Loch Shiel is a freshwater loch, west of Fort William, in the Scottish Highlands. Its nature changes considerably along its length, being deep and enclosed by mountains in the north east and shallow surrounded by bog and rough pasture in the south west, from which end the 4 km River Shiel drains to the sea in Loch Moidart near the Clan MacDonald seat of Castle Tioram.

Our trip will take us the length of the loch, wild camping and exploring the area along the way. We will spend a day in the mountains to the north, which are rarely walked and then down the river Shiel to tidal Loch Moidart before finishing our trip at Kinlochmoidart. In between the paddling, there will be an opportunity to learn some bushcraft skills, eg. fire-making, natural cordage, campcraft, hobo fishing and some fieldcraft skills. Evenings around the campfire will be spent in the company of storyteller, Spindle Wayfarer!

The surrounding mountains are stunning but relatively rarely climbed as none quite reach the 3,000 ft (914 m) required for Munro status. The area is well wooded compared to the many Highland areas that have suffered from overgrazing, and much of the shore is designated a Special Area of Conservation. Uniquely, no roads run down either side of the loch. We are likely to see some of the rich variety of wildlife that abides in this area, including herds of red deer, seal colonies, otters, osprey and golden eagles.

The loch also has a rich history, once having had strategic importance as a communications route through the mountains, as the short River Shiel is easily navigable and a ruined chapel can be found on the largest island. Acharacle, at the south of the Loch, is the site of the 1140 battle in which Somerled defeated the Norse to found the ruling dynasty of Lord of the Isles. In 1745, after disembarking at Moidart, Bonnie Prince Charlie was rowed the length of the loch in order to raise his standard at Glenfinnan.

Your trip leaders are Myles Farnbank, a British Canoe Union coach, intimately aquainted with wild Scotland, and who worked with Ray Mears for 5 years delivering canoe expeditions on the Ardeche River in France, and WildWise’s director and experienced outdoorsman, Chris Salisbury.

NB. No previous experience of canoeing is necessary, although participants must be able to swim at least 200m.

We provide canoes, equipment and teach all the necessary skills. You will need to bring your own camping equipment.