Expeditions & Wilderness Journeys
Open canoe expeditions and wilderness journeys across Scotland.
Scotland is one of the best countries in the world for exploring by open canoe.
With hundreds of miles of paddleable lochs and rivers to take advantage of it can often be hard to decide on where to go. Our expeditions & wilderness journeys are designed by our guiding team to show off what our fantastic country has to offer in amazing open canoe journeys.
We know that when you're on a trip you don't want to worry about logistics, so we've taken care of everything! Where there's a shuttle needed we'll take care of it, and when it comes to food we've a mouth watering menu put together, so all you have to worry about is enjoying it.
Our fleet of Hōu Canoes are available for you to use either paddling solo or with another member of the team, if you have your own boat feel free to bring it along and we'll discount your trip appropriately.
During most of our trips, there are opportunities to gain your British Canoeing Multi Day Touring, Open Water Touring or Canoe Progressive award (for a small additional cost).
This is a trip of stunning paddling and picture perfect campsites giving us the opportunity to travel along one of Scotland's most famous Glens.
Starting on the west coast just outside Fort William we traverse the country using the gentle, sheltered water of the Caledonian Canal, which links together the lochs of Lochy, Oich and the formidable Loch Ness.
£560
Day 1 - Fort William to Gairlochy
Day 2 - Gairlochy to Laggan Locks
Day 3 - Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus
Day 4 - Fort Augustus to Foyers
Day 5 - Foyers to Inverness
*This is our ideal itinerary however it may change when we're on the go as we'll work with the weather and pick campsites best suited to us on each day.
This is a novice level trip, you should be comfortable being outside for the duration of the trip. Your paddling skills don't need to be excellent but we do recommend you've been on the water before coming on the trip.
Three Day Open Canoe Expedition
Cattle rustler extraordinaire Rob Roy lived, married, died and now rests alongside some stunning lochs in the National Park. The lochs and rivers of this route follow in some of his footsteps and bring light to his life as a renowned criminal turned legitimate farmer.
£350
Day 1 - Lochs Doine & Voil
Day 2 - River Balvaig & Loch Lubnaig
Day 3 - Garbh Uisge & River Teith
*This is our ideal itinerary however it may change when we're on the go as we'll work with the weather and pick campsites best suited to us on each day.
This is a novice level trip, you should be comfortable being outside for the duration of the trip. Your paddling skills don't need to be excellent but we do recommend you've been on the water before coming on the trip.
Four Day Open Canoe Expedition
Let's follow in the wake of the vikings that raided the area in the 1200s.
Starting at Tarbet we'll head south on Loch Lomond, before dropping down the River Leven onto the Clyde. From there we'll head out into the firth before heading up Loch Long to Arrochar before completing our trip with an optional portage back to Tarbet.
£450
Day 1 - Tarbet to Inchcailloch
Day 2 - Inchcailloch to Ardmore
Day 3 - Ardmore to Ardentinny
Day 4 - Ardentinny to Arrochar
*This is our ideal itinerary however it may change when we're on the go as we'll work with the weather and pick campsites best suited to us on each day.
This is an intermediate trip as it involves a number of big days and large open water crossings. If you're not sure if this is the trip for you get in touch and we can discuss it.
Five Day Open Canoe Expedition
The Tay network is, in our opinion, some of the best multi day loch and white water paddling available in Scotland. From Killin on Loch Tay, home of historic crannogs, all the way to Perth and the sea, this trip is teeming with wildlife at every twist and turn.
£560
Day 1 - Killin to Kenmore
Day 2 - Kenmore to Grandtully
Day 3 - Grandtully to Dunkeld
Day 4 - Dunkeld to Stanley
Day 5 - Stanley to Perth
*This is our ideal itinerary however it may change when we're on the go as we'll work with the weather and pick campsites best suited to us on each day.
This is an intermediate trip as it involves a number of big days and open water crossings and whitewater up to class 3.
If you're not sure if this is the trip for you get in touch and we can discuss it.
Worried about not having all the paddling skills you need, don't worry?
Your guide will be on hand to offer coaching tips and handy hints to help your paddling and campcraft skills develop and to make this journey unforgettable!
Green Trips - Perfect for families or novice paddlers, looking to get out for the first time ever to have fun on the water.
Blue Trips - Much like green trips these trips are great fro families however unlike our green trips you maybe slighty more exposed to the enviroments. They may include sections of easy white water.
Red Trips - These trips are much more challenging, prior paddling experience is best, as we'll be on some harder white water.
Day 1 - Loch Tulla to Bridge of Orchy
We'll spend our first day together getting to know each other and preparing ourselves for our epic adventure.
Day 2 - Loch Ba to Loch Eigheach
We start our crossing from the A82, heading East across Loch Ba on to Loch Laidon and catching the Garbh Ghaoir. Enjoy views down to Rannoch Station as you begin your journey.
Day 3 - Loch Eigheach to Dunalistair Water
We seek out the River Gaur after our nights camp where more challenging water and rapids will change the nature of the days canoeing. We then travel onto Loch Rannoch and onwards to the man made reservoir Dunalistair Water for our next camp.
Day 4 - Dunalistair Water to Loch Tummel
Beautiful Highland lochs and steep, technical rivers will keep us occupied on today's paddle as we move east to Loch Tummel.
Day 5 - Loch Tummel to Loch Faskally
The breathtaking Loch Tummel will give way to the river as we negotiate more rapids and camp on the beautiful Loch Faskally.
Day 6 - Loch Faskally to Ballinluig
The final day of the crossing and a chance to reflect on an awe-inspiring journey
*This is our ideal itinerary however it may change when we're on the go as we'll work with the weather and pick campsites best suited to us on each day.
This trip is designed for those who want to take their canoe journeying skills to the next level, therefore being comfortable paddling solo on open water and on the river would be great.
You don’t need to have your own boat though as we can help you with that, we’ll also take care of the menu for the trip meaning all you have to do is turn up with your personal paddling equipment a sense of adventure and an enthusiasm to learn!
£650
Six Day Open Canoe Expedition
We’ll spend six exciting days together, journeying along one of Scotland's most iconic canoe routes, using a wide range of skills taking us beyond standard paddling.
Our team will work with you to develop your traditional canoe skills in a real world environment where the use of these trad skills will greatly benefit your enjoyment and experience.
The first day of our trip we’ll spend the day on Loch Tulla & the Upper Orchy in order for us all to get to know each other and refresh our skills, before having a comfortable night and some great food (plus beer) at one of our fantastic local venues. The following morning we’ll start our trip down the Rannoch system to the mighty River Tay from Loch Bà. During the trip our team will guide and support you, ensuring that you have a truly awesome experience.
