“The location of sites, and quantity and quality of information available, allows sea paddlers to follow the trail in manageable sections, and shows an unprecedented degree of forward planning and co-operation.”
Duncan R Winning, OBE
Honorary President of the Scottish Canoe Association
Sea kayaking is an unbeatable way to explore the glorious coastline of Argyll and the Isles and discover its beauty. With secluded beaches, turquoise water, white sands, sheltered sea lochs, dramatic cliffs and vibrant islands, this Scottish coastal area is a paddler’s paradise.
The sea around Oban and Lorn offers fantastic kayaking for all levels and there is a number of operators in this area that can help get you started. Another good place for beginners is the sheltered waters of the Kyles of Bute and the Crinan Canal. For the experienced paddler, the options are endless. Go on an island adventure along the trail to take in the Slate Islands of Seil, Easdale and Insh, circumnavigate beautiful Gigha or wild and lonely Jura, paddle rings around Bute or explore the coves, beaches and pretty seaside villages of Argyll’s Coastline.
Argyll and Isles tourism website offers an overall perspective of each area of Argyll and demonstrates the vibrancy and the hundreds of different things you can do while paddling within the region. You can also find paddlesports operators who can assist your navgation of our beautiful coastline.
Oban is a perfect place to start sea kayaking, with plenty of excellent, highly qualified companies keen to give you a safe, enjoyable and fun introduction. It’s also a great place to return to time and again. Several businesses offer a complete sea kayak outfitting, rental, hire service for those experienced kayakers who fly in from all over the World. They can offer lots of advice and local knowledge to help make the visit a superb experience. The kayaking itself is there in all its guises from sheltered lochs and passages to the World famous overfalls and tide races of the Falls of Lora and the Gulf of Corryvreckan.
Stretching from the picturesque fishing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne, in the south to Loch Craignish in the north, over to Knapdale and Crinan in the west, across to Inveraray and Loch Awe in the east, and with Kilmartin Glen in its midst the Heart of Argyll boasts some of the most beautiful scenery.
Whether it’s a relaxing short break, an active family holiday or a romantic weekend that appeals, the Heart of Argyll has great accommodation & restaurants, unique shops & galleries, historic castles and museums, plus a wealth of outdoor pursuits and nature-based activities from kayaking and sailing to cycling and walking that will keep you entertained and longing to visit again.
