Slate Isles, Scotland - SKW Away Trip
From: Level 3 (Intermediate)
Once the heart of the UK slate industry, the Slate Isles also know as the Lorn Islands, are a stunning labyrinth of lochs, inlets and rocky coves only 30 minutes south of Oban.
This captivating wilderness adventure is specifically designed for the intermediate to advanced paddler who has a keen desire to explore remote and less-traveled locations while receiving high-quality instruction and valuable tips throughout the experience.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about the trip that haven’t been answered below. :-)
07899662043 - Kirsty & Geth
Dates T.B.C
6 Days Paddling
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T.B.C
There will be 6 Paddling Days - meeting Saturday afternoon at Argyll Kayaker Cove, paddling Sunday to Friday.
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The Slate Isles are a magical group, of lesser known islands, located just below Oban & the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. This superb labyrinth of islands includes: Seil, Easdale, Lunga, Luing, Shuna, Belnahua and Torsa.
Kayaking in the Slate Isles trip provides amazing paddling in beautiful wilderness, with a rich history..
With favourable weather, we also plan to visit the amazing Garvellach Islands and Scarba. Weather permitting we hope to transit Corryvrechan the ‘gulf of the grey dogs’, Cuan Sound and pass under the bridge over the Atlantic.
Our aim will be to provide an enjoyable wilderness sea kayaking expedition in an area of tidal currents, superb wildlife and interesting historical sites.
Kay at “the chaotic scot” has really interesting blog post all about the Slate Isles:
https://www.thechaoticscot.com/the-slate-islands-scotland/
The Slate Islands Heritage Trust is a great website for information about the Islands:
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We will be staying at: Argyll Kayaker Cove, Cuan Ferry, Oban PA34 4RB
The Argyll Kayaker Cove offers the following accommodation options:
Camping (Shower/Toilet Facilities) - More Info Here
Bunkhouse (Group Bookings Required) - More Info Here (book asap)
Cuan Cave, Cuan Sound - Camping Pod - More Info Here (book asap)
Carsaig Cave, Cuan Sound - Camping Pod - More Info Here (book asap)
Please tell us if you want to camp so we can hold the spots for you. You can then pay the owners directly at a later date.
You will need to arrange your own non-camping accommodation. We can help connect you with others (to share with) through our SKW Community Hub.
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You need to have a good fitness level and be happy kayaking for 4 to 5 hours with breaks.
Skills wise: Level 3 - You will be journeying in moderate water conditions (see environmental definitions below) and is often pitched at fairly experienced sea kayakers who enjoy journeying and aspirant BC Sea Kayak Award holders. Participants should have a reasonable understanding of forward paddling and boat handling techniques, with a view to applying them to some moderate water conditions.
Moderate Water
Definition
Sea: A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straight forward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
If you’re not quite sure if you’d be suitable for the trip, please get in touch. :-)
07899662043 - Kirsty & Geth
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The cost for the Slate Isles (Hidden Islands) is: £790
This Includes:
6 Days Guided Kayaking with an Experienced Coach
Kayaking Equipment:
Kayak (SKUK, P&H, Tiderace & Zegul)
Paddles
Wetsuit (Drysuit can be hired at an additional cost)
Waterproof Cag
Buoyancy Aid
Spraydeck
Helmet
Click here to find out more about our kayaks and kit.
You will need to arrange your own transport, accommodation and food.
We are really keen to put group members in contact through our Online Community Hub to enable you to share lifts, accommodation & food.
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Kit List:
Maps
SKW Sway Document with Maps and Charts
Accommodation Links:
Argyll Kayaker Cove - Camping
Michael (Owner of Argyll Kayaker Cove - AirBnB Links for his accommodation)
Our SKW Community Hub Link for connecting with other paddlers:
Our course levels definitions to help you work out where your skill level is:
Our course calendar - helpful for getting your skills up to help join the trip:
The history of the Slate Isles:
Booking & Payment Notes
A deposit is required in order to secure your spot. The balance of payment is due at least 90 days before the start of the kayaking experience. Payment can be made through our online booking system, in cash or by bank transfer. There is the option of paying in instalments, please contact us if this is something you would like to do.