What to expect on a guided canoeing day trip

A lot of people who come on a day trip with us have never been canoeing before. They're naturally a bit nervous and don't really know what to expect. I've already raved about a wonderful birthday spent canoeing on Loch Moidart and to further help alleviate any doubts or fears we wanted to share more about a "typical" day with you.

We get on the water at about 9.30 which means leaving home between 8.30 and 9. Sometimes the weather lets us down and we set off in a dreary drizzle but more often than not this has lifted by the time we're on the water!

Our groups sizes are small with a maximum number of 6 people. We either meet at the loch or river that we're paddling that day or we can pick up clients who are staying in Fort William. Once at the water we kit up - we always wear buoyancy aids and we supply waterproof trousers and jackets too if needed.

Chris gives a short introduction before getting into the canoes.


We normally have 2 people in each boat - our open Canadian canoes can hold 2 adults plus one or two children depending on their ages. Sometimes people want to paddle solo which is perfectly fine as long as they have some experience.

Once on the water it's time for a gentle paddle while everyone gets used to the boats and to being out on the water. The scenery is spectacular and there's always wildlife so you might find that the paddling takes care of itself while you're busy being distracted by your surroundings. The group stays pretty close together and Chris is always on hand for some paddling tips or tuition (though this is not obligatory by any means if you'd just prefer to take it at your own pace).

The day canoeing is a mix of:

- paddling

- rafting boats together to paddle in a group: ideal if the wind picks up or if younger/less experienced canoeists are getting tired

-rest breaks on the water; pulling in to sheltered spots

-sailing: a lot of fun and covers ground very quickly!

- and even some poling at times!

Lunch is on a beach or at a wooded area. Chris lights the Kelly Kettle so everyone can have a hot cup of tea and I normally try to bake cookies for the trips because spending a day canoeing is definitely a great excuse for treats!

Back on the water we'll try to spot some seals or otters before heading back towards home.

Our day trips finish at about 3.30 and then it's just a short drive back to where you're staying for a nice hot shower!

The folk who start the day pretty worried and unwilling to get into a canoe (perhaps their children or partner really want to take part and they've been reluctantly talked into it) are always delighted with the experience and surprised at how easy canoeing was. I don't want to put words in Chris's mouth but I think watching this transformation is one of the things he loves most about guiding trips.

If you'd like to read more, one of our favourite trips is on the River Lochy and this hopefully captures some of the fun of that trip with easy rapids to canoe and swim!

http://canoeingscotland.blogspot.com/2013/09/canoeing-river-lochy.html