CANOE SCOTLAND EXPEDITION

Day One

Arrive at Neptune's Staircase, an impressive set of locks on the Caledonian Canal, for a meet and greet. All of our events are solo-friendly; most people book onto trips by themselves and come away with a great set of new friends. There are regular facilities along the route, including toilets, changing facilities and warm showers.

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We provide the canoes, equipment, safety gear, and show you techniques for paddling efficiently. Everyone's personal gear is packed into waterproof barrels that we provide, which are then secured in the canoes. We paddle along the canal in the afternoon before setting up our waterside camp overlooking the wonderfully named Loch Lochy. The evenings are a great chance for a chat and a drink as well as some star-gazing and reflection on the first day's adventures.

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Day Two

We paddle around 14 miles, taking us over Loch Lochy, a canal section and to Loch Oich. Amongst other rest breaks, we take a stroll on a beach at Glas-dhoire and in the evening camp in Aberchalder. If the wind conditions allow over the next few days, we will use basic sails to help propel the canoes along.

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Day Three

We pass through the beautiful village of Fort Augustus; gateway to Loch Ness and a good spot for lunch. We then tackle the first half of Loch Ness, Scotland's second largest loch, as part of this 17 mile day. The long summer evenings provide great opportunity to chat to your fellow adventurers; these friendships are what it's all about!

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Day Four

We complete our journey across Loch Ness, passing the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the way. We can relax after this 14 mile day knowing that we have almost paddled all the way from the West to the East of Scotland! A great opportunity to crack open your hipflask and have a wee dram of whisky.

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Day Five

We're on the home straight with a short 5 mile section of the Caledonian Canal. The event ends at lunchtime, and you can be proud of your new skills and accomplishments. We can give you a lift back to our start point at Neptune's Staircase to collect your car (approx 1hr 40 mins), or you are welcome to make your way home from Inverness.

We start at Neptune's Staircase, Banavie (near Fort William); we meet in the free car park, (postcode PH33 7PL). The event ends at Muirtown Locks in Inverness. We can also offer guests free transport from Inverness (end) to Neptune's Staircase (start) after the event.

Driving – If you are driving, the free car park postcode to follow is PH33 7PL.

Public Transport - Trains and a good coach service connect both Fort William and Inverness to Glasgow and Edinburgh and take around 3 hours.

Glasgow (West Coast Line) and Edinburgh (East Coast Line) have trains to most major cities in England including London (4.5 hours), Birmingham (4 hours), Manchester (3.25 hours) and Leeds (3 hours).

You will be able to buy food and drink along the way but you will need to bring some food supplies with you. We will send more details and suggestions to you prior to the event.

We use open Canadian canoes for this adventure - around 16ft in length. The canoes are paddled with two guests in each canoe. Each canoe carries two people, plus a large waterproof barrel to store your equipment.

At Adventure Solos, our guests book on by themselves to enjoy a group adventure. This adventure is a great way to make new friends, and an Adventure Solos host will meet you when you arrive, introduce you to other guests and ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves throughout the event.

Canoes and all canoe-related gear are provided. You will need camping equipment for this trip, most people will bring their own but you can also hire or buy camping gear. You will need to bring sensible outdoor clothing - we will give you more information on this before the event but broadly it includes waterproofs and some warm clothing.

You do not need prior canoeing or paddling experience. It is recommended that you have at least an average level of fitness for the event. Some experience of camping is recommended - check out our Camping for Beginners events. Buoyancy aids will be provided and most people do not capsize, however we strongly recommend you are able to swim should capsize occur.

Don't let the weather put you off; the average July rainfall is 53mm in Inverness, only slightly more than 50mm in London [Source: Met Office]. Maximum temperatures are around 19 degrees Celsius, and the summer days are longer than they are further south. We travel in the direction of the prevailing wind, so if all goes to plan, we'll be able to rig some canoe sails up and enjoy cruising along (this is great fun!).