West Coast of Scotland 4-Day Canoe Adventure

1

Day 1 – Meet and paddle on Loch Shiel

Meet at Neptunes Staircase car park in Banavie at 10:00am and transfer to the launch point. After a full briefing, you’ll spend time learning canoe control, paddling technique and teamwork before setting off down Loch Shiel. This long, quiet loch offers excellent wildlife viewing, with regular sightings of oystercatchers, eagles and ospreys. The day finishes at a remote wild camp, often visited by deer and occasionally pine martens.

Note: the start point may change depending on wind direction to ensure the best paddling conditions.

2

Day 2 – Loch Shiel to Acharacle

After breakfast and coffee at camp, you continue paddling towards the southern end of Loch Shiel. The scenery opens up as you move further down the loch, with chances to spot wild goats and more birdlife along the shoreline. In the evening, your guides prepare a freshly cooked camp meal. Tonight’s campsite has access to a toilet, offering a slightly more comfortable wild camping setup.

3

Day 3 – Acharacle and the River Shiel

You depart in the morning and arrive at the village of Acharacle, where there’s time to resupply and stop at a café. In the afternoon, you paddle down the River Shiel, a scenic and relaxed journey that leads you out to the sea and into Loch Moidart**. Camp is set near the coast, with a real sense of journey as you transition from freshwater to saltwater paddling.

4

Day 4 – Explore Loch Moidart and finish

Breaking camp, you paddle across Loch Moidart, passing the striking ruins of Tioram Castle. Wildlife is abundant here, with seals often seen in the water and terns, oystercatchers and eagles overhead. Subject to weather, you’ll explore around Eilean Shona and nearby sandy beaches, with opportunities to relax and take in the coastal scenery. The trip finishes around 3:00pm, followed by a return to the original meeting point.

Posizione:

Meeting Point

The trip starts at 10:00am at Neptune’s Staircase Car Park, just outside Fort William.

By car

Banavie is easily reached by road from Fort William (around 10 minutes’ drive). Neptune’s Staircase has public parking available, where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of the trip. Parking is at your own risk, so avoid leaving valuables in the car.

By public transport

The nearest airport is Glasgow.
From Glasgow, take a train to Fort William.
From Fort William railway station, take a taxi to Banavie (approximately 10 minutes).

Transfers and luggage

Transport during the trip is managed by the guides. Any items you don’t need on the water can be left in the guides’ shuttle vehicle for the duration of the expedition, accessed at the start and end of the trip only.

Cosa è incluso:

Expert, fully qualified canoe guides
All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, dry bags and barrels)
Tents (2-person tents – no sharing with strangers)
Self-inflating sleeping mats (approx. 5cm thick)
All meals during the trip, except when eating out (snacks and tea/coffee included)
Group safety equipment and camp toilet
Logistics support and itinerary planning throughout the expedition

Cosa non è incluso:

Sleeping bag (a 3-season sleeping bag is recommended)
Transport to and from the meeting point in Banavie
Additional personal snacks and drinks
Meals purchased at cafés or pubs during resupply stops
Personal travel insurance

Elenco dell'attrezzatura e cosa portare:

We provide

Canoes and paddles
Buoyancy aids (PFDs) and large 60-litre dry bags
Tents and sleeping mats
All specialist safety and canoeing equipment

You need to bring

Sleeping bag (3-season)
Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (good quality – essential)
Two sets of outdoor clothing for paddling (synthetic or wool layers; avoid cotton)
Thin fleece or mid-layer for on the water
Warm jacket or fleece for evenings at camp
Footwear for paddling (will get wet)
Dry footwear for camp
Hat for sun and a warm hat / beanie
Toiletries and personal medication
Torch or headtorch
Water bottle
Midge net and insect repellent
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen)
Camera or phone for photos

Additional notes

Keep kit simple and minimal; most people don’t change clothes unless they get wet.
Good waterproofs are important – lightweight “pack-a-mac” style jackets are not sufficient as your main layer.
If you have your own buoyancy aid, it must be CE-marked (EN ISO 12402), under five years old, and fit for use.

Domande frequenti:

Can under 18's attend?

We recommend a minimum age of 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Anyone under the age of 18 must share a canoe with their parent or guardian.

What experience do I need for this trip?

No prior canoeing experience is required, as full instruction is provided. Beginners are welcome, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the trip.

You’ll paddle around 15–20km per day, typically spending up to six hours on the water with regular breaks. A moderate level of general fitness is enough if you’re comfortable with activities like walking, cycling or swimming.

How physically challenging is the trip?

The trip involves five days of paddling, typically 6 hours per day, with some portaging (carrying the canoe short distances).

A moderate level of general fitness is enough if you’re comfortable with activities like walking, cycling or swimming.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

Nights are spent wild camping at carefully chosen spots along the route. These are remote locations with no facilities, offering a true outdoor experience. We provide quality 2-person tents and sleeping mats, and you won’t be required to share with strangers unless you choose to.

What kind of food is provided?

All breakfasts, lunches and evening meals are included, except when eating out at cafés or pubs. Expect simple but filling meals, snacks, and tea/coffee.

Dietary requirements can be catered for if arranged in advance. Snacks and drinks are not included, so bringing your favourites for energy boosts along the way is recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Scottish weather can be unpredictable, and the conditions can change quickly. The trip will go ahead in most weather conditions, but safety is the top priority.

If extreme weather makes certain sections unsafe, the itinerary may be adjusted, including alternative camping spots or paddling routes. Guides will always ensure the best possible experience while keeping everyone safe.

Are there toilets and showers?

This is a remote wilderness trip. There are a small number of toilet opportunities along the route, but mainly a camp toilet is used to minimise environmental impact. There are no showers; swimming in lochs or the sea is possible if conditions allow.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you do need to be comfortable in water. You’ll always wear a buoyancy aid, and while capsizes are unlikely, you should be happy spending a short time in the water if needed.

What kit do I need to bring?

You’ll need a sleeping bag, good waterproof jacket and trousers, suitable outdoor clothing, and personal items. All canoeing equipment, tents, mats and dry bags are provided.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Standard policies may not cover adventure activities, so specialist adventure insurance is advised.