Loch Shiel Canoe Expedition – 3 Days

Exploring the remote historic loch shiel from Glenfinnan to the open sea lochs of the stunning west coast of Scotland.

Adventure Details

Adventure Aims

A guided trip in open canoes. This including barrels/waterproof bags, full camping gear package and transport. No food is included in these prices, or accommodation on the first or last night. For this we can offer our own comfortable Bunkhouse accommodation

This itinerary is purely an indicator and will depend entirely on the weather, wind direction and the fitness of the group overall.

Is it for me

Previous experience required :

Loch Shiel is a great trip that can be done by those who have not paddled a great deal or families with youngsters. BUT this will always depend on the weather, pretty good awareness, and organisation on the part of the adults. It is beneficial if you have already taken part in full days of paddling on open water and be reasonably fit. As part of the paddling trip there will be the opportunity to have some group and individual coaching along the way to improve your performance and technical ability.

Minimum Ages: Minimum age of 12 Years old with accompanied adult.

Confirmed: When 4 participants Book

If these dates do not suit you then please contact us to arrange other more possible dates

Itinerary

Expedition Itinerary

Depart Day 1 Meet at Snowgoose Centre at 9am – for briefing & packing

Final Day 3 Loch Moidart or Glen Uig at approx. 4pm

Where are we going?

The Route: Loch Shiel is a fresh water loch 11 miles long on the west coast of Scotland, 12 miles west of the town of Fort William. The expedition heads south and west along the loch, down the river Sheil, onto the tidal coastal waters of Loch Moidart passing the island castle of Tioram. Then on past Eilean Shona into the North Channel with views out to Eigg, Muck & Rhum before heading round the headland to Glen Uig – if the weather holds.

Day 1 Glenfinnan – Loch Shiel

Drive from Snowgoose Centre to Glenfinnan with expedition members by minibus with canoe trailer to GlenFinnan

This stunning expedition leaves from Prince Charlie’s Monument at Glenfinnan. Once the canoes are unloaded, packed and on the water, Loch Shiel stretches way out to the west and south with the surrounding mountains rising steeply all around. Looking back the railway viaduct from the Harry Potter films can be seen. On the first evening we will make camp at Glenaladale or a little further on at the wooded area at Gaskan near a waterfall

Day 2 Loch Shiel to Acharacle

Next day involves a paddle across Loch Shiel to the mouth of river Polloch. Here there may be the opportunity to spot eagles, red deer and black-throated divers and much more of the wildlife to be seen around here.

(In windy weather a paddle to the narrowing of the loch near the headland at Rubha na h-Airde takes us to a great camping spot where there are woodlands to explore of take a hike up the hills above the camping spot)

The route will continue round the corner south to Eilean Fhinean – Finnan’s Island with its 7^th century burial ground and St Finnan’s Chapel and bronze bell which has “disappeared” several times over the ages – but has not been “returned” since 2019. The paddling journey turns west towards the village of Acharacle which is a planned campsite, however if the weather and sea conditions are looking settled, we may have the option to paddle further and extend our final day round the coast to Glen Uig.

Day 3

Acharacle – Loch Moidart – Glen Uig.

This is where the paddling changes from the open Loch Shiel to the wooded River Shiel valley which descends into the tidal waters of Loch Moidart. Before the river Shiel rapids there will be a recce stop to assess the state of the tide before deciding to run the rapid or make a short portage around the rapid into Loch Moidart. Here there is an opportunity to go ashore and explore the ruined Castle Tioram, have a bite to eat lunch, assess the tide to easily paddle up Loch Moidart – without wading through the mud flats – to a potential pick-up point.

Paddling out to the west via the North Channel there are views out to Small Isles of Eig. Muck & Rum

If time, tide & weather allow we may be able to paddle on round the coast to Glenuig where our journey before heading home.