Kayaking is all about independence. Loading your kayak up with all you need and heading out to the wild unknown; Heading into a wilderness to see things rarely seen and rarely explored. In our modern busy lives, it can be really difficult to get away from the world and enjoy isolation.
Sea kayaks are designed to adventure and explore. Whether that be for an overnight or for multi days at sea, the craft themselves are designed to take the owner as far away from civilisation as they dare.
As civilisation grows and areas of true wilderness become less frequent, adventures into the wild in the UK and Ireland can be hard to find. However, there are a few places you can achieve this without having to travel a huge distance.
The difficulty of course is that once you feel ready to explore, it can be hard to know where to go. Where you can test you kit, evaluate your skills and still be safe without too much skill or specialist knowledge.
Whether you’re new to expedition paddling or experienced in the art of exploring by Kayak and looking for a great weekend warm up, the Isle of Bute Carries the torch for the best mini expedition venue for sea kayaking.
Located on the West coast of Scotland, the Isle of Bute is a sizeable island at the mouth of the Clyde hugged in by the Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran. The island is a beautiful space close to Glasgow and well connected with transport links to the City and indeed the whole of Scotland and the UK.
Bute has consistent tidal patterns and rarely sees massive tidal shifts. The most common areas of tidal movement are on the North of the Island through the Kyles of Bute north of Colintrave and round the Burnt Islands. The tidal speed here can be quite fast so that may need some planning or an experienced guide to help.
There are great start points all over the island, however if you were keen to save money crossing via ferry, starting from Colintrave means a short but pleasant paddle over to the north of the island.
There is so much to see in terms of scenery that truly captures the wonder of Scotland. Paddling down the West Kyle towards Inchmarnock Island is breath-taking. Clearing the Kyle to get a wonderful view south of Arran and Kintyre is simply indescribable.
Bute has so many great spots for camping whether that be on Inchmarnock Island or on the beaches around the southern end you’ll find perfect places to pitch your tent to enjoy wonderous sunsets and get a great nights sleep.
If you are new to expedition kayaking then Bute is ideal for cutting your teeth. It can be completed in three short days meaning that each paddling day can be leisurely and enjoyable with lots of opportunities to view the wildlife, visit local places and chat to local people. Another added bonus with the shorter distance is that you don’t need to carry a huge load of supplies. Simply a good camp set up, some shared food and the basics to see you round.
When you land on your first nights beach and set up camp, it hard to believe that Bute is only an hour from Glasgow. From bustling City to quite wilderness island in such a short time is simply mind boggling.
There is loads of information out there about kayaking Bute – Island resident and Guru Roddy McDowell has created a great guide to the island that available here and there are several providers that take people round the island, including ourselves.
If you are keen to explore Bute and take in it’s wonders, then do visit our Isle of Bute Expedition page or get in touch to discuss your group’s needs!
