Cape Adventure - Kayaking

A week of sea kayaking set on the North West coast of Scotland, a remote and wild area of diverse and dramatic scenic beauty. Ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers who are keen to build up their sea kayaking skills, confidence and knowledge.

Saturday
We will meet you at the Rhiconich Hotel at 3.00pm. Drive to our car park, unload your equipment into our vehicle, then a 10 minute walk on footpath to Cape Adventure. (Please note it is not possible to drive to our base.) Settle in, discuss the programme and meet our instructors for a cup of tea. Later an introductory walk to see the areas we will paddle during the week.

Sunday
Morning A skills session in Loch a' Chad-Fi.
Afternoon Paddle around sheltered Loch a' Chad-Fi, practicing skills and becoming familiar with the kayaks.
Evening An illustrated talk by Rebecca Ridgway about training, expedition planning and kayaking round Cape Horn.

Monday
Morning A skills session in Loch a' Chad-Fi, building on what you have learnt.
Afternoon Continue with skills, preparing for the following days sea safari.

Tuesday
A Sea Safari Setting off from Cape Adventure, journeying around the sheltered coastline of Loch Laxford, seeing a variety of bird and marine life along the way, as well as being part of the stunning remote scenery. Camp for the night on a remote beach.

Wednesday
Morning Pack up camp and kayaks, continue the sea safari around Loch Laxford. A breathtaking sea journey.
Afternoon Return to Cape Adventure with time to relax before dinner.

Thursday
A Sea Journey leaving Loch Laxford and venturing further to experience the sea swell. Navigate a passage through the islands and broken coastline off Ardmore point into Loch Dughaill. Return in the afternoon to celebrate the week with a Cape farewell dinner.

Friday
Depart after breakfast

N.B. The programme may vary due to weather conditions - we will substitute either walking, rock climbing or land yachting if weather not suitable for kayaking.

Food and Accommodation
We offer delicious home cooked food (including vegetarian) and comfortable accommodation in a variety of single, twin, double, bunk or family rooms on the shores of Loch a' Chad-Fi. All rooms have wash basins and storage space for clothing. We have 8 good showers with plenty of hot water, male and female with disabled toilet facilities. We do not provide electric shaver sockets.
We do not sell alcohol, however, you are welcome to bring your own. We do run a small shop selling soft drinks, snacks, sweets, insect repellent, midge head nets, outdoor clothing and dry bags.

Kit List In addition to the clothes you will be wearing when you arrive we suggest you bring the following as a minimum:

2 sets of paddling clothes - light thermals as a base layer, a fleece top and bottoms or track suit bottoms - we supply kayaking cagoules. Wet Suit (we supply but you may wish to bring your own if you have one) Footwear - wet shoes or wetsuit boots.
Other equipment
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Woolly hat or balaclava
1 x Trainers (for outdoor use only)
1 x Indoor shoes
Sun hat, sun screen and sunglasses (secure attachments for all glasses)
Torch and spare batteries
Pocket knife, KFS, cup, plate, bowl
First Aid Kit, Thermos flask, Water bottle
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat (you can hire from us)
Towel and wash kit
Dry bags or strong plastic bags, e.g. rubble bags from DIY shop, for keeping kit dry
Wellington boots (optional)
July to September - Midge head net and repellent (e.g. Jungle Formula)

"How lucky we are to have chosen Cape Adventure International - the best place in the world for us to have learned our new skills of sea kayaking. Superb set-up with a fabulous location, excellent facilities and an inspirational staff."
Nigel Hawkins, Director, John Muir Trust