SUP Across Scotland

This 5 day SUP across Scotland Trip paddle boards the waters of the Great Glen Way. All the way from Fort William through Fort Augustus to Inverness itself. The Great Glen Way literally cuts Scotland in half effectively creating an island off the northern side. 

This trip is suitable for ages 10 and up and is a moderate difficulty (simply due to the distances paddled) – so if you are bringing the kids along for an amazing family adventure in Scotland, we ask that they are relatively Sporty and physically able. If you are not sure then drop us a ring or email and we can help you decide if this trip is for you!

The trip includes paddlebaords, dry bags, wetsuits, helmets, paddles and all technical equipment. In addition, we supply tents, sleeping bags and roll mats + stoves, gas etc – check the what is provided section. Food wise it is easy to stock up on route in Fort Augustus so packing for a few days and then stocking up mid way through is normally the best option for people.

We guarantee that if you want a true Scottish Adventure of a lifetime then the sense of achievement you will gain from knowing you have travelled from one side of Scotland to the other right across it will be incredible!

Here follows a brief itinerary of the 5 day SUP across Scotland Trip – depending on the wind direction this can change to be North to South instead of South to North.

Day 1 – We will meet in Fort William at Neptunes Staircase at 10:00 where we will ensure everyone has everything they need to undertake the trip. If you need to pick up last minute food supplies there are shops in town where you can do so. We will then paddle up the Caledonian Canal to the Loch Gates at Loch Lochy where if there is space we will camp up and if not we will continue a short distance on to make camp along the shoreline of the Loch. 

Day2 – Waking up to stunning views of Ben Nevis, we will don the wetsuits again and head out onto Loch Lochy (the Scots sure are good with their naming of places). Here we will head down (hopefully with the wind behind us) to make camp at the far end of the Loch at Laggan Loch Gates. Here there is the world famous Eagle Barge Inn which hosts the hottest chilly in the world (we don’t recommend you try this but you can disagree with us if you wish!).

Day3 – Day 3 Sees us paddle from here onto Loch Oich passing the river Garry and level depending we can paddle the Oich (grade 2) down to Fort Augustus. If the levels are too low, then we will paddle along the Caledonian Canal before finishing in Fort Augustus and camping up within walking distance of the town so we can nip in for a well earned beer or chippy.

Day4 – Day 4 sees us beginning to tackle the huge Loch Ness! We will paddle down from here aiming to make camp near Drumnadrochit where again we will be within walking distance of the town. On route we may spot Nessie… but we will definitely spot Urquhart Castle which is a stunning iconic fortress built right on the Lochside looking down the Loch. Around here the waves often pick up a little (wind forms them) to make for an enjoyable paddle along with the waves behind us.

Day5 – Waking up to look out on the shores of Loch Ness we continue out SUP across Scotland trip paddling the final stretches of the Loch to then aim to finish on the river Ness paddling all the way into Inverness where we will then celebrate our accomplishments by heading up to the finish stone of the Great Glen Way. It is rare that people SUP across Scotland as normally people walk or bike it so you will be in a select crowd of people who have achieved this! You will need to arrange transportation back to the start.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your SUP across Scotland Expedition:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

SUPing the Great Glen Way across Scotland is a true Scottish adventure. The journey takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, from the massive waters of Loch Ness to the stunning sights of Ben Nevis. The Great Glen Way is typically a long-distance walking and cycling route that stretches from Fort William to Inverness, but SUPing allows you to experience the route in a unique and exciting way travelling across the canals, Lochs and rivers right from one side of Scotland to the other.

SUPing is a low-impact and eco-friendly way to explore the Great Glen Way, allowing you to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Scotland in a peaceful and sustainable way. You’ll paddle through tranquil lochs and canals, taking in the breathtaking scenery and possibly wildlife along the way. Who knows perhaps you will even see Nessie…

The Great Glen Way also offers a variety of challenges for experienced paddlers, including navigating through rapids if the river levels are high enough to paddle the Oich and the Ness. With expert guidance from some of the best SUP instructors in the country, you’ll develop your skills and gain confidence as you tackle each new challenge.

Beyond the physical and mental challenges, SUPing the Great Glen Way is also an opportunity to connect with like-minded adventurers and make lasting memories. You’ll wild camp along the way, enjoying sleeping in a tent under the stars with evenings spent swapping stories and relaxing in the company of fellow paddlers.

SUPing the Great Glen Way is suitable for all levels of paddlers, from beginners to experienced SUP paddlers. The journey can be tailored to suit your preferences and abilities, with options for shorter or longer paddling days depending on your fitness level and interests but check out the Itinerary for a good indication of what we will do.

Overall, SUPing the Great Glen Way is an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of SUPing with the stunning beauty of Scotland’s natural landscape. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your SUP across Scotland Adventure Expedition Journey:

• Something to go underneath a wetsuit – swimwear or a spare pair of underwear. (We do provide swimshorts to wear over the top of the wetsuit for greater style and modesty.)
• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Transportation to the venue. (We may be able to help with this though – if you need transportation please drop us an enquiry and we can see what we can do to help.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Sun cream, midge net
• Food
• Head torch
• Warm layers and spare clothes.

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• Hala SUP’s -The world’s best Stand up Paddleboards – perfect for our SUP across Scotland Adventure Expedition Journey.
• Paddles.
• Wetsuits
• Buoyancy aids.
• Helmets.
• SUP leashes on a quick release belt.
• Neoprene wetsuit boots.
• Swimshorts to go over the top of wetsuits.
• Dry bags so you can bring equipment you might want along with you.
• All instruction.
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Tent
• Roll Mat & Sleeping Bag
• Stove, cutlery & gas
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! If the weather is good we will have a DSLR professional camera  so we can take photos and videos of your adventure and you can look back at the day for years to come. If the weather is less favourable we will bring a GoPro (as it is waterproof) so we will still be able to take photos for you.
• Fully certified instructors who are the best in the country on a SUP