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Scotland Paddle Boarding Expedition
Great Glen SUP Expedition with Happiest When Outdoors
2024 Trip dates:
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Expedition Days - 26th May to 30th May 2024
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Accommodation: Camping.
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4/6 spaces remaining
Ability level:
We will be paddling 12 to 15 miles each day and kit will need to be carried between each canal lock. The longest canal lock portage is at Fort Augustus at 750m.
Paddling:
The Great Glen Trail is an epic journey crossing Scotland using the Caledonian Canal system that connects Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour. Paddling from Fort William to Inverness (or vice versa depending on wind), we’ll journey through the Scottish Highlands for 60 miles (95km) , camping each night on the banks of the lochs.
Day 1 - Expedition Begins - Banavie to Loch Lochy - 26th May 2024:
Our journey begins at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal. Taking a gentle paddle to get used to how our boards perform with a full expedition kit on them. Our first camp will be on the banks of Loch Lochy, allowing plenty of time to set up camp so everyone can work out how camp life will work on the expedition.
Day 2 - Loch Lochy to Loch Oich - 27th May 2024:
These are two of our favorite lochs to paddle on, with spectacular views. Wild camping will be in a secluded spot just after Invergarry Castle on the shores of Loch Oich.
Day 3 - Loch Oich to Loch Ness - 28th May 2024:
Finishing Loch Oich we will head down the Caledonian Canal to Fort Augustus and although we will have to portage every lock, we will be rewarded with scrumptious cake at a lovely cake shop before starting our journey to our first campsite on Loch Ness.
Day 4 - Loch Ness - 29th May 2024:
Today we continue our journey down Loch Ness taking in all the views including Urquhart Castle. The end of this day will be our final night of camping.
Day 5 - Final Day of Paddling - Loch Ness to Inverness - 30th May 2024:
The end is in sight! Our final day of paddling on Loch Ness, we will pack up camp and take a leisurely paddle to the end in Inverness. Here we will load up the van and shuttle you back to your vehicle.
Accommodation:
On Expedition - each night we will be camping on the banks of the lochs. We will have access to toilet facilities at the canal locks and some camp spots have compost toilets.
Don’t own a tent? Not a problem. We do have a few that can be borrowed (you will however need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat). Everyone will need access to their own tent unless they are from the same household and are happy to share together. Full kit list will be emailed to you after booking.
Meals:
During the expedition we will provide you with 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners. You will need to provide yourself with lunches and snacks. The meals we provide will be dehydrated meals to give you that real expedition feel. There will be opportunities during the expedition to eat out at restaurants and cafes, but these will be at your own expense. We can help you with lunch ideas and will arrange a pre-trip meeting either in person or over zoom to discuss topics like this and share ideas on how to pack light.
Paddling Equipment:
You don't need your own paddle boarding kit to join us on this trip as we do have kit available for you to use. If you are planning to bring your own paddleboard it needs to be appropriate for paddling long distances in chop and be able to carry expedition kit. If you are unsure if your board is suitable for this trip, get in contact with us. You must have a coiled leash and buoyancy aid/PFD. Full kit list will be emailed to you after booking.
How to get to Scotland:
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Drive - you will be able to park your car at the start point of our expedition, we will then arrange a taxi back to your vehicle at the end.
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Train - there is a sleeper train that travels from London to Fort William (Caledonian Sleeper). We will then collect you from the train station.
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Fly - once you land you will need to make your own way to Fort William either by public transport or hiring a car. Best place to fly into is Glasgow.
What’s included in the price:
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5 days SUP Guiding
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Campsite fees
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4 breakfasts + 4 dinners on expedition
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Camping equipment - tent, stove and cooking pots.
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100l rucksack style dry bag.
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20l dry bag.
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3l collapsible water carrier.
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McConks 12.8 paddle board, carbon paddle, buoyancy aid & safety equipment.
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Buoyancy aid.
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Waterproof & windproof paddle jacket
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Neoprene leggings
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Taxi at the end of the expedition back to the bunkhouse.
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Photos and videos from the trip.
What’s not included in the price:
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Accommodation at beginning and end of trip (we can advise on this).
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Transport to and around Scotland.
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Lunch/snacks
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Any meals where we eat out at a restaurant or café.
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Bar bills
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Car parking fees
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Personal travel insurance
SUP Guides:
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Joshua Telling (Rapid Skills)
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Kathy Marston (Happiest When Outdoors)
Additional Info:
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Covid-19 - if the trip cannot go ahead due to government restrictions we will postpone the trip to a later date or offer full refunds.
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During this time of year there will be midges, we will advise you on nets and repellants for the trip.
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We will make every effort to paddle board the Great Glen but if conditions are unsafe we may need to paddle board at alternative locations.
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If you would like to use your own paddle board on the trip, please drop us an email so that we can check if its suitable.
2023 Client Reviews
Josh and Kathy guided us smoothly along the expedition, noticing every little thing whilst being encouraging, supportive and fun. I learnt so much about paddling with equipment, transferring weight on my board and using the wind to help in variable conditions. The stretching from Kathy each morning was greatly needed and set us up well for the day, whilst Josh 'Birdwatcher Extraordinaire' had us learning about all the wildlife Scotland had to offer. The stunning scenery and quaint locks made the trip easily lovable – and the bagpipe send off was definitely unforgettable!
Lizzie
This trip was definitely an adventure but one that I could welcome and really embrace. I loved the scenery, the different pace of days, the lochs and canal paddling. My confidence has grown hugely and I feel so much more competent. So much fun, such a great laugh and lovely care and team camaraderie. Joyful, physical and an escape ! Thank you 😊
Jess
