CANOE THE GREAT GLEN, Intermediate
For those with some previous experience, or if you have canoed the Great Glen before, this is the trip for you.This trip follows our standard format, but armed with you previous experience we have the chance to get to some of the more remote campsites, paddle in more challenging conditions, and most important we get to paddle the rivers that connect the lochs!
We will paddle the River Oich that joins Loch Oich to Loch Ness, skipping 2 portages! At the end of Loch Ness, we will canoe the River Ness.
Itinery
This is a 5 day and 4 night trip.
DAY 1
Starting at the top of Neptune's Staircase we will paddle off along the Caledonian Canal passing the last remaining original bridge on the canal system, to Gairlochy where we join Lochy Lochy.
We will explore the inlets of Loch Lochy and start to gain our first experiences of being in the open wind! By evening we will be in camp eating food around the fire, maybe joined by the bears ;0)
DAY 2
We will set off down the rest of Loch Lochy and into Laggan locks for a rest, and maybe some food at the Eagle Barge (the only floating bar on the Glen). In the afternoon we will head off across the quietness of Loch Oich and to the River Oich for some grade 1 and 2 rapids.
We have a great campsite down here for us to enjoy.
Day 3We launch back on to the river and paddle down to Loch Ness for a break in Fort Augustus. Here you have time to explore the village, visit the Nessie experience, and enjoy a pub brunch/lunch.
In the afternoon we will launch on to Loch Ness and cruise down to our camp spot, the most remote on the glen! Along the way we may see, eagles, Osprey and wild goats.
Day 4
Today we will complete Loch Ness. With a larger fetch, today may bring bigger conditions! Fear not, you will be well skilled up by now and the road isn't far! The offering of the Dores Inn at the end of the day will get you there quickly (our record is landing 10 minutes after opening!!)
Today we will have potential opportunity to do some sailing.
Day 5
Our last day will start with a but of time on Dores beach to reflect on the fun of our trip. We will then paddle into Loch End and into the River Ness. The River Ness is a pretty grade 2 with with some fun bouncy waves along the way.
FAQs
faq's
What experience do I need?
None! We have complete beginners join us on most of our trips. A lesson before you join us may be useful. We have several people we can recommend throughout the country including some of our own guides.
How Challenging is it? How fit do I need to be?
This can vary somewhat depending on the weather, but the best strength to bring to the trip is a positive mind set and a good sense of humour!
If you are a regular walker, swimmer etc, you will find this ideal, with some level of challenge involved
If you are into challenges such as Tough Mudder, 3 peaks etc you will be in your element.
Our guides are extremely experienced and we will give you all the support you need and keep you safe.
The trip is 100km, and you will paddle up to 25km in a day. The is usually around 6-8 hours on the water.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE?
We recommend a minimum age of 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Anyone under the age of 18 must share a canoe with their parent or guardian.
DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM? WILL THE CANOE CAPSIZE?
You don't need to be able to swim as you will have a life jacket (buoyancy aid/ personal floatation device) on, but some level of water confidence is essential.
Whilst unlikely, it is possible that your canoe could capsize, so you need to be happy spending sometime in the water, whilst your guide empties your canoe.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
The guides on this trip believe that to give you a quality experience, you need to be comfortable. They work with a number of companies to ensure that the equipment available on the trips are not only fit for purpose but also the best quality. You’ll be provided with: - Tents (We won't make you share with strangers. If you have booked as a group, you may need to share, but we can usually accommodate needs.)*** - Self inflating 3cm sleeping mats. - Large Dry bags - All Safety equipment** You’ll need to bring: - Sleeping bag (3 season is best) - Waterproofs (Jacket AND Trousers) - Outdoor clothing for wearing when your on the water x2 sets, synthetic walking, cycling, running is best with a thin fleece. Avoid heavy cotton. - Sun hat and warm hat. - Warm jacket/fleece for camp. - Shoes for on the water (These will get wet) - Shoes for camp - Toiletries - Torch - Midge net (those made by Smidge work well) and spray - Sun protection - Personal medication - Camera. Overall, keep your kit pretty basic. Most people don't change clothes through the trip unless they get wet. It is worth investing in quality waterproofs. If it is a wet week, a spare cheap Pac A Mac work well as a 2nd waterproof ** If you have your own safety equipment then that’s great. To use on any of the guides trips, the equipment must be CE marked, (EN ISO 12402) under 5 years old and be fit for use.
Who will I paddle with?Can I do it solo or Tandem?
What experience do I need?
None! We have complete beginners join us on most of our trips. A lesson before you join us may be useful. We have several people we can recommend throughout the country including some of our own guides.
How Challenging is it? How fit do I need to be?
This can vary somewhat depending on the weather, but the best strength to bring to the trip is a positive mind set and a good sense of humour!
If you are a regular walker, swimmer etc, you will find this ideal, with some level of challenge involved
If you are into challenges such as Tough Mudder, 3 peaks etc you will be in your element.
Our guides are extremely experienced and we will give you all the support you need and keep you safe.
The trip is 100km, and you will paddle up to 25km in a day. The is usually around 6-8 hours on the water.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE?
We recommend a minimum age of 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Anyone under the age of 18 must share a canoe with their parent or guardian.
DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM? WILL THE CANOE CAPSIZE?
You don't need to be able to swim as you will have a life jacket (buoyancy aid/ personal floatation device) on, but some level of water confidence is essential.
Whilst unlikely, it is possible that your canoe could capsize, so you need to be happy spending sometime in the water, whilst your guide empties your canoe.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
The guides on this trip believe that to give you a quality experience, you need to be comfortable. They work with a number of companies to ensure that the equipment available on the trips are not only fit for purpose but also the best quality. You’ll be provided with: - Tents (We won't make you share with strangers. If you have booked as a group, you may need to share, but we can usually accommodate needs.)*** - Self inflating 3cm sleeping mats. - Large Dry bags - All Safety equipment** You’ll need to bring: - Sleeping bag (3 season is best) - Waterproofs (Jacket AND Trousers) - Outdoor clothing for wearing when your on the water x2 sets, synthetic walking, cycling, running is best with a thin fleece. Avoid heavy cotton. - Sun hat and warm hat. - Warm jacket/fleece for camp. - Shoes for on the water (These will get wet) - Shoes for camp - Toiletries - Torch - Midge net (those made by Smidge work well) and spray - Sun protection - Personal medication - Camera. Overall, keep your kit pretty basic. Most people don't change clothes through the trip unless they get wet. It is worth investing in quality waterproofs. If it is a wet week, a spare cheap Pac A Mac work well as a 2nd waterproof ** If you have your own safety equipment then that’s great. To use on any of the guides trips, the equipment must be CE marked, (EN ISO 12402) under 5 years old and be fit for use.
What kit do I need?
Bring your usual paddling kit. Dry trousers and warm coats are more comfortable than a drysuit!
How do we get back from Inverness?
We will have a shuttle driver to bring you all back.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Night Before