up the archipelago, only a handful of which are actually inhabited.

As a sea kayaker, options for trips are endless with a combination of challenging and adventurous crossings and more sheltered conditions within the island chain. The wildlife can be pretty good too, with opportunities to see whales, dolphins, seals and otters. Add to this the diverse sea bird population including puffins and white tailed sea eagles.

After crossing by conventional means from Oban, we will be exploring the west coast of South Uist and weather permitting, journeying to the outlying islands of Barra, Scandray, Pabbay, Minguley and possibly a trip around the infamous Barra Head!

For sheer raw beauty, immense cliffs, a feeling of solitude, this part of the Hebrides has it all. There are plenty of wild camping sites en route and lots of abandoned villages from the clearances of the 1800’s to explore should the weather close in.

The principal aim of this trip is to provide an enjoyable sea kayaking expedition in remote and beautiful surroundings, with a focus on trip planning considerations, safety issues and navigation/chart work skills

We always pray to the weather gods before departure - but we’re not making any promises! What we will do is to make the very best of whatever is thrown at us.

Equipment

Plas Menai has an excellent fleet of Sea Kayak UK Explorer kayaks in a range of sizes for you to use. We also take our Double Valley Alut kayak which everybody will get a chance to use. We can supply all technical and camping equipment, as well as any outer clothing you may need.

If you wish to bring your own kayak you must contact the centre and speak to one of the expedition leaders to check its suitability.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to ferry crossings this trip will depart from Plas Menai on Friday night, so we can be in Oban for Saturday morning. Accommodation is reserved for you on the evening of your return to the Centre

Price does not include food.