Harris Sea Kayak Exploration - Camping

Dates: 1-5th May 2027

We meet late afternoon on the 30th to discuss plans, although due to difficulties with the CalMac ferry we recommend you arriving on the 29th April.  You need to book the return ferry for Thursday the 6th May 2027, unless your staying on longer

Cost: £960

Ratio:6:2 

At this point, we are unable to take International clients unless you can make your way to Harris with your sea kayak.

Our Adventure

The Isle of Harris and Lewis are part of the same Scottish island divided by mountains, with Harris being the Southern part. Harris and Lewis are the largest Scottish island, with a stunning coastline. The Isle of Harris is an adventurous and memorable sea kayaking destination - with wild islands, white sand beaches, rugged headlands, sheltered bays, sea stacks, caves, golden and white tailed sea eagles, otters and occasionally dolphins and whales. The islands are open to the full force of the Atlantic on their western side, with the east coast looking across the Minch. Two contrasting coastlines offer kayak journeying possibilities under most conditions.

The Isle of Harris has some stunning beaches on the West Coast - with turquoise blue and crystal clear seas, white sand beaches, numerous islands, and a rugged mountain backdrop. When it arrives in late Spring, the Harris Machair, a carpet of wildflowers above the beaches, is beautiful.

The Eastern side of Harris is an entirely different landscape with a rocky coastline indented with small bays and a beautiful rugged mountain backdrop. This coast offers super journeys, where it's likely to see Golden Eagles each day. The Outer Hebrides is a stronghold supporting Europe's highest density of Golden Eagles. The Outer Hebrides is believed to be home to 90 breeding pairs resident all year round. In early Spring, they are at their most active.

What's included in the price?

• Highly experienced and qualified guides - Zoe and Roger .
• Ratio of 6:2
• Six nights camping at a public campsite which will be our base camp for the week.  If you have a camper van and want an electric hook up, you need to pay the extra charge.

If the weather is unsettled, we have a static camping base with showers, toilets and an old black house to meet in. This allows us more choices of coastline to do day trips, rather being grounded by the weather.  We can discuss whether to head off on the expedition when the weather is settled or continue with day paddles.  Once each trip is finished we have a base camp to return to with hot showers, a comfortable setting and a place to leave extra vehicles.  Sharing vehicles means less vehicles being left in a village when we go off on expedition.  Instead they are left at the campsite!

If you are camping and you have two tents, consider leaving one set up at our public campsite while the other tent comes with you on expedition. It's one less task to do!

The unsettled weather of the Atlantic means the Outer Hebrides can be challenging, but we are sure you will have a memorable and rewarding time, whatever the weather. A small group size with a high guide ratio increases the chances of making the most of the conditions and having a wonderful time, too.  It can also be worthwhile bringing a walking kit so we have a full range of options if it becomes too windy to paddle.

Is this experience suitable for me?

This adventure is aimed at paddlers who are comfortable in the winds of Beaufort f4/5. The ability to paddle 20km with a loaded sea kayak is essential.

This is a perfect opportunity for those who wish to develop experience and skills in a more remote and challenging environment.  Having camped from your sea kayak at least 10 times before opens up the options for the week.

If you meet the requirements above you will enjoy each day so much more. 

Ideally, you will have paddled with Roger before, If not, thats fine we can arrange a suitable time to have a chat.

You need to self-sufficient in terms of kayak,  paddling equipment and tent. 

What's not included?

• Transport to and from the Isle of Harris
• Ferry to and from the Isle of Harris 
• Camper van or motor home electric hook-up fee 
• Food and drink 
• Personal travel, accident and holiday insurance 
• Any unforeseen extra expenses

How to get to Harris?

The CalMac Ferry goes daily from Uig on Skye to Tarbet on Harris, once or twice daily and takes 1 hour 40 minutes.  More details are here.  

The other option is from Ullapool to Stornaway on Lewis, which tends to have two ferries a day and takes 2 hours 40 minutes.  More information is here.

If the weather allows, it's worth staying on deck as sightings of dolphins, minke whales, and golden eagles are possible.  It makes sense to travel share where possible, which reduces the number of vehicles on the island, and your ferry cost can be shared.   You could even meet up at a ferry terminal and leave a vehicle, reducing costs and sharing the journey.

Where do we meet and other arrangements?

We will meet on the Isle of Harris at our campsite late afternoon of the 30th April so we can discuss various options before the course officially starts on the 1st of May 2027   

You leave on Thursday the 6th May. 

We recommended arriving earlier (on the 29th) due to a cancelled ferry  and a day to rest up due the long drive and also its worth considering extending your stay on the island.

How to book your place?

An online booking form needs to be completed, and a deposit invoice will be raised once your booking form is received. Payment confirms your place.  A booking & consent form can be found here.

Feedback from Sarah 2024

A cracking trip to Harris led by Roger.
We managed a couple of multi-day trips with wild camping in spectacular and remote locations, fantastic wildlife and a mixture of conditions. Roger is a fantastic guide and coach and our 6 days of paddling and camping were excellent and well tailored to the group.
Helped by great weather and great company, what a brilliant week we have had. Had a great time and learned so much.
Thank you Roger - looking forward to next year's trip already!

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