Prize winning author Eddie Palmer takes us on an illustrated tour of his favourite canoe trips.
Many paddlers think of flying off to Canada for an open canoe expedition, and why not? Plenty of open space, willing equipment outfitters, lots of water, warm summers, plenty of variety, lakes, rivers,…..and flies, mosquitoes, airport queues, tiredness, time differences etc.
Why not consider something radically different, and do not what all your friends do? Be brave, take a deep breath,………and drive up the M6 to Scotland, the country on your doorstep with a devolved government which had the guts to pass a radical access law!
Scotland can provide thousands of kilometres of hassle-free water, be it river, loch, or sheltered coastline. There are new businesses which can supply boats, equipment, vehicle shuttles, advice and guiding. Paddle for days and see very few people. Enjoy beautiful scenery and colours in different seasons, and come in the ‘shoulder’ seasons, and avoid crowds. May will give you midge-free times in most years, and the autumn breath-taking mixtures of purple heather, golden leaves and still-blue waters. Even enjoy the very variable weather, which is never boring! You can also experience evening ceilidhs with the best of Celtic music.
Make your own first descents, experience four major rivers giving multi-day expeditions, and paddle the Caledonian Canal, unlike any other British canal, and a World Heritage experience. Come and enjoy!