Scotland Welcomes You

Discover All There Is To See And Do!

SUPPORT SCOTTISH CHARITIES
  • Highland Games
  • Walking Events
  • Running Events
  • Music Festivals
  • Theatre Shows
  • Cycling Events
  • Drinks Festivals
  • Money Savers

Kayaking in Scotland: Tours and Courses

Updated 2024-01-20

Canoeing and kayaking in Scotland is a hugely popular activity, and there are loads of resources to help get you paddling. You’re guaranteed to find a good challenge here.

With our coastline stretching to around 6,000 miles, and given the number of lochs and rivers that we have, it’s not surprising that kayaking has become extremely popular.

Kayaking In Scotland

White-water Kayaking can be a fabulous adventure, but the knack of getting on the right river in the right water conditions has traditionally only been possible for those with a lot of experience. But both canoeing and sea kayaking are fantastic recreational sports and Scotland’s lochs, rivers and waterways are just perfect for exploring.

The ragged Scottish West coastline in particular, with over one hundred islands, makes it the ideal location for island hopping with fabulous kayaking trips and tours.

Scotland Outdoor ActivitiesScotland offers the ideal environment for kayaking & canoeng, whether it’s on the open sea or on our secluded rivers and lochs.

But it’s worth remembering that the sea is not a loch and has a character which needs to be understood, so if you are a complete beginner, an introductory course would be advisable.

KAYAKING TOURS IN SCOTLAND….

You can enjoy dramatic views and spot wildlife as you explore the wild coastlines.

Otter Adventures: Create lasting memories on a bespoke canoe or kayak journey with your family or friends surrounded by lofty mountains, golden beaches, wildlife, castles and ancient oak woodland on remote peninsulas on the West Coast.

Clearwater Paddling: Offer sea kayaking adventures on some of the Scottish Islands, including Barra, Uist, Mull and the Inner Hebrides. You can choose from expedition tours, camping tours and lodge based tours, or simply opt for kayak only.

Rockhopper Sea Kayaking: They offer half, full or multi day trips around the splendid coastline of Fort William. It’s possible you could encounter seals, otters and basking sharks to add to your great adventure. Canoe hire is available.


KAYAKING AND CANOEING COURSES….

Sea Kayak Scotland: Isle of Seil near Oban. Courses and equipment hire on offer.

Glenmore Lodge: If you’re just getting started, a recognised course is recommended. They offer courses in white water kayaking, open canoeing and surf kayaking.


DOING YOUR OWN THING?

Paddle Scotland have produced two guide books outlining routes to go canoeing and sea kayaking in Scotland : One covers white water kayaking and the other covers more gentle touring water. If you would like to improve your performance, it’s worth looking at the nationwide coaching and testing scheme organised by them.

It is usually possible to hire a kayak, but if you would rather have your own, you don’t have to break the bank to buy one. See why Inflatable Kayaks are becoming more and more popular, and take off on a fantastic, challenging kayaking adventure in Scotland.

MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Golfing in Scotland
Scotland Cycling Events
Hiking in Scotland
Fishing in Scotland
Skiing In Scotland
Scotland Wildlife


See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the information you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Get some helpful advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and more.


Filed Under: Kayaking, Outdoor Activities

EXPLORE MORE…..

Top Scottish Attractions

Best Scotland trips

More About Events

Edinburgh Hogmanay Party

Our Scottish Humour

Some Old Scottish Sayings

Arts & Culture Festivals

Find Accommodation

Car hire in Scotland

10 Must-See Scotland Sights

Scotland Travel Information

Blair Drummond Safari park

Story of Greyfriars Bobby

Infamous Glencoe Massacre

Mystery of Loch Ness

Bonnie Prince Charlie

Robert The Bruce

William Wallace

 

 

 

Contact | Disclosure | Privacy | Terms

Copyright © 2025 ScotlandWelcomesYou.com
All rights reserved.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsAccept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT