100km Canoe Expedition Across Scotland

100km canoe from Inverness to Fort William. Four ‘ladies’ in our 50’s decided months ago to embark on an adventure together. It was physically and mentally challenging at times. The portages are hard work but the team of 8 worked together and breezed through. A head wind for the last 10km was rough but heads down and digging in we made it. The camping was extraordinary, scenery is breathtaking, wildlife and peace, out of this world. The toilet situation, a worry for some, became a running joke, just part of the adventure.

Throughout we were fed and supported by our guide Stewart, can’t thank him enough for taking us on this amazing adventure.

Amazing trip, we were so lucky with the weather, blue skies all the way. Our guide Stew was lovely and delivered some amazing food that also took into account my diet (for medical needs). The experience was magical. At times there was physical effort to portage equipment and canoes across the lock systems, so would definitely recommend a level of fitness to be able to do it.

Having done some kayaking before, we were very keen to try this iconic trip across Scotland. We went in May, with Elliott as our guide and it was everything we hoped for (and more). The scenery was spectacular and whilst Loch Ness was the highlight (including a compulsory swim!) the other two lochs and the man-made canal were also beautiful. We were extremely lucky with the weather which was perfect. One afternoon on Loch Ness we had to paddle against head winds for two to three hours, not enough to take away the enjoyment but enough to let you know not to take anything for granted. A particular highlight was the opportunity to try some canoe sailing when the wind was behind us: absolutely fantastic! We camped alongside the lochs each night in some amazing locations and whilst carrying all of your kit might appear daunting, MBA/IYE had thought of everything. That included three course meals every evening plus a cooked breakfast and sandwich lunch. At the end of a hard day's paddling, not having to worry about food was a real treat - and everything Elliott made was amazing. Over 5 days, you do have time to relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers. Once again we were lucky and everyone got on well. However the star of the show was definitely our guide Elliott, who was endlessly knowledgeable, entertaining and never lost his sense of humour. We had various skill levels in the group and in a very gentle way, Elliott found a way to help us all improve as the week went on. Our first trip into the highlands was memorable in many ways. We will certainly be back and are already planning our next MBA adventure. We have no hesitation in giving the trip 5 stars but that does not really tell the whole story.

I had a really great experience on this trip. The MBA franchise partner In Your Element was really well organised and the guide Stew was excellent - good customer service, friendly, funny, knowledgeable and experienced. The group was full of down to earth people wanting to have fun. We were very lucky with the weather, which helped a lot. Recommended.

An incredible adventure and unique way to experience the Great Glen Way. Our guide, Stew, was very authentic and made it a great experience. The food was also surprisingly good.

Absolutely fantastic trip from start to finish. Great organisation, amazing guide Alfie, incredible route and fabulous food. We have had the best time. Huge thanks to Alfie, who looked after us so well both on and off the water. His cooking skills are 10*. The weather was incredible, the lochs & canals interesting and beautiful. If you are looking for an adventure, don't hesitate to book, you will have the best time 😄

I absolutely loved the 5 days canoeing, and wild camping and stunning scenery - how lucky we were with the weather, no rain and lots of warm sunshine. Alfie, our guide, was very professional and knowledgeable, and an excellent cook! A fun group to be with and I loved the whole experience so much that I’ve already booked a multi activity holiday in North Spain in September - I only got home today!

This trip was the break for everyday life I needed! A challenging adventure which never felt too uncomfortable or unachievable. The guides Andy and Lukas were knowledgeable and supportive, sharing local stories and canoeing tips. The food surpassed my expectations with three course meals on an evening, breakfast rolls and build your own wraps for lunch. I really felt like our guide Andy enjoyed experimenting with cooking for the group and took dietary requirements seriously and I felt well catered for as a vegetarian. Beautiful scenery and we saw osprey and white-tailed eagles which was amazing! Would highly recommend!

Knowledgeable guide, great scenery. Elliott made a safe and fun environment for all.

What a trip it was I met seven strangers in the Tesco car park in Inverness we all jumped into the mini bus and off. We went what a wonderful group of people. They turned out to be our guide a young man called Callum. What a lovely capable young man he is the trip was relaxed and great fun from the start. We were truly blessed with beautiful weather. The whole trip was well organised from start to finish the wild camping and communal cooking was great fun it really was a lovely adventure. Regards Ray

Well organised, food was great, elliot is a top guide and bloke!

What a fantastic epic adventure/challenge. Who knew you could sail a canoe and who knew you could eat so well, 3 course dinners and wine whilst wild camping! Not me! Not a wild camper only been in a canoe once but boy this adventure did not disappoint. Our guide Luke was amazing, so knowledgeable about Scotland and the Great Glen. Our group was fantastic. Despite my friend and I being the oldest by many years, we all got along great and had an absolute blast. Go do this folks you will not regret it! Awesome trip, awesome time, awesome people. thank you MBA.

Cant believe we have canoed coast to coast. Scenery, wildlife, canoeing, company exhilarating. Weather gods were kind to us. Portages were challenging. Good job we worked as a team! Our leader was amazing. Seemed to know and be ready for anything. And helped us (fit) oldies complete the expedition happily (see photo) Thanks all.

Stunning scenery whilst paddling along canals and locks of the Highlands. Made special by Elliot who guided us and pointed out places of interest and flaura and fauna. Absolutely amazing knowledge ! And the food was of unbelievable quality too especially Brenda’s Chilli

We had the best time on this trip. A proper little adventure from start to finish. Callum our host was fantastic at explaining what was required of us. Always felt safe and his good humour made the whole experience one that we wont forget. The landscape is some of the most beautiful anywhere, particularly from the vantage point of the canoe as you slowly meander 100 km! After initially zig zgging our way out of Fort William as we got used to the paddling technique, we soon became pretty proficient. When the wind was up, we popped up the little sail and cruised our way along Loch Ness in tandem with another of our party. The people we met where brilliant. After spending 5 days with each other, working together as a team for the 'portage' (getting our canoes across the several locks) and generally hanging out at the 4 wild camping spots, we were sad to leave our canoeing 'family'. Cant recommend enough x

Stunning scenery, fantastic food by Luke who gave us the most amazing experience. We did Inverness to Fort William and Ben Nevis was spectacular!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip across Scotland, everything was planned exceptionally well and it was an unforgettable experience. The guides Andy and Lukas were really knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions about canoeing or the local area. The food was freshly prepared every evening with multiple courses and exceeded all my expectations. If I could give 6 stars I would!

Luke our guide was an amazing host and really made the trip. We had such a fantastic time exploring Scotland!

Highlights: Osprey, campfires, views, group Unexpected: 3 course dinner and different breakfast everyday Leader: Andy was great, enthusiastic

This trip was much more than I expected. Our Instructor, Ryan, was fantastic. He is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a keen cook, so he whipped up some delights in the kitchen at the side of the lochs. Very impressed with the food we were given. I learnt so much over the course of the 5 days and to be honest I didn't want it to end. I would 100% recommend. There were 7 portages, which require physical strength but when everyone works together as a team the job gets done.

Couldn't have asked for better weather, a better team or leader, everything was awesome.

What a wonderful experience. The guide was excellent, caring, considerate, knowledgable about the history of the area as well as reading the weather and making the best choices, funny, and a good cook. Can't sing his praises highly enough. Great group of people on this trip

Great 👍

Luke is a legend

This was an amazing trip from start to finish. The scenery was stunning, the paddling was tiring but not too tough, it was great to be active every day. The small group size is perfect, and our guide Luke was brilliant and really made the trip. We were well looked after, on and off the water - the food surpassed all my expectations - I was not expecting three course meals on a wild camping trip, but it was delicious and we were well fed :-) Can't recommend this trip highly enough, would gladly do it again!

Profoundly beautiful. I cannot begin to tell you how much this trip was worth it.

My group was varied personalities and really lovely. I was so nervous, as a first-time solo female traveller, but everyone I met in Inverness was kind, helpful and friendly. Everyone on the trip is there to enjoy the holiday and canoe. We all fit together naturally and your host really helps to integrate everyone without stress.

Luke our host, is an incredible person, I’ve learnt a lot from him, not only how to canoe and wild camp, but also upon reflection, about life. He is a great chef , good fun, rad historian and such a vibe. 😎

I’ll takeaway so many things from this trip for a lifetime.

There are so many colours and textures which make up the water of a great Loch. Or learning to map constellations sitting by a roaring fire. Sipping coffee and watching the dawn break. Really laughing with once strangers, now friends. Pitching a tent for the first time. Sailing amongst the waves. So many portage experiences. Majestic Rams, otters and dragonflies.

It is a genuine honour and privilege to have been on this trip. I am so glad I took the plunge and went for it, you will not regret it!

This is an excellent trip - well thought out, executed, and enjoyable. There was a manageable amount of paddling each day, with planned stops allowing everyone to feel comfortable. The food was very tasty and varied, with some nice little surprises along the way. Most people’s pre-trip fears seem to be around the toilet provision, but it is absolutely fine, and I would say the main thing to prepare yourself for is the idea you’ll have moist feet and be a bit smelly for a week - which is totally worth it for the experience you will get.

Katy, our guide, was brilliant. Handling two things at once came very naturally to her and she always answered all our questions and helped us with our kit whenever we needed. Everyone in the group ended the trip as good paddlers and more knowledgable about the area thanks to her insights.

Brilliant Trip, well run and organised, the Guide knew the route, and did a fantastic job of pacing us. She was great company, didn't over crowd us with stories, had some good local knowledge to share, only got lost at the end when we were trying to find the carpark.

Food Food was great, with a three-course meals each night, and they dealt with my dietary requirements well. Moist Cake, plenty of snacks, and wine with dinner.

Toilet Situation You'll encounter one propper toilet per day, then it's a "loo with a view" it works well.

Things you need to know

• You'll only be sharing a tent if you specifically ask for it. Tents are a bit of a faff to put up but they are ok.
• You'll probably be given a set of waterproofs by the company, this is helpful.
• If you are tall, it's less of a muscular challenge than a skeletal one, the canoes with their kit can be cramped.
• Portaging is a complete pain.
• Bring a Camera, the views are incredible.

Extra Kit you need that isn't on the list

• Take something to sit on in camp of an evening, some sort of folding chair.
• Bring some extra padding for the canoe - camp bed foam is perfect for this.

It's a trip of a lifetime, just book it.

Our expedition was amazing!!!! We got very lucky with the weather but the trip would have been amazing regardless - Elliot was an exceptional leader, very trustworthy and kind, and so good at leading the group. He made sure we were safe and had fun every step of the way. The canoeing was great fun, and the scenery was incredible. Wild camping was really fun - beware the midges! - and the food supply was brilliant. Great meals and more than enough snacks to keep you going throughout the day. Such a treat to have a three course meal every evening! The team bonded really well and was a good mix of solo travellers and couples/friends, a real mix of characters who worked together and supported each other really well. I can’t recommend this expedition enough - it’s not the heights of luxury, it’s getting in touch with the real Scotland and experiencing the beautiful nature of it first hand. Biggest shout out ever to Elliot!!!!

Elliot was conscientious, informative, helpful and fun throughout the trip. The organisation was close to faultless and the trip felt fun and safe all the way through. A great trip with a great bunch of like minded people.