Isle of skye expedition

Isle of Skye Sea Kayak Expedition

A four-day sea kayak expedition in August, exploring one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. We'll journey along the wild coast of Skye — from the foot of the Cuillin at Glen Brittle to the towering cliffs of Dunvegan Head and the remote islands off the north — with the route chosen to make the most of the conditions and the group. Skye is a sea kayaking playground like nowhere else, and we'll spend our days exploring it from the best seat in the house.

I love this island. It's one of the finest places to paddle anywhere, and drawing on years of expedition experience I can't wait to guide you through it safely and help you fall for it the way I have — reading the coast, finding the magic, and bringing it all to life.

Is it for me?

Are you comfortable paddling your sea kayak in sheltered and moderate coastal conditions, and keen to take it further?

Do you love the idea of a proper multi-day journey — wild beaches, remote camps and big horizons — all under your own steam?

Are you happy carrying your own kit, camping out, and spending a few days away from roads, signal and the everyday?

Don't worry if you've never done a full expedition before — bring the fundamentals and a sense of adventure, and I'll take care of the rest.

What will the trip involve?

After we've got to know each other and talked through everyone's experience and hopes for the trip, I'll plan a journey that makes the most of the conditions and the group's ability. Skye's coastline is made for exploring — so we'll spend our days nosing into sea caves and arches, ducking into quiet sea lochs, hopping between little offshore islands, and keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife at every turn. Each night we'll make camp somewhere wild and beautiful — a hidden beach or an uninhabited island all to ourselves — and settle in to watch the light fade over the sea.

Throughout, I'll be on hand to guide you, share what I know, and offer coaching and tips wherever they'll help — whether that's your paddling, your navigation, or your camp craft. This is a guided expedition first and foremost, but you'll come away a more confident, capable and self-sufficient sea paddler.

Where will we be?

Skye and its islands — anywhere on the island is fair game, but the weather and sea state are the overall boss, so we'll choose the stretch of coast that gives us the best, safest and most rewarding paddling for the day.

Possibilities include the dramatic coastline around Glen Brittle, beneath the jagged peaks of the Cuillin; the high sea cliffs of Dunvegan Head; and, when the conditions truly line up, a committing crossing out to Fladda-chùain — the remote islands off the very north of Skye, famous for their dramatic cliffs, a spectacular through-cave, wheeling seabirds and big views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides. Wherever we end up, expect:

  • Jaw-dropping scenery — the Black Cuillin rising straight out of the sea, soaring cliffs, sea stacks and arches, and Skye's ever-shifting skies.

  • Incredible wildlife — otters working the shoreline, seals on the rocks, golden and white-tailed eagles overhead, puffins and seabirds, porpoises offshore, and, if you're really lucky, the elusive basking shark.

  • Endless exploration — sea caves to paddle into, hidden white-sand beaches, quiet sea lochs and uninhabited islands just made for a wild camp.

Kit

You'll need to supply all your own kit for this trip, including your camping and expedition gear. Not sure your setup's up to it, or missing something? Get in touch before we go and we'll see what we can sort.

One thing to keep in mind as you pack: sea kayaks don't have infinite space! It's worth thinking carefully about what you really need and choosing lightweight, packable gear that'll fit through your hatches — half the art of expedition paddling is getting it all in.

A quick word on clothing: we'll be paddling in August, so a drysuit certainly isn't essential and a cag will likely do the job nicely. That said, this is Skye — so come prepared for any weather, pack plenty of warm layers, and bring good waterproofs for when the sunshine takes a break.

On the water:

  • Sea kayak suitable for expeditions — with bulkheads, hatches and deck lines, and outfitting that fits you well

  • Paddle, plus a split (spare) paddle carried on deck

  • Buoyancy aid

  • Neoprene spraydeck

  • A paddling cag (a drysuit is a nice-to-have but by no means essential in August), with warm base layers to suit the day

  • Suitable paddling footwear (wetsuit boots)

  • Pogies or paddling gloves, and a warm hat

  • Towline

  • Self-rescue kit: pump and paddle float

  • Personal throwline (if you have one)

  • Knife and whistle

  • Compass, plus any personal navigation kit you like to carry

  • A deck/day bag with sun cream, sunglasses, snacks and water for the day

  • Personal first aid kit and any medication

Camping & expedition:

  • Lightweight tent that packs down to fit your hatches

  • Sleeping bag (a warm, season-appropriate rating) and a sleeping mat

  • Camping stove, fuel, and a lighter or matches

  • Pot, mug, bowl and eating utensils

  • All your food for the trip, plus plenty of water

  • Plenty of dry bags, sized to fit through your hatches

  • Warm camp clothing — an insulated layer, warm hat and gloves, plus a waterproof jacket and trousers

  • Camp footwear and a quick-dry towel

  • Head torch and spare batteries

  • Wash kit and a toilet trowel — we paddle Leave No Trace, so what comes in goes out

  • Power bank for your phone

I'll go over the trip plan and safety with everyone before we set off.