SHETLAND our Classic Adventure 

with self catering

accommodation included in the price.

 

* Two single rooms with ensuite - £1340

*  One female place left in a large bedroom shared with one other female at £1200

 

4-11th September 2027

 

 

 

Our Classic Adventure

 

Arriving on these incredible islands, you will feel like you have escaped it all. Discover a different pace of life as you explore untouched coasts and countryside, the fascinating depth of ancient history and outstanding wildlife.

 

Roger visited Shetland first back in 2018 and delivered his first sea kayaking adventure from a static campsite.  He has returned every year since, sometimes twice and the only upgrade was booking sole use of a well-located Outdoor Centre.  September is a good time of year to visit Shetland as the Gannet's are still around, and many birds have flown south.  This means we can easily get into caves, arches and tunnels without scaring the birds! 

 

Some facts: Shetland comprises over one hundred islands, and only 15 are inhabited.  There are 12 puffins for every resident human.  Shetland is closer to the Arctic Circle (640 km) than to London (965 km) and is on the same latitude as Bergen, Norway. Shetland is also closer to Bergen, meaning summers can be cool, although has a similar rainfall to Devon. There are over 7000 recorded archaeological sites.  Data from 'between weathers' by Ron McMillian 2008.

 

This is your chance to experience sea kayaking along Shetland's coast and small islands.  A superb sea kayaking location with crystal clear waters, sea stacks, big cliffs, huge caves, geos, gullies, arches, tunnels and outstanding wildlife - gannets, otters, dolphins, porpoises and the elusive orca!  With its northern location, it's cooler, wild and very remote at times.  The midge population is generally less than other Scottish islands.

 

Roger paddled with Zoe around Shetland mainland in July 2025 a distance of 314 km, with nine days on the water and in a total of thirteen days due to allowing the swell to drop on Fitful Head, in the South West. 

 

 

Image 1 from Shetland Sea Kayaking - Residential

 

 

What's included in the price?

 

  • Eight days with sole use of Voxter House Outdoor Ed Centre our basecamp
  • Three spacious bedrooms shared with one other - two single bedrooms with ensuite facilities 
  • Six days of sea kayaking all being well and dependant on the weather
  • Supported by two experienced and highly qualified guides - Roger's been guiding in Shetland since 2018.
  • A group ratio of 2:8

 

Is this Shetland adventure suitable for me?

 

This course is aimed at paddlers who are confident in f4/5 winds, with the associated Atlantic swell (1.5 mt) and with the ability to paddle comfortable, 20-25km.    This is the perfect adventure for those who have the skills and wish to develop their experience in a more remote environment and enjoy the opportunity to return to a bed, have a hot shower and dry their paddle kit ready for the next day.

 

At this present time, we are unable to take international clients, unless you have your sea kayak and are self-sufficient.

 

Your skills and abilities need to be current; this way, you will enjoy the whole experience and the magic of the Shetland coastline. Make sure you bring your walking kit if the winds pick up, as the coastal walks are pretty stunning as well!  

 

What's not included?

 

  • Transport to and from Aberdeen
  • North Link Ferry to Lerwick, Shetland and return ferry to Aberdeen
  • Food and drink - Its a self catering course
  • Personal travel, accident and holiday insurance 
  • Internal ferries to other small islands

 

On the way out, the North Link Ferry needs to be booked from Aberdeen to Lerwick on  Friday the 3rd September 2027 as it's an overnight ferry; you arrive around 0700/0730 am on Sat the 4th.  All being well, we will go for a paddle.  

 

Your return ferry needs to be booked from Lerwick to Aberdeen on the 11th September 2027, unless you're choosing to stay longer.  

 

How to book your place?

 

You need to complete an online booking form, and once we've received this, a deposit invoice will be raised. Payment confirms your place.  A booking & consent form can be found here.

 

 

 

 

 

Image 2 from Shetland Sea Kayaking - Residential

 

 

 

Image 3 from Shetland Sea Kayaking - Residential

 

 

 

Image 4 from Shetland Sea Kayaking - Residential

 

 

 

  Book now

 

 

Courses and expeditions
Isle of Harris Exploration
The Isle of Harris is part of Lewis and is rich in natural beauty, sandy beaches and stunning wildlife. The golden eagle and white tailed sea eagles are highly likely to be seen most days.

We will be based at a campsite and if the weather is super settled we can decide if we do an overnight wild camp. During the last two years we've at least managed two nights wild camping.

You need to be an experienced moderate water paddler who can manage Beaufort winds f4/5 and occasionally stronger. You're also happy paddling a loaded sea kayak for 20km

We meet up on the afternoon of the 30th of April and leave on the morning of the 6th of May 2027. Zoe Robinson and Roger will be delivering the course. Both are advanced coaches and advanced sea kayak leaders.
1
May
6 Spaces remaining
Outer Hebrides by Tall Ship ... Intention St Kilda!
The Outer Hebrides are an outstanding and beautiful island chain. Sometimes called the Western Isles. Our intention weather permitting is to sail the 60NM to St Kilda, set in the deep Atlantic. 'Lady of Avenel' our mother ship and floating home - this is a lifetime experience with two adventures in one!

With Lori, Zoe and Roger as your advanced leaders. We meet on the afternoon of the 6th of June and load our sea kayaks onto 'Lady of Avenel' and kit into our cabins. You need to arrive on the 4th of June. This allows for any disruption with the CalMac ferry and a rest day, after a long drive). We arrive back in Castlebay on the 12th June.

You need to book and arrange your accommodation for the night of the 4/5th June and the 12th June.

There are two hotels, a bunkhouse in Castlebay and a short drive to Wavecrest campsite, which is where Lori, Zoe and Roger will be van camping.
6
Jun
5 Spaces remaining
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Our Facebook reviews
Tavi Murray

"And I'm probably learning more from his mentoring now, as my paddling horizons expand, than ever before. I can't count how many questions I've asked... and he's answered. Roger has the knack of making that suggestion that radically changes your thinking and moves your paddling on in leaps and bounds."

Stella King

"There are a number of wonderful things about Roger. He has a very light touch in his coaching, and he's always smiling and encouraging you to relax into the enjoyment of the day"

Simon Turnbull

"I've just completed a two day 4* Sea kayak training course with Roger. Having been coached by Roger in the past, I choose to do this course with Roger because I knew I would get a great deal from the course. My expectations were certainly well and truly met"

We come recommended
Simply one of the best sea kayak coaches around! He has taught me skills that have proven invaluable every time I venture out and every session under his expert guidance has been a fantastic experience for me and everyone in the group. I can't recommend Coastal Spirit enough!
Steve from Lancashire