Paddle Skye for Experienced Kayakers

Explore the best kayak locations around the Isle of Skye over 5 days (3 day option available) and stay in cosy self catering accommodation. On 5 separate day trips we will visit as many different places as possible. These may include the Sound of Sleat, Loch Eishort, Loch Scavaig and Soay, Loch Bracadale and Rubha Hunish. Our extensive local knowledge will let us pick the best ones for the weather conditions on each day. Of course, the weather on Skye is not always flat calm and sunny, so while you are out, our experienced coaches will not only keep you safe, but help you develop your sea kayaking skills so that you can enjoy the conditions the island weather throws at us.

Pre-requisites

To enjoy these trips you will have been sea kayaking regularly (not sit on top, canoe etc) or have done regular grade 2/3 white water kayaking. You are used to wearing a spray deck and can confidently paddle in winds up to F3 and are ready for more. You can paddle around 20-25km comfortably. You may have your Sea Kayak Award (former 3*) or Coastal Sea Kayak Award. Our experienced coaches will support you on the way.

This is for experienced sea kayakers only. Have a look if you meet that category

  • You have done at least 10 days sea kayaking in the past 2 years
  • You are used to UK styled sea kayaks with a low back rest*, and you can sit upright unaided
  • You can launch and land on sandy and rocky shores unaided
  • You can put on and take off a spray deck yourself
  • You can paddle comfortably in winds up to F3 (12 mph) and are eager to receive coaching and guiding in stronger winds
  • You have practised wet exists before with a spray deck You can paddle forwards and backwards efficiently
  • You have the basic skills to move sideways
  • You have some basic skills to brace
  • You can paddle around 20-25km per day with 1 or 2 breaks.
  • You can walk on uneven, slippery ground such as rocky shores and pebble beaches.
  • You can help carry a sea kayak from the carpark to the water.
  • You have a good attitude towards mixed weather.

This level is approximately equivalent to the BCAB Sea Kayak Award / old BCU 3 Star Sea Award

If you meet most of these criteria but are unsure about one or two of them, or if you are competent, but a disability is stopping you from some of them, please get in touch to discuss.

*The backrest typically reaches as high as your lower lumbar spine. 

Suitable for adults only.

The course will be equally rewarding for intermediate and advanced kayakers. If you’re short of time, there is a 3 day option available, but you’ll miss out on two amazing paddling days.

If you feel this is too much for you, join our 3 day Beginners & Improvers Paddle Skye

Dates and Prices

Dates for 2027

  • 27 – 31 March
  • 12 – 16 April
  • 10 – 14 May
  • 31 May – 4 June
  • 14-18 June
  • 12 – 16 July
  • 24 – 26 July (Women only)
  • 9 – 13 August
  • 23 – 27 August
  • 20 – 24 September

There is flexibility in all dates until the first booking has been made. Get in touch if you would like a different date.

  • 5 Days: £604; from £834 with 5 nights accommodation
  • 3 Days: £378; from £570 with 4 nights accommodation

Prices vary depending on room choice, number you book etc. Get in touch for more info.

Women Only Paddle Skye

3 Days, ladies only. A slightly more relaxed Paddle Skye at intermediate level (15 – 20km per day, but all other prerequisites apply). 24 – 26 July.

Why women’s courses? Research suggests that women often feel and behave differently in an all-female environment and that the opportunity to take part in such events can, for some, have a real positive impact on their participation and how they feel about themselves (particularly when the norm is for females to be a minority).

Tailor Made Paddle Skye

If you have a group of friends who would like to book a tailor-made Paddle Skye, you can get in touch with your favourite dates.

Sample Itinerary

All locations are just examples, and will be chosen depending on weather and ability and aspirations of the group

Sunday

14:00 – 20:00 Arrive on Skye, settle into Beann Òran.
20:30 Welcome and Plan for the next day. Cosy Evening in.

Monday

9:00 meet at the Base, kayak fitting and kitting out
10:00 – 16:30 Paddle in the south of Skye
16:30 – 17:00 Kit washing and tidy up
17:00 – 20:00 Hot showers, Dinner and Relaxing
20:00 Planning for Tuesday

Tuesday

9:00 drive to Elgol
10:30 – 16:00 Paddle in the west of Skye, visiting secluded spots and remote islands
16:30 – 18:00 Drive back, pick up drinks at “The Misty Bottle”, kit washing and tidy up
18:00 – 20:00 Hot showers, Dinner and Relaxing
20:00 Planning for Wednesday
Cosy Evening in.

Wednesday

8:30 drive to the north-west of Skye
10:30 – 16:00 Paddle and explore the sea caves and stacks
16:30 – 18:00 Drive back and pick up local mussels from Loch Eishort Mussel farm
18:00 – 18:30 kit washing and tidy up
19:00 Hot showers, Communal Mussel Cookery, Dinner and Relaxing
20:30 Planning for Thursday

Thursday

8:30 drive to Trotternish
10:30 – 15:30 Paddle the north end, explore caves and stacks with their extraordinary bird colonies
16:00 – 18:00 Drive back, kit washing and tidy up
18:00 – 18:45 Hot showers,
19:00 Hot showers, Dinner and Relaxing
20:00 Planning for Friday

Friday

9:00 Drive to last paddle location
10:00 – 16:00 explore another stunning location of Skye, maybe on a one-way trip down wind
16:30 – 17:00 kit washing and tidy up
17:00 – 18:45 Hot showers and cups of tea
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner and Drinks at Local Pub, Debrief

Saturday

10:00 Breakfast and Departure
You can add extra days in the accommodation to extend your holiday on Skye.

What’s included

  • 5 full days of sea kayaking
  • Pick up from ferry, bus or train
  • All kayaking equipment: Kayak, Paddle, Spray deck, Buoyancy Aid, wetsuit, cagoule, wetsuit boots, bogies (if required)
  • In course transport
  • Supportive skill development to match the conditions and aspirations of the group
  • Historical and cultural knowledge and local stories from your local guide
  • Photos of your time on the water
  • Self catering accommodation: shared twin, single and double room options (includes sheets and towels)
  • Use of sauna

What you need to bring

  • Base layers for kayaking
  • Clothes for evenings
  • Slippers
  • Food for breakfast, lunches, dinners and snacks
  • Lunch box and water bottle / flask

Available at the base

  • Sauna
  • High power drying room
  • Northshore and Valley Carbon Kevlar Sea Kayaks (various models and sizes)
  • Sea kayaks of other brands and sizes
  • High Quality Peak, Reed and Lomo kayak clothing
  • VE Premium Paddles
  • Well equipped kit store

The Accommodation

Accommodation is strictly part of the course, but is available at a good price and very practical and comfortable

  • Comfortable, spacious accommodation with double, twin and single options
  • Sea View
  • Well equipped spacious kitchen with dining area
  • 2 spacious sitting rooms to relax and socialise
  • Luxury bath and 2 powerful showers
  • Washing machine and dryer
  • On-site parking
  • Fibre Broadband
  • Maps and Books

You can also organise your own accommodation or camp. Subject to availability, you can bring your partner, even if they are not paddling with us.

Available on the doorstep

  • Pubs
  • Local shop and supermarket
  • Bottle shop with takeaway draught beer and whisky & gin selection
  • Locally grown musses to order
  • Fresh fish delivery
  • Local Venison
  • Locally baked bread and cakes to order
  • Distillery
  • Local walks and sights


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