Water activities on West Scotland's Lochs
Since Scotland is full of small lakes that promise nice views due to their proximity to mountains, I am wondering if I can rent a boat/kayak/canoe on some of them? I'd be particularly interested in a place that is accessible by car (or by 0.5-1h hike from a parking), where I can go on water for a few hours and ideally reach the other side of the lake, where I could have a picnic/see some old ruins/relax on a remote beach or simply enjoy a beautiful view — basically something that would make crossing the lake worthwhile. Oh, I'm not really interested in motorboats, I'd rather paddle by myself.
I am especially interested in lochs in the West: around Loch Lomond, Oban, Mull, Fort William and Skye. Is this at all possible? Could you recommend a good loch for this?
Best Answer
Over that side I'd be far more tempted to go sea kayaking - check out http://www.seakayakoban.com/ , or my favourite, http://www.rockhopperscotland.co.uk/ for some amazing routes - but if you want to kayak on lochs in the west of Scotland, the following should be useful:
Loch Lomond has quite a few water sports centres that will hire kayaks or canoes.
- Can you experience are pretty good if you already know how to paddle, or if you need training
- the Lomond Kayak Club cater more to locals, but they do hire kayaks, and do training sessions occasionally throughout the year
- The Loch Lomond Outdoor Centre is probably better suited if you are experienced. They have some good loch - river routes
- Lomond Shores do canoe hire as well - not sure if they do training, or if they just expect you to know what you are doing. This bit is really a tourist centre, so not ideal.
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Quick Answer about "Water activities on West Scotland's Lochs"
- Wild swimming.
- Sea Kayaking.
- Surfing.
- Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Seaweed foraging.
Where can I do water sports in Scotland?
10 of Scotland's Best Watersports to try this Summer- Brims Ness, Thurso, Highlands.
- North Berwick, East Lothian.
- Windsurfing on Loch Bee, South Uist.
- Nae Limits, Perthshire.
- Kayaking, River Etive, Highlands.
Can you kayak on lochs in Scotland?
Whilst there are a wealth of rivers to explore, there are an estimated 31,460 Lochs which often provide a more sheltered environment for kayaking and canoeing - an excellent place to practice for beginners.Can you kayak on a reservoir in Scotland?
If you wish to canoe or sail on a loch or reservoir used intensively by a commercial fishery, be aware that this can be very disruptive, may raise safety issues because of the high number of anglers in a relatively small area and may impact on the operation of these businesses.Can you kayak at Loch Morlich?
Loch Morlich enjoys one of the finest settings of any loch in the country. It is surrounded by forests and fringed by beaches, with the stunning backdrop of the often snow-clad peaks of the northern Cairngorms. We offer activities including Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Kayaking, Canoeing, and Mountain Biking.Watersports in Scotland
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Answer 2
At loch lomond shores you can rent a canoe or kayak. I did that a couple of years ago but the area where you can go with the kayak is small and restricted.
I found it frustrating. The folks renting the kayak are health & safety mad. Not seasoned kayak people.
I'd recommend contacting the local kayak club (You could try Glasgow Kayak Club) and enquiry from there.
I hope that helps.
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