Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel
Four day & three night wild camping canoe expedition in one of Scotland’s most scenic areas.
2025 departure date: 11th August.
Moderately challenging trip suitable for water confident people.
Scottish Canoe Classic: Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel Canoe Journey
Paddling a Scottish Canoe Classic like the Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel expedition is a must for any canoeist. This particular journey begins at Glenfinnan where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite standard and rallied his clansmen for battle. We journey down the stunning Loch Shiel, veiled by steep mountains and abundant in wildlife into the River Shiel. Out to sea at Loch Moidart where we will explore the remains of castle Tioram.
Important Information / Grade & Experience
The Glennfinnan and Loch Shiel canoe journey is 4 days paddling and 3 nights camping. This journey is mainly on large open lochs with short easy rivers. It is suitable for water-confident people with little or no experience. In poor weather the route or journey may have to be amended or swapped for the safety and well being of the group. We can offer 1 or 2 day canoe skills courses prior to your trip is you wish.
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Itinerary
What we Provide
Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
| Depart Day 1 | Meet at our Newtonmore base at 8am |
| Arrive Day 4 | Loch Moidart 4pm |
| Day 1 | Glenfinnan – Loch Shiel This stunning 4 day journey is steeped in history. The Journey sets off from Prince Charlie’s Monument at Glenfinnan. Loch Shiel stretches South as far as the eye can see and the mountains rise steeply up from the shores. As we look back you’ll see the railway viaduct from the Harry Potter films. On the first evening we will make camp at Glenaladale or a little further on at Gaskan. |
| Day 2 | Loch Shiel The next day we have the option to climb one the mountains above us before setting of to explore the River Polloch where we can take a short walk. Eagles, red deer and black-throated divers are only a few examples of the wildlife commonly spotted in this area. We will then cross over the loch to Rubha na h-Airde a beautiful spot where we will set up camp. after dinner you can stroll through the woodlands or hike up the hill above. |
| Day 3 | To Acharacle Today we continue our journey South to visit Eilean Fhinean (Gaelic for Finnan’s Island) with its ancient clan burial ground and St Finnan’s Chapel and bronze bell dating back to the 7th century. Once we finish our exploration into history our journey heads off in a westerly direction to civilization and the small village of Acharacle. This is our planned campsite, however if the weather and sea conditions are looking settled we may have the option to paddle further and extend our final day round the coast to Glen Uig. |
| Day 4 | Acharacle – Loch Moidart This is a day of variety and transition. We shortly leave Loch Shiel behind as we enter the thickly wooded, meandering River Shiel. After a few miles the river plunges into the sea. We will stop here before deciding to run the rapid or make a short portage around and cross Loch Moidart to Castle Tioram. We will go ashore here to explore the ruins, have lunch and wait for the tide to take us effortlessly (hopefully) up Loch Moidart to the conclusion of our journey. If time & weather allow we may be able to paddle on round the coast to Glenuig where our journey will finish at the Inn for some refreshments before heading home. |
Note – By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.
Notes
Meet at Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre (Newtonmore) at 8am
Return to Newtonmore between 5pm and 6pm
What we Provide
What do we Provide
| What We Provide | What To Bring? |
| Guide/s | Drinks Bottle / Hot Flask |
| Boats & All Technical Equipment | Warm Clothes – 2/3 Sets |
| Dry Bags or Containers | Pair of Trainers – to get wet/muddy |
| Stoves & Fuel | Sleeping Bag* |
| Cooking Sets; Pots, Plates, Cutlery | Torch* |
| Tents & Camp Sleeping Mats | Sunglasses & Suncream |
| 3 Nights Camping | Midgey Repellent & Mosquito Head Net |
| Transport to and from the start / finish point from Newtonmore | Toiletries & Personal Medication |
| Expedition food packs | Waterproofs |
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Meeting Location
For this trip we meet at Active Outdoor Pursuits (Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre) in Newtonmore at 07:45.