Outer Hebrides: Barra & Mingulay Expedition

6 Sea Kayaking Days Adventure
Barra, Mingulay & the Bishop’s Isles

Take on a classic Hebridean expedition in Scotland’s beautiful southern Outer Hebrides. This Level 4 journey is designed for experienced paddlers ready for challenging Atlantic waters, remote crossings, and the wild adventure of exploring Barra, Pabbay, Mingulay, and the Bishop’s Isles—some of the most dramatic and wildlife-rich islands in the UK.

Why Paddle Here?

The southern Outer Hebrides archipelago is legendary for its rugged Atlantic cliffs, turquoise bays, and abundant marine life. This expedition features exposed crossings, tidal flows, and wild camping on pristine beaches. If conditions allow, we’ll explore the outlying Bishop’s Isles, famous for their seabird colonies and sense of true wilderness.

This is a physically and mentally rewarding trip for paddlers with advanced skills who want to push themselves in one of Europe’s most spectacular sea kayaking environments.

Wildlife & Scenery

  • Seabirds: Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and huge gannet colonies—especially on Mingulay.

  • Marine Mammals: Seals and harbour porpoises are common; basking sharks and dolphins are sometimes spotted.

  • Wildlife Encounters: Otters, shorebirds, and the occasional golden eagle.

  • Scenery: Towering cliffs, sea stacks, turquoise bays, remote beaches, and dramatic Atlantic sunsets.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Oban, Scotland. Team meet-up, expedition briefing, and ferry to Barra.

Days 2–7:
6 full days of paddling: Flexible route exploring Barra, Pabbay, Mingulay, and the Bishop’s Isles, with wild camping each night, skills sessions, and short hikes.

Day 8: Return ferry to Oban, debrief, and celebratory meal.

Note: Route and island visits are always adapted for Level 4/advanced paddlers and depend on sea state, weather, and group ability.

Expedition Details

  • Dates: 8–15 May, 21–28 May (provisional) 2026

  • Duration: 8 days total (6 days sea kayaking)

  • Price: £790 per person

  • Group Size: 7–8 paddlers

  • Coaching: 2 highly experienced SKW sea kayak coaches (plus potential assistant guide/coach)

  • Skill Level: Level 4 (Moderate/Advanced) – suitable for paddlers with experience in sustained moderate to advanced water, exposed crossings, and tidal flows

What’s Included

  • 6 full days of guided Level 4 sea kayaking in the southern Outer Hebrides

  • Coaching and safety cover from 2 SKW coaches

  • Expedition planning support

  • Expedition photography

Not Included

  • Travel insurance (required)

  • Ferry transfers Oban–Barra–Oban

  • Cooking gear, tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags (hire available)

  • Expedition meals

  • Travel to/from Oban

  • Additional accommodation or local transport outside the itinerary

  • Costs from unforeseen events (e.g., weather delays)

Ready for a challenging, unforgettable Hebridean expedition?

Contact us to reserve your place or request more info!

Inspiration & Further Reading

  • Our Paddler Magazine Article