Lord of the Isles Sea Kayaking Tour

Unexplored Scotland is going to run a new programme in 2015. One of the additions is going to be an exciting 9 day sea kayaking tour from Oban to Mallaig. Is is called the Lord of the Isles tour since it covers a large area of the Scottish coast that was rules by the Highland monarchy up to 1494.

The tour will star in Oban with an introductory day in the area. On the following days we will paddle across to the Isle of Mull and then up its coast to Ardnamurchan. Mull is one of the largest islands of Scotland and you can find some of the best sea wildlife in the country. It is not unusual to encounter seals, whales and basking sharks. Adnamurchan is one of the most exposed headlands in the country but also one of the best coastline. The area between Ardnamurchan and Mallaig has many sandy beaches and castles which can be visited. A visit to the Arisaig islands is one of the highlights of the trip. Arisaig is often considered as the caribean of Scotland. Which reflects more the beaches, less the weather.

To find out more about the trip go to Lords of the Isles sea kayaking tour page. Also visit the sea kayaking Scotland page.

5 Day Winter Skills Course in Scotland

We have run our first 5 Day Winter Skills Course this January. What a great time it was too. On our first day we went up Coire An't Sneachta and worked on walking on nevee snow and on steep ground. We also worked on tripping as that would be the most likely thing to trip up on steep ground up to 30 degree. To finish of the day we built emergeny snow shelters with our ice axes. That can be quite hard work at times but the snow wasn't too hard.
On Tuesday we Went up Coire na Ciste at Cairngorm to check out steep ground for avalanches. The ground was pretty firn but after a while we found some westerly slopes with some unstable top layer. After digging some snow pits for testing how stable the snow pack is we went on and did some sliding (ice axe arrest). We spent pretty much all afternoon working on all techniques and improved them as much as we could.
The next day we decided to work on steeper ground at Ben Wyvis and dig some bucket seats, use burried ice axes and bollards. Unfortunately the snow wasn't deep enough to demonstrate a stomper. But hey I think everyone got the idea how it works.
For the last 2 days we went onto the Cairngorm Plateau for an overnight expedition. The snow hole we bulit at Uisge Garbh Beag, which is usually a pretty good place. This time the snow was a bit on the thin side but we just about managed to dig a big enough hole.

All in all it was a great winter skills course, which we mostly ran at the cairngorms. Visit us on our winter mountaineering course page if you want to find out more.

Winter Programme Announced

This winter we offer a great choice of winter skills courses and winter walking trips.

The 2 Day Winter Skills Course will offer clients the ability to walk in the Scottish in the Winter. You will learn how to walk on snow and ice as well as kicking steps, cutting steps, using your ice axe and crampons. Additionally you will also be able to ice axe arrest.
Winter Skills Course

The 5 Day Winter Skills Course offers the same as the 2 day course but will also equip the clients with navigation skills required in the hills. Since winter navigation is much more difficult than navigation in the summer it will be a skill worth the while learning. The highlight of the course is a 2 day expedition in winter hills with either digging a snow hole or using tents.
Winter Mountaineering Course

Guided walking is also a great option to enjoy the Scottish winter hills. You can walk in the hills with the knowledge that you are safe and sound. Highland Ascent offers either one day or 3 day winter hillwalking in the Cairngorms or Fort William and Ben Nevis area. You can also contact the company for bespoke trips.
Winter Mountaineering in Scotland

Great sea kayaking holidays

Put on a sea kayaking holiday on my website. It's a very special trip along some of the most scenic coastline in the Scottish Highlands. Find out more on my Wild Wild West Sea Kayaking Holiday page