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Paddle Loch Ness

  •  08/04/2023
     9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Come paddle on the world-famous Loch Ness with Explore Highland. Join this four-hour kayaking adventure across Loch Dochfour and onto Loch Ness whilst getting close to nature, but hopefully not too close to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.

Meeting at Dochgarroch Locks, we issue a spray deck, buoyancy aid, and paddle to everyone. After a short safety briefing and set the kayak footrests, we launch onto the Caledonian Canal and head off on a mini-adventure. Paddling across Loch Dochfour exploring on the route towards Loch Ness. Once on Loch Ness, we offer the group an opportunity to land on Lochend beach or by Aldourie Castle to stretch their legs and have a tea break. Here you can sit back and enjoy the stunning view looking down Loch Ness, with a little local history, plenty of opportunities to look for Nessie and take photos.

We supply:

  • tandem kayaks
  • a personal buoyancy aid spray deck and kayak paddle
  • a small dry bag per person (if required)
  • approx three hours on the water guided/coached paddle
  • copies of photos taken during the trip

What you need to bring: When paddling, you should expect to be splashed a little from boat spray and drips from the paddle. The weather can also change rapidly out on the lochs so its best to be prepared for the worst. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing to keep you warm for the four-hour trip for outdoors in the Scottish Highlands.

Essential Items:

  • a waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers are highly recommended
  • leggings/baselayer/fleece jumper
  • a hat/ cap to keep your head warm
  • old light footwear/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet/splashed
  • water or juice and a snack for the tea break
  • towel & complete change of clothing for afterward – just in case (to be left in your car)!
  • any medication you may require

Jeans and hiking boats are NOT suitable for watersports and kayaking out on Loch Ness.

Group Size: Min 4, Max 8 paddlers

Age: This trip is suitable for individuals, couples, and families (minimum 8-year-old). Under 18-year-olds require to be accompanied on a 1-2-1 basis with a parent/guardian.

Distance: Approx. paddling distance 5 miles (8km)

Craft: Tandem kayaks with rudders

Paddling Experience Req: No prior paddling experience is required. Just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn a new recreation.

Weather: Should the weather (wind/waves) be unsuitable to paddle out onto Loch Ness on the day, we may have to make the decision to paddle on Loch Dochfour only, or on the more sheltered Caledonian Canal.

Personal Belongings: Camera’s, 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 own car when out on the water

Meeting Time: 9 am. Please arrive early to ensure time to park, change, and use toilet facilities. All need to be present for kit issuing and safety brief.

Meet Location: Dochgaroch Locks, Dochgarroch, by Inverness. IV3 8JG. We meet on the towpath by the three yellow bollards at the Loch Ness side of Dochgarroch Locks. Free parking available in the Scottish Canals car park, NOT Jacobite Loch Ness/An Talla Car Park!

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VTZJhZgnt8H2

What3Words: https://w3w.co/basically.dices.swells

Finish Time: Approx 1.00pm

Terms & Conditions: Terms and conditions can be found online at – www.explorehighland.com/terms-conditions/

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