Chris
Charlie was great. He assessed the ability and confidence levels in the group very well, so that everyone in our mixed group left feeling they'd been challenged enough to feel they'd achieved something. I would really recommend Charlie.
Try coasteering along the beautiful Wester Ross coastline for a mix of climbing, wild swimming, sea cave exploring and optional cliff jumps. This is a fun, active session that’s suitable for confident swimmers aged 8 and up. Led by an experienced local guide, every outing is shaped to suit the group and the conditions on the day.
You’ll start by meeting your instructor and getting kitted out with a wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid and gloves. After a short briefing, the group heads to the coast where the real fun begins. The exact location depends on conditions and group ability, but all are chosen to offer plenty of variety and challenge in a safe, manageable setting.
Once on the rocks, you’ll be scrambling across the shoreline, wading through gullies and swimming short sections of open water. There are several natural spots for jumping – from just a foot or two up to around 20 feet. All the jumps are completely optional, and you're free to skip anything you're not comfortable with.
The session also includes exploring coastal features like sea caves and coves. Along the way, you might spot local wildlife such as seals, seabirds or even a sea eagle overhead. It’s a full-on experience that still allows time to take in the surroundings.
The sessions are based around Gairloch, in the north-west Highlands of Scotland. The area is known for its wild coastline, clear waters, and mix of rocky outcrops and hidden inlets. The locations used for coasteering are chosen carefully on the day to match the weather, sea conditions, and group confidence.
All sites are close to Gairloch and easily accessible by vehicle. With a backdrop of mountains and sea, it’s a brilliant place to spend a few hours outdoors.
You’ll need to be able to swim confidently in open water with the support of a buoyancy aid. No previous coasteering experience is needed, and the session is paced to suit everyone. Children aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult taking part in the session.
Charlie, your guide, has worked in the outdoors for over a decade. He started as a snowboard instructor and now holds qualifications across a wide range of sports, including Summer and Winter Mountain Leader, NCC Coasteering Guide, UKCA Canyon Guide, and Paddleboard Coastal Leader. He’s also completed a Master’s degree in Sustainable Mountain Development, so he really knows his stuff when it comes to both safety and looking after the environment.
Since moving to the Highlands in 2013, Charlie has focused on offering small group sessions that feel personal and enjoyable without cutting corners. Everything from the choice of routes to the gear you use is chosen with care, and the goal is always to make sure you leave the session feeling like you've done something genuinely rewarding.
Coasteering is an adventurous activity that combines wild swimming, climbing, scrambling, and optional cliff jumping along a natural rocky coastline. It’s a great way to experience the sea up close, access places you can’t reach by land, and test your physical limits – all under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
You’ll be wearing a wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid and gloves, and moving as a group with your instructor along a section of coast. You’ll scramble across rocks, explore sea caves, jump into deep pools and swim short sections. Every element is tailored to the group’s comfort and ability.
Yes, you do need to be able to swim confidently in open water with the assistance of a buoyancy aid. The swimming sections are not long, but you’ll need to feel comfortable moving through water where you can’t touch the bottom.
You won’t be racing or doing laps, and the buoyancy aid adds a lot of extra float – but a basic level of water confidence is essential for safety and enjoyment. If you’re unsure, feel free to get in touch to discuss it before booking.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experience. You’ll be climbing over rocks, swimming short distances, and staying active for around 2.5 to 3 hours.
If you’re used to going on walks, doing outdoor activities or swimming, you’ll likely be fine. The guide adjusts the pace and difficulty depending on the group, so there’s always a bit of flexibility built in.
We recommend wearing a swimming costume or fitted swimwear underneath the wetsuit for comfort. Some people also wear a light rash vest or t-shirt if they’re prone to chafing or want an extra layer.
You’ll be provided with a thick wetsuit for warmth, so layers aren’t needed for insulation. Try to avoid cotton as it gets cold when wet and can be uncomfortable during the session.
Not at all. The jumps are optional and no one is ever pressured to do anything they’re not comfortable with. You’ll be shown a range of jumps from low to higher levels, and can pick what feels right for you.
Some people enjoy pushing themselves to try something new, while others prefer to skip the jumps and focus on the scrambling, swimming and exploring. Every session is adapted to suit the people in it.
Yes – the session is run by a qualified and experienced coasteering guide who has a strong focus on safety. All equipment is provided, the group size is kept small, and routes are chosen to suit the weather and sea conditions.
You’ll receive a full safety briefing before heading out, and your guide will always be on hand during the activity to assist or adjust plans as needed. The aim is to challenge yourself within a well-managed and enjoyable environment.
Sessions still go ahead in light rain or wind, as you’ll be getting wet anyway and it often doesn’t affect the experience. In fact, some people prefer it a bit cooler once they’re in the wetsuit and water.
If sea conditions are unsafe due to swell, waves or strong winds, the session may be relocated to a safer spot or postponed. Safety is always the top priority, and you’ll be kept informed of any changes in advance.
About the centre
Gairloch Harbour, Pier Road, Gairloch IV21 2BQ
Charlie was great. He assessed the ability and confidence levels in the group very well, so that everyone in our mixed group left feeling they'd been challenged enough to feel they'd achieved something. I would really recommend Charlie.
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