The appeal of Skye is the wide variety of paddling it offers, the magnificent scenery and its abundant wildlife. Often seen are sea eagles, seals, otters… This is a wild and unspoilt coast, but it has adequate landing and hiding places to cater for the uncertainties of Scottish weather.
We will meet at the camping ground at Portree on Wednesday 22nd of May and stay one night to prepare and plan our expedition. On the Thursday morning (23rd May) we will launch from the most suitable area based on the weather forecast and winds.
Our intention is to paddle out of Portree and to do a circular route around Raasay and Rona, as well as visiting Scalpay, Longa, and the Crowlin Islands, which are often home to large numbers of seals. Crossing back over to mainland our options are to paddle to Applecross or to Plockton before returning to Portree.
The east coast of Raasay is a wonderful place with magnificent geology, waterfalls, and a lovely coast to explore. This area is the perfect venue for real expedition paddling. We will be self-sufficient for a week and free to roam wherever the spirit takes us – and the sea lets us!
Skye is exposed to the north and south. This is real sea with swells adding to the majesty of the coast and increasing the chances of sneaking up on unsuspecting otters and seals.
If weather conditions are not suitable for the proposed circular route, we will paddle in one of the other areas of Skye, perhaps doing an A to B trip and then using local buses to return to the cars.
The first and last nights will be spent at the campsite at Portree. The remainder of the week we will be self-contained, living from the kayaks and finding wild campsites on these remote coastlines.
The weather can be unpredictable in this area, so be prepared for cold and wet – but also pack the sun cream.
Looking forward to sharing our
“DEVOTION TO THE OCEAN”
with you!
– Sea Kayaking Cornwall Team
What's included?
Sea Kayaking Cornwall’s experienced guide with area knowledge offering advice, assistance, planning and safety throughout the trip.
Kayak. We can supply suitable kayaks but you are welcome to bring your own kayak. Buoyancy aids /PFD.
Spray decks.
Paddles.
We suggest using your own kayak and kit on this expedition so that you are comfortable and have practiced, prepared and packed your kayak before arrival.This is to ensure that all your kit fits and you are familiar with all aspects of your expedition kit and kayak.
What's not included?
Transport to start location in Scotland.
Food and beverages during the trip.
Camping equipment.
Camping fee – first and last night – Please book these directly with https://www.portreecampsite.co.uk.
Time and Location
We meet at Torvaig Camping Site, Portree IV51 9HU.
Arrive at your leisure on Wednesday the 22nd of May. The official briefing will be at 6 pm to get to know each other and discuss plans.
Please ensure you buy all of your supplies of food, drink and gas or fuel for the week by Wednesday evening. There are food stores and sports shops in Portree. Experience has taught us that it is advisable to purchase gas canisters or fuel suitable for your cooker prior to arrival. If you are flying, please let us know and we will endeavour to have fuel available for you.
We will return to Portree Torvaig Camping on 29th May, and go into Portree for a final dinner together. We will depart on the morning of 30th May.
What to bring
- Travel insurance.
- Prepare for 5 breakfasts – 6 lunches – 5 dinners – plus snacks, hot drinks and soups for the time we are out.
- Dry bags – various sizes.
- Camping kit: Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag suitable for cold conditions (3-4 season).
- Stove, pans and fuel/gas
- Water bottle or flexible water bag, plus a reliable means of lighting.
- Thermos or “Jet boil” style cooker for keeping or heating liquids.
- Paddling kit – suitable for cold-water paddling. Please contact us if you are uncertain that you have the correct gear. Please note that we do not recommend paddling in a wet suit. However, if you choose to, then bring extra clothing, and ensure you have good coverage for your feet – Sealskin or similar gortex socks and thick paddling shoes.
- Safety kit. We carry adequate safety kit. However, we suggest you bring the safety kit that you would normally paddle with. A group can never have enough safety equipment on a trip!
- Sponge.
- Sun cream.
- Sunglasses and hat.
- Insect repellent, tick removers and midge spray.
- Camera.
- Headlamp/torch
- Personal medication and first aid kit.
- Reading material if the elements keep us off the water.
- Suitable bags to carry your kit in up the beach (IKEA bag).
- At least two changes of warm clothes, warm hats, gloves and water-proofs.
- Suitable footwear and change of clothes for walking in the conditions and changing into at the end of the day.
- Phone and power banks. Scotland has cell phone reception in many but not all places. Ensure you have sufficient power banks.
- Money, as there are cafes and restaurants to visit. Not all will accept card payment.
At a Glance..
- Price: £935 per person
- Dates: 22nd May 2024 - 30th May 2024
Download the expedition PDF
We have put all the information on this page and more into a handy reference document for you to download.
What experience do I need?
To get the most out of the expedition you should be an Intermediate paddler and be comfortable in conditions associated with force 4 winds.
If you have any questions regarding the required ability please feel free to contact us on info@seakayakingcornwall.com.
Contact Us
Please give us a call if you have any queries or wish to discuss any of our courses or expeditions:
0044 (0)1326 250889 (office)
0044 (0) 7555 763695 (Shaun Rodgers)
0044 (0) 7455 884482 (James Roberts)