This is a classic adventure exploring one of the best canoeing and walking areas of Northwest Scotland. It’s a circular tour visiting three lochs and two of the area’s iconic hills. We will be self-sufficient for the four-day trip, carrying everything we need in our boats – and sometimes on our backs! No canoe experience is necessary, neither is superhuman fitness. This trip is achievable by anyone who regularly gets out on the hills. Paddling skills will be picked up on the trip.

The itinerary is flexible, but this will be the ideal package.

Day One – After driving up from Falkirk we begin our adventure near Boat Bay north of Achiltibuie. Once on the water the paddling on Loch Sionasgaig over to Eilean Mor is grand with the scenery opening up all around. After visiting the island we paddle towards Lochan Gainmheich, where there’s a nice beach to camp on. We will aim to go and walk up Cul Mor after setting up camp.

Day Two – After a leisurely start,we’ll head back on to boats to Sionasgaig and paddle round to the bay at Clais.  A portage – the longest of the trip – takes up to Loch a’ Mhadail, which is linked by a sandbar to Loch Veyatie. After paddling to Veyatie’s western end we set up camp under Suilven.

Day Three – We go for Suilven, arguably the most famous hill in the area. Once we’re back at the boats we paddle down remote Uidh Fhearna, a river-like passage which flows into the Fionn Loch. Continuing down this, our last camp is by the top of the River Kirkaig.

Day Four – We need to get back to civilisation. This involves a portage over to Loch a’ Ghille, which is then paddled, then another portage back to Loch Sionascaig. This time we paddle past Boat Bay on to Loch Uidh Tarraigean – part of the Polly Lochs system. This is paddled and portaged all the way back to the road at Loch na Dail. Then we sort our kit and drive home.

A kit list will be sent out before the trip. The main thing to consider is that you will enjoy this trip more if you can keep your gear light.