A Sea Kayaking Dream

June 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Sea kayaking in Scotland has made international waves after being named as the only UK entry in the top 50 ‘Tours of a Lifetime’ by the world renowned National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Taking part in a 300-mile expedition from Loch Linnhe to the Sound of Arisaig ranked alongside activities such as trekking in Tibet, rafting in the Grand Canyon and cycling the Danube.
National Geographic, the world’s leading travel magazine series, chose the 50 experiences from thousands of tours worldwide, describing the choices as an antidote to the average.
“In the year of Active Scotland, it is absolutely fantastic to see a Scottish company recognised in this way,” said Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, who are encouraging people to make better use of Scotland’s great outdoors.
“Our international marketing department often uses the Wilderness Scotland sea kayak trail as a showcase for this country’s magnificent outdoors.”
Not only was the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail the only UK entry but it was one of only 11 tours to be based in Europe.
“I’m not surprised because sea kayaking is great for people who love the great outdoors but whose knees might have gone a bit when it comes to bagging Munroe’s,” said Steve MacFarlane, Director of Sea-Kayak Arisaig, which is run from the Glenuig Inn in Inverness-shire.
“It’s not as psychical as people might think. If anything I’d say it’s a cerebral activity, which is taking off in a big way, in which technique is king.
“This May I had a group of a dozen American’s come over to stay with me to go sea kayaking. We also get a lot of business from sea kayaking companies who operate down south and come up to Scotland once a year to stay at the Inn and go out from here.”
One of the big draws of sea-kayaking in the Sound of Arisaig is the opportunity to spot exotic wildlife such as basking sharks, dolphins, golden eagles and razor bills while exploring untouched beaches and peninsulas before heading as far out as the Isles of Eigg, Rum and Skye.
“People come because we can supply everything from the kayaks to a guide or coach who knows the local area and can show them how to get the most out of their trip.” said Mr McFarlane, whose company have recently taken delivery of delivery of ten top of the range TideRace sea kayaks.
“There is no lower age limit. We get kids as young as ten going out with their family. Kayaks are sturdy vessels.”
On the topic of sea kayaking in Scotland the National Geographic’s Margaret Loftus wrote: “With its rugged nooks and crannies, Scotland’s sparsely populated western coast is prime paddling country.
“This guided trip shows off the highlights of the 300-mile Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, from Loch Linnhe to the beach-fringed islands of the Sound of Arisaig, teeming with seals, otters, dolphins, minke whales, and basking sharks.”

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