Scotlands' Wilderness Sea kayaking - Rona and Rassay expedition

For five days, we’ll journey with the winds and tides, following a flexible route designed to circumnavigate both Islands. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expedition meals crafted from fresh ingredients — no freeze dried instant meals here!

As this is a true pack-and-paddle adventure, accommodation is not included on the nights before or after the trip. Please refer to the accommodation options listed below to plan your stay.

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Fully Catered option

£695

-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-Fully catered: Fresh, homemade food and cakes provided on expedition.
3 meals per day.

Self Cater Option

£630 Stay at Lochcarron, Shieldaig or Applecross campsites or take advantage of the SYHA hostel in Applecross. Go to http://www.hartfieldhouse.org.uk . If you stay outside Lochcarron please take into account driving times to our kayak base at Lochcarron golf club car park. Use Google maps for journey times.

Price Includes
-Qualified, local guiding and instruction
-All local transport throughout
-All specialist equipment: No hidden hire costs
-You need to self cater throughout the expedition
bringing your own cooking kit and food

Contact these great accommodation providers in Lochcarron. All within an easy walk to the Spar, Lochcarron hotel or Bistro, & book yourself in:

Castle Cottage Bed & Breakfast accommodation Lochcarron (castle-cottage-lochcarron.co.uk) – superb location on the shore of Lochcarron in the middle of the village. B&B all year. Half board offered in the winter months.

Self Catering cottages:

Cosy Bungalow in the village of Lochcarron,Highlands of Scotland (vrbo.com)

Explore Holiday Lettings, Cottages & Apartments - HomeToGo

2 bed Cottage in Lochcarron - 10194750 - Moriston Cottage (holidaylettings.co.uk)

Places to stay outside Lochcarron within 40 min drive:

Stay at Shieldaig or Applecross campsites or take advantage of the SYHA hostels in Applecross or Torridon. Go to Hostelling Scotland | Book Direct for Best Price Guaranteed! If you stay outside Lochcarron please take into account driving times to our kayak base at Lochcarron golf club car park. Use Google maps for journey times.

Testimonials

"a more perfect venue for a trip I could not imagine. I just want to say a big, big thank you for enabling me to achieve something that I've always wanted to do. Your care and knowledge was amazing. I know you wont ever mention it but I need to point out the other guided group we met, who were lost in the dark, and who we shared our campsite with, were pretty upset that they hadn't booked with you first. Always go with the locals people and you'll never go wrong. You'll see me again on another trip that's for certain" Jennifer Brown July 2010

Isles of Rona & Raasay expedition

"some of the wild camps we stopped at were the best I've ever been to. Your knowledge of the coastline was second to none. Memories include the Minke whale in the Caol Rona, Dolphins at the north end of the isle of Rona and the Sea Eagle below the cliffs of Dun Cann. Thank you so much for all the care, patience and insight into these wonderful islands. What a privilege" James MacIlroy Aug 2014

"As a returnee to paddling I was seeking adventure, select remote locations, and people that shared my aspirations. My expectations were to see areas unknown to me, review my ability and understand a pathway forward. Mike far exceeded any expectation I had. Clear leadership, clear communication and a level of lifelong experience and safety that can only impress. Mike was consistent in his delivery to make our journey progress, to ensure safety, to widen experience, to share his enormous experience and to share his knowledge of both the immediate and wider area, including all aspects of sea kayaking safety and coastal navigation.
Mike ensures teams work , to make the team work, and facilitates an incredible experience." Jamie Gordon June 2021

Isles of Raasay & Rona Sea Kayak Expedition

Passing through the Crowlin islands

Crossing the south Inner Sound

The Isle of Skye summits

Dawn over the Torridon mainland

Kayak camp on Raasay

Good food in the teepee

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rhona Raasay Expedition

Arriving at camp Northeast Raasay Isle of Rona Raasay Expedition

Lazy seal Isles of Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition July 2007

Up close personal with one of our locals Raasay Rhona Kayak Expedition

Volcanic scenery on south Isle of Raasay Inner Sound paddling July 2007

Taking in the sights!

The volcanic cliffs of Dun Caan, Isle of Raasay - probably the best shoreline paddle in Scotland

Guide Mike Arkley at the Northern tip of the Isle of Rona

High spirits leaving camp, Isle of Rona

Spectacular kayaking looking towards the rugged peaks of the Isle of Skye

In May and early June Puffins are everywhere

Heading home after 5 days out

an elevated kayak camp NW Raasay

About to cross from North Applecross to Rona

Heading south near the Isle of Skye

Trip Description

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Join us for a week of sea kayaking in one of Scotland’s true wilderness island locations—where untouched landscapes, hidden coves, and incredible wildlife await.

Whether you’re an experienced paddler, keen to take on one of our expedition single kayaks, or a an advanced beginner looking to share the journey in a full-sized tandem kayak, this trip is sure to challenge you. It’s also the perfect next step if you’ve already enjoyed our Inner Sound Expedition.

Over the course of the week, we’ll paddle to remote, uninhabited islands, immersing ourselves in the beauty of wilderness living. Out here, the wildlife changes too—keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and even whales, which often visit the Sound of Raasay and the Minch.

This is a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience. For single kayaks, we ask for good upper body fitness and a good understanding of personal paddle skills needed for wind and waves. Tandem kayaks are available for those who prefer a steadier option—ideal for smaller paddlers, less experienced adventurers, or even older kids. Just drop us an email to chat about what works best for you.

Our local guides can’t wait to share the hidden secrets of these islands, right on our doorstep off the Applecross Peninsula and Isle of Skye. The itinerary includes open crossings via the Crowlin Islands to South Raasay, and across the North Inner Sound. This route avoids the busy ferry area at Sconser, giving you the wildest and most rewarding way to explore Raasay and Rona.

Other expeditions take the easier Sconser route—but by joining us, you’ll experience the thrill of crossing the Inner Sound via the Crowlin Islands, with unbeatable wildlife encounters along the way.

Adventure, discovery, and the magic of Scotland’s wild islands are waiting. Will you join us?

View a Typical Itinerary

Schedule

Monday morning meet
Monday to Friday kayak days
Friday pm depart or stay for group farewell in pub Friday night, departing Saturday morning

Instructor Ratio

1:6

Suitable For

Anyone with good fitness (regular upper body exercise pre-trip essential!) Very good upper body condition & fitness required.
For single kayak: able to perform BCU 3+ star skills. By 'perform' we mean that you have used these skills a lot, in realistic conditions, to avoid capsize. You will also need the fitness/strength to paddle hard into strong wind for extended periods so will also have experience of this and the ability to increase kayak speed into wind and tide if required. If you are a not at these standards then you can still join the expedition but will need to opt for a double kayak shared with a partner/friend.

2026

APRIL 6-11 , 13-17 , 20-24 , 27-1 MAY

MAY 4-8 , 11-15 , 18-22 , 25-29

JUNE 1-5 , 8-12 , 15-19 , 22-26 , 29-3 JULY

JULY 6-10 , 13-17 , 20-24 , 27-31

AUG 3-7 , 10-14 , 17-21 , 24-29

SEP 7-11 , 14-18 , 21-25 , 28-2 OCT

NOV - Easter all dates available.

Note: Actual activity days shown. Arrival & departure travel days are either side of above dates. Other dates may be available with demand. Email first, before booking, to check space as above dates may already be full.

Groups & Discounts

If you are in any of the following categories then you'll get a discount of 5% per person off the Trip only option shown - discounts are per person only with valid employee id.

Fire , Police , Armed forces currently serving or disabled ex servicemen/women , nurses & paramedic workers (NHS only) , students, Parents & kids - just chat to us by email and we'll apply the discount.

Private Guiding

If you don't want to join an open trip with other people, or have a family/friends group of your own, then private instruction and guiding will meet your goals. Pricing is per person and will depend upon activity, distance travelled, peak or low season. We can email you a quote. Simply let us know where, when, what and for how many people.

Need a Transfer to get to us?

Add transfers to/from our nearest rail station (Strathcarron on the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line) to your accommodation in the Lochcarron area - free of charge .

Please email to arrange transfers after booking and place a note in the booking form detailing your requirements.