Coast to Coast
Cross Scotland By Foot & Canoe
Scotland's mountains, rivers and lochs offer a truly unique adventure opportunity. Join us on this expedition to cross Scotland from COAST TO COAST, taking in some of the finest mountains, remotest glens, most ancient woodlands and finest rivers of this majestic landscape.
This seldom travelled route gives you the chance to cross the heart of Scotland on foot and by canoe, starting at Loch Duich and ending at Beauly on Scotland's east coast. Using mountain navigation skills and canoe expeditioning, while expertly guided by ourselves and our partners Howl Bushcraft, this trip gives you the skills to have your own epic adventures.
Expedition Highlights
Our journey starts on the coastal shores of Loch Duich, surrounded by mountains and the smell of the sea. We have an informal night here on a campsite where we can get to know one another, do final kit checks and discuss plans. The following morning we hike out east towards the Gates of Affric and into some of the most remote and epic mountains in all of Scotland. Spending two days in the hills gives us a chance to learn mountain skills and navigation, sleeping high in the munros and (hopefully!) having stunning views out towards Skye and beyond.
A taste of life on our coast to coast expedition
The mountain phase ends as we descend into Glen Affric and into some of the most ancient Caledonian Pine forest in Scotland. Meeting our canoes in Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin, we explore this stunning loch, camping on an Island and soaking up the atmosphere of the grandfather pines and peaty waters. Continuing east, we pick up up the rivers Affric and Glass, giving us a chance to work on true canoe expedition moving water skills. Finally, as we near the end of our trip, we pick up the river Beauly and enter the Aigas Gorge, a nationally significant wildlife refuge and Mecca for canoeists and wildlife lovers. Our trip ends close to Beauly as we debrief and celebrate this epic adventure.
Trip leaders Steven Hanton and Jamie Dakota are both qualified Mountain Leaders and Canoe Instructors and are passionate about sharing their expedition experience. Join us!
Coast to Coast Expedition Syllabus
Mountain Skills & Bushcraft
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Map reading & mountain navigation
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Route planning
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Lightweight wild camping
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Mountain safety
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​Firelighting
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Campfire cookery
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Tree and plant ID & edible, medicinal and utilitarian uses.
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Wildlife tracking; identify animal tracks and signs.
Canoeing Skills​
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Canoe trip planning
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Loading a canoe & gear shakedown
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Flat water paddling skills; strokes and trim
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Moving water skills; strokes, route choice, ferry gliding & breaking in/out of the current
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Rescue techniques for flat and moving water.
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Expedition canoe skills; poling, snubbing, lining, tracking & portaging
LOCATION
Scotland
DATES
17th - 23rd May 2025
PRICE
£1225
PLACES
10 Total
We start the trip at the head of Loch Duich, heading east over mountains, through Glen Affric, ending at Beauly on Scotland's east coast.
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