Gairloch Kayak Centre
Gairloch Kayak Centre, based at Shieldaig Lodge, Badachro, Gairloch, IV21 2AN(View on Map)
Parking
About Gairloch Kayak Centre
- Open All Year Round
- Activities On Site
- On Site Bar/Restaurant
- Bikers Welcome
- Cyclists Welcome
- Advance Booking Required
Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre operates from our base at Shieldaig Lodge Hotel. Here we have a dry warm reception area and access to toilets. This also means our canoe and kayak fleet is right on the shores of Gairloch, the sea loch, so access to the water is easy.
Sea Kayaking – half or full day trips around Gairloch
We can take you on a full or half day kayaking adventure around our wonderful coastline. Our trips are run by local guides who know the area well and are experts on wildlife spotting. We want you to enjoy a relaxed paddle and will choose a venue for depending on your experience, local tides and the anticipated weather conditions. We usually depart from our kayak centre base, as the bay is sheltered and offers perfect sea kayaking experiences for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
All the equipment you need is provided including sea kayaks, buoyancy aids, spray decks, paddles etc. All you need to bring is a waterproof, and a sense of adventure.
If you are on the NC500 route and fancy a break then a half days kayaking will let you see the other side of Scotland’s beautiful coastline.
Whether you are taking to the sea for the first time or you want to be shown around the area by an experienced local guide, book a trip with us. We regularly spot seals, otters, white tailed eagles, skuas and have gannets diving around our boats. Let us take you safely for a Sea Kayaking Adventure.
Kayaking on Loch Maree – Full day
Enjoy a full day canoeing on the iconic Loch Maree. A major feature of the Loch is the large number of islands which it holds, the larger contain pristine remnants of ancient Caledonian Pinewood. Some of these Scots Pine trees are over 350 years old, and stand on ground which has changed little in the last 8000 years.
We will visit Isle Maree with the remains of a chapel, graveyard, holy well, and holy tree on it. Isle Maree also attracted the sick and the insane, who drank from its well and plunged into the loch three times in the hope of a cure. The same island also contains ancient stands of oak and holly which have been linked with ancient Scottish druids. Queen Victoria visited here on her summer travels around Scotland. There are sea eagles, divers which we will responsibly watch too.
Trips are weather dependent and if it not safe to paddle a full refund will be given.
Bike and E-bike hire
Explore the stunning landscapes of Gairloch and its surroundings with Gairloch Bike Hire! We offer high-quality bikes and E-bikes to suit all your cycling adventures. Whether you’re planning a leisurely day trip or an extended exploration, we have flexible full-day and multi-day hire options available. Get ready to experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on two wheels! we also have a kids trailer so your littlest ones can come too. Head to our website to book https://www.gairlochkayakcentre.com/gairloch-bike-hire
Fire and Steam Sauna
Had a busy day kayaking, cycling or hill walking or just need a chill after a long day driving the Nc500? We have the perfect solution! Fire & Steam is our very own wood burning mobile sauna with space for up to six people*. Head to our website to book https://www.saunaonwheels.co.uk/
Munro Guiding
Join our professional staff with their local knowledge, to walk a classic Munro in the north west Highlands. We are a locally owned and manged business looking to give you a wonderful flavour of our mountains and Munros. Our guides are knowledgeable and trained to look after you what ever the conditions. Our guides always carry emergency equipment and know how to use it.
- Beinn Eighe’s two classic Munros
- Liathach which is rated by many hillwalkers as Scotland’s finest mountain and again two Munros
- Beinn Alligin the Mountain of Beauty in Gaelic with two Munros and the infamous Horns of Alligin
- Slioch with canoe – the ‘spear’ mountain a challenging Munro due to its remoteness
- An Teallach’s double Munro ascent is one of the most sought-after ridge traverses in the Scottish
- Beinn Dearg the Ullapool Munros (4 Munros)
