Six-day Sea Kayaking Expedition: £ 780
Sixty-two islands form the Orkney Archipelago, located off the northern coast of Scotland. Here, both the Vikings and the Neolithic inhabitants have left their mark.
The archipelago lies north of Caithness, still visible from the Scottish mainland, and is separated by the Pentland Firth. It can be reached by ferry from Scotland, with routes sailing to Kirkwall and Stromness on the island of Mainland, Orkney.
Orkney is steeped in history, featuring ancient Neolithic sites, Norse heritage, and archaeological treasures scattered across the islands, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to any sea kayaking expedition. The mystical world of legends and myths is still alive here.
Norse culture remains a defining element of Orkney’s identity, evident in its place names, traditions, folklore and characters you will meet along the way, all reflecting its Viking heritage. Originating in Scandinavia during the Viking Age (late 8th–11th century), it encompasses language, mythology, sagas, craftsmanship, and legendary seafaring traditions that shaped European history through exploration, trade, and settlement.
This rich heritage merges with Orkney’s striking landscapes, where mystical stone circles, rugged cliffs such as Yesnaby, ancient structures like the Broch of Gurness, and grand cathedrals create an atmosphere steeped in history and natural beauty.
Sea kayaking in the Orkney Islands offers an exhilarating experience, with its vast beaches and rugged coastlines providing an inspiring setting for exploration. Secluded bays, dramatic cliffs, and abundant wildlife enhance the journey in this truly remote environment. While some areas require favourable conditions to be navigable, strong currents and tides create challenging sea conditions that offer an exciting experience for competent paddlers. Fast tidal movements, tide races, overfalls, extended crossings, ocean swells, and surf are common, demanding careful planning and proficiency in rough water conditions.
The itinerary for this week long adventure is one of exploration and wild camping, taking in the rugged coastline, steep cliffs and dynamic conditions, the route will very much depend on the local weather and sea state, the day to day planning will be a shared experience under the guidance of your expedition guide, checking on tidal movement and how this will interact with the prevailing weather, we shall be looking for areas that will be dynamic, offering an opportunity to stretch your personal comfort zones and experience
The Orkney Islands are a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting diverse avian life, including seagulls, skuas, terns, and sea eagles. With 13 nature reserves and a variety of habitats—fertile fields, heathlands, bogs, lakes, and coastal cliffs—the islands attract numerous migratory and nesting birds. In spring and summer, thousands of seabirds nest along the cliffs, with prime birdwatching locations at Marwick Head, Mull Head, and Noup Head. Puffins, often called the "clowns of the skies," arrive between late April and July and are best spotted at Castle o’Burrian and Papa Westray. Hoy has also become a key site for sea eagle pairs, with golden eagles making a return to the islands.
Due to its northern latitude, Orkney experiences long summer days and extended winter nights. Around the June solstice, the sun rises as early as 3:00 a.m. and sets around 9:30 p.m., with locals referring to the prolonged twilight as "simmer dim."
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During this expedition, you can obtain the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award. Please let us know in advance if you are interested. Registration and administrative costs for the certification have to be paid to Paddle UK.
During the expedition we shall cover the ISKGA Expedition Skills module including the following subjects: Camp selection, tarpology and shelter building, rescues & evacuation, water sourcing, treatment and toiletry requirements, fire skills, for cooking, signalling and warmth, foraging and equipment.
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Please contact us for further information:
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