Top 5 Kayaking Adventures in the UK

Paddling off into the sun... Photo: Wilderness Scotland

To celebrate the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail having made the National Geographic's 2011 '50 Tours of a Lifetime' we decided to put together our own list of the five best kayaking adventures in the UK. Not all of these are for the faint hearted, but they are guaranteed to be an incredible way to explore coastlines and sea caves.

Wilderness living or accommodation in west cost inns? Photo: Wilderness Scotand1) Sea Kayaking on the West Coast, Scotland runs along Europe's first long distance sea kayak trail, the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, stretching from Gigha in the south to the wonderful Summer Isles in the north. The adventurous here can see the best parts of the Scottish Sea over a number of days with warm accommodation in friendly west coast inns. Oh and it's so good they made the National Geographic as mentioned above! 

>> Sea Kayaking on the West Coast (Scotland) 

2) For the audacious and the high spirited, here’s a trek to remote lochs and isolated beaches with Open Canoeing in North West Highlands, Scotland. Travelling through the most unkempt wilderness this open canoeing will show the hidden beauty of the North West Highlands.
>> Open Canoeing in North West Highlands (Scotland)

The Pembrokeshire coast hosts many surprises and crannies. Photo: Preseli Venture.3) The Pembrokeshire is a sea kayaking slice of heaven with its hidden coves, alcoves, beaches and sea cliffs along a rugged coastline. For a more in-depth guide to these holidays in the Pembrokeshire, read Catherine Mack's full review of Preseli Venture Ecolodge and Adventure Centre. Take a 5 Day Sea Kayaking Holiday to see for yourself this region’s National Park, perfect for exploration and wildlife watching with caves, seals and coastline abundant.
>> 5 Day Sea Kayaking Holiday, Wales

4) With the great open sea to the right and the lush green landscape to left, Sea Kayaking in Skye, Rona & Raasay (Scotland) you can discover the islands, waterfalls and sea caves off the Scottish coast. Explore the islands then head off to the Quirang, a fascinating and unique rock formation on the Trotternish peninsula that has captivated explorers for centuries. Sea Kayaking in Skye, Rona & Raasay is a challenging summer holiday, with several hard to reach locations, and all the rewarding for it.
>> Sea Kayaking in Skye, Rona & Raasay (Scotland)

Who knows where your sea kayaking adventure will take you. Photo: WIlderness Scotland5) The Sound of Arisaig is a collection of countless islands and skerries surrounded by crystal clear waters with a quiet grace and, despite being one of the world's top sea kayaking destinations, has a pristene, untouched feel. Go Sea kayaking in Arisaig, Scotland and see its stretch of remarkable coastline, with white sand beaches, hidden coves, and dolphins. Yes, this area is home to an abundance of marine wildlife from seals to otters, minke whales, porpoises and even dolphins.
>>Sea kayaking in Arisaig, Scotland

Be sure to have a look at our Plan your Journey by Train section for cheap tickets and easy travel across the UK and our Green Adventure Holidays page for more active breaks.