Scotland by Canoe - with Base
Travel from sea to sea - under your own power
There are few places in the world where it is possible to travel right across the country by canoe.
Arguably no other is quite so beautiful
No need to be a paddling hero
While being an epic trip through stunning scenery and taking 6 days, it is a technically easy trip that anyone can do
Paddle through the heart of Scotland
We don’t just visit Loch Ness we paddle it - the most famous landmark of Scotland (thanks Nessie).
Outdoor adventure indoor comfort
We have a fantastic central cottage to return to each night. Fantastic for those who need time out from the advnture to reset and manage their needs.
We noramll offer a coupel of optional camp outs for those who fancy sleeping on the trail for a night or two.
Self-sufficiency - wonderful simplicity
Like all great adventures - living and travelling simply allows you to relax into the journey and enjoy the moment
Great food
Mostly collectively cooked and back at base cottage evening meals are a real social time and chance to kick back and chat.
An expeditionary adventure by paddle
Canoeing - the original adventure boat
The open canoe - a shape and style developed over centuries able to traverse so many terrains, carry everything you need and take advantage of the wind when it is in your favour.
This is the ultimate travel machine - if there is water lying in the direction you wish to travel.
To cross from one side of the country we take advantage of the canal system to join up 3 huge lochs which form the bottom of the Great Glen an almost complete cleft through the width of Scotland. Using our wheelies we skirt the lock gates which allow big boats to ascend the staircases of water.
Our itinerary is 6 days. This gives us the flexibility to deal with poor weather without having to skip bits. Every day has a new destination in the plan but it the weather is poor we can adjust the order we do things to hide in the more sheltered bits.
This is part of the Anyone Can advantage we make sure we have time to maximise the potential of the trip. If we happen to finish early we will do something extra perhaps run a river section.
There is a lot of paddling but unless we choose a sneaky river short cut it is all flat. In total the journey is 100km/60 miles.
Adventure Living
Relax after a great day in beautiful surroundings
We run two versions of this trip one based around travellers accomodation and one from a basecamp (or base cottage in this case) .
This trip is based from a base cottage. This is great for those who really need a bed, access to comperhenisve hygiene facilities and who may find it a challenge to be constantly changing accomodation - especially near the waters edge and drop-offs.
Every morning we will drive to the days start point - reunite ourselves with the boats and paddle onwards toward the east. In the evening we will drive back to the base for evening meal. unless we opt to cook out one evening and come back later.
The Great Glen is well served with clean flushing and composting toilets allong the way but we also have private faclitiles in the cottage at night.
In between, we have our collapsable loo and privacy tent.
Fantastic Food
Fuel for fun
Lovely simple food is prepared by the instructors, with all meals provided.
This is a shared adventure experience so we expect that everyone will want to get involved in the whole experience including helping out with clenaing and cooking tasks.
Breakfast is generally something hot to warm you up - sometimes meaty and sometimes Vicky’s porridge with yummy bits.
Lunch is normally wraps with fillings, sandwiches or oatcakes and pate, with dried fruit and snacks.
Dinners vary - sometimes they are freshly prepared curries and Dahl, or pasta dishes. Every meal within a trip is included - you may wish to bring extra snacks or a can of beer - you will deservie it.
Important Great Glen with Base - By Request
Dates and Costs
6 days adventure and 7 nights accommodation
Includes minibus transport from Glasgow or local stations
£1045 per person in a shared room
What is included?
Indoor accommodation in a shared room
All meals from Saturday Lunch to Saturday Lunch
All in trip transport and transport from Glasgow or Local Stations
All technical equipment
British qualified canoeing instructors
Transport from and to Kendal
Bring only a small bag - we provide everything else for outdoor living
(and its good stuff)
What do we actually do
Brush up your canoe skills on the first day
Paddle the heart of Scotland
Paddle two to a canoe, go solo, portage, make rafts and sail - nearly every way of making expedition canoes travel
Enjoy a pint
Watch sunsets, with a brew/dram
Have a laugh as a friendly welcoming group of like-minded people
Great Glen Accessibility
Vision
Suitable for all people able to manage own travel to the pickup point
Suitable for all those who do not need a dedicated guide or bring their own
Consistant accommodation makes our travelling periods easier
We are well staffed for this trip, a lot of help is available for support both on and off travel time
Cognition
Suitable for those able to self manage without dedicated support or with a dedicated carer (who could drive between sites)
We will help with meals, reminding about medications etc
Participants should be capable of understanding and acting appropriately around fires, unfenced canals and at the water's edge without constant supervision (or bring a supporter)
Mobility
Regular transfers are required on some days normally from a good quality level floating platform to canoe - to get around loch gates
The trip is possible for walking aid users.
With early booking we can offer suitable accomodation for people who use wheelchairs
A version of this trip is possible for an adventurous wheelchair user we can bring a motorboat as support
Auditory
Suitable for people with most auditory impairments that do not require signing to communicate or please bring an interpreter
A BSL assistant instructor is occasionally available.
We have radios and Tloop transmission units to aid hearing when seperated in differing boats
Booking is easy and straight forward
Just pop some details down and we will make contact, answer any questions and sort out the money.
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European Start up Funded
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Anyone Can: Connecting Transport Hubs to Lake Shores - Accessible Canoeing
Purchase of an accessible powered support and rescue vessel, and a mobile fleet of canoes with trailer
It is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Supported by the Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Action Group
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