Explore Highland’s Christmas Social Paddle

Photo from 2018 trip out onto Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin

Every year Explore Highland arranges a Christmas Social Paddle. This year more than most it’s of great benefit to ensure this event happens but in a safe and coordinated manner. With clear guidelines, we can make this event work in this difficult time.

As we paddle and on land at the half way point, we all take 5-10 mins out to give the area a quick clean up of any litter we find on this lovely loch.

We supply:

• coordinate the annual event
• provide safety cover during the event if required
• mince pies and a hot drink at the end of the paddle
• gloves and bin bags if required by paddlers.
• copies of photos taken during the trip

What you need to bring: 

• suitable paddling clothing for craft and environment
• suitable craft and paddling equipment (buoyancy aid essential)
• facemask or face covering to be on hand if required in and around the car park
• gloves and a bin bag for helping during the have way stretch of the legs to do a litter pick
• any medication you may require
• towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be left in your car!

Group Size: Max 24 x paddlers

Age: This trip is suitable for adults or families. Under 18’s are required to be accompanied on the water by parent/guardian.

Meeting Time: 11.00 am. (what3words: ///bumping.precluded.upholds) (Google Maps: //goo.gl/maps/t7iErgohNRmQMNJQ9)

Meet Location: Middle Forestry Commission car park, Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, Glen Affric.

Finish Time: Approx 2.00 pm

Distance: Wee explore and loch tidy up around the islands Approx. paddling distance 2-3 miles.  Depending on the weather, we may split up the group to a shorter distance and more sheltered group and one more adventurous and out into the main body of the loch.

Craft: Any touring craft welcome. Open canoes, sea kayaks, touring kayaks or stand up paddleboards welcome.

Weather: As always, paddling activity on lochs is depending on the wind conditions. If the wind is too strong a decision 24 hours beforehand will be made and all registered participants notified.

Personal Belongings: Cameras, phones, car keys, and other personal belongings are taken out onto the water at your own risk. If in doubt, please leave these items in your car when out on the water

COVID-19 Safety Precautions: A number of precautions are being put in place to ensure safety for all attending.

• All participants are attending on the basis they are NOT suffering from any COVID-19 symptoms, have NOT knowingly been in contact with anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms within the last 14 days, and are fit, healthy, and happy to participate,
• Should any booked participant discover they have developed any COVID-19 symptoms, participants are asked to contact Explore Highland and notify at the earliest opportunity. That way we can offer someone else your space.
• We ask all participants to respect two metre social distancing at all times to assist in everyone’s safety,
• No shuttle transport option currently available and Explore Highland will meet the group on location in the great outdoors,
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer and facemasks will be available for all should they require,
• Additional safety briefing to explain self-rescue and ensuring no sharing equipment/carrying of other peoples equipment, and process for assisting in a rescue if require.
• If needing help or helping someone else carrying crafts and kit to the water, please ensure hands are cleaned beforehand and or gloves used to prevent contamination.
• Usual group photos will be taken using social distancing.
• It is advised via Sports Scotland that all participants download and use the NHS Protect Scotland Covid-19 app
• Should there be any more best practice advice issued, we will ensure to add to this list to further promote safe paddling for all.

Terms & Conditions: Please please please ensure you are able to travel for leisure to Glen Affric depending on your local/regional Scottish Government tiering system rules currently in place. Terms and conditions can be found online at – www.explorehighland.com/terms-conditions/

Prices: This is a free event organised and run by Explore Highland for local coaches and paddlers.

PLEASE NOTE: Your place is not confirmed until the online booking process has been completed.