When we think of the Highlands we think of mountains, but the truth is that the dominant feature of this landscape is water. First of all, water is responsible for shaping the mountains, valleys and coastlines of this region by eroding rock, cutting valleys and forming islands. A cause and consequence of this is a network of rivers and lochs that covers this region of Scotland. As this rugged terrain sinks towards sea level, it creates stunning and varied coastal landscapes: fjords or sea lochs, peninsulas and islands. When it comes to exploring these aquatic environments, the first choice has to be a kayak.

Kayaks are usually enclosed, one-person boats, that combine speed, stability and manoeuvrability in a way that other watercraft can only dream of. To move and steer you use a double ended paddle as well as your weight and most people find this intuitive, meaning that absolute beginners can take to the water with a minimum of training and discovering the watery world. The Highland region of Scotland boasts sheltered bodies of water for easy kayaking, such as the world famous Loch Ness. More of a challenge, but so worth it, are the islands and inlets of the West coast of Scotland, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and see wildlife . Between the lochs and the ocean are the rivers, perfect for tranquil journeys or rapid excitement.

Where are the best places to go kayaking in the Highlands?

• Lochs: the result of rain, glaciers and tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust, lochs are sunken spaces where water collects before reaching the sea. As well as holding still waters for tranquil paddling, they are often set in wonderful surroundings and are home to wildlife species. Loch Ness, in the Great Glen, is the largest lake by volume in the UK and snakes its way for 23 miles down the valley. Of course, it’s the most famous resident of this loch that attracts visitors, but even if you don’t catch a glimpse of Nessie the views are spectacular. Other fantastic kayaking lochs in the Highlands are nearby Loch Duntelchaig, Loch Insh in the Cairngorms mountains and Loch Maree near the West coast which boast numerous islands, perfect for exploring

• Rivers: the great thing about river kayaking is that you don’t need to worry about propelling yourself, you can let the current carry you along - until you want to go back upstream! You can always organise trips that only involve going with the flow with an end point downstream from where you start, and you’ll be especially grateful for that on the River Spey, the fastest flowing river in Scotland. The Spey rises in the beautiful Cairngorms, and is an important water source for whisky distillery, so you can enjoy the views on the way down, and a glass of scotch in the evening. The River Beauly is another great option. It flows down to Inverness and is a kind of superhighway for fish species that travel from the sea to spawn in Highland lochs.

• Sea: there are almost 800 islands in the waters around Scotland, and a large number of them, including the large and rugged Isle of Skye over the sea from Plockton, are off the West coast of the Highlands. One possible meaning of the name Skye is “winged isle”, referring to peninsulas which just out into the sea from the centre. If you take a kayak ride into the fjords and sea lochs between these mountainous fingers of land, you’ll experience majestic views that are hard to equal in any part of the world. To the North, the uninhabited Summer Isles float in isolated beauty. You’ll see caves and rocky arches at the water’s edge and puffins and other seabirds, as well as seals on the cliffs. But it’s not only islands that make sea kayaking such a rewarding experience: remote headlands such as the Applecross Peninsula and inlets like Loch Ewe are enchantingly beautiful and hide fascinating histories.

Who can do this activity?

For an unforgettable Highland experience, we can’t recommend kayaking enough. And it’s available to people of all abilities - from those who’ve never been in a boat before to seasoned sea kayakers. But we suggest that, if it’s your first time, you opt for the calmer waters of a loch or a sheltered coastal area. This will give you the chance to get to grips with the equipment and technique without having to worry about waves or currents. River kayaking and trips that cross the open sea require more experience and specialist equipment, but for those who are up to the challenge, a multi day trip around the islands, lochs and rocks of the rugged West coast is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Because there are so many different places and variables, there’s something for everyone - but you need to know that some experiences aren’t available to children. Some still waters can be enjoyed by children as young as 6 years old, but in other places - especially on rivers and the sea - the minimum age is 13 or 14. Having said that, some providers can give youngsters a sea kayak experience in the Highlands, on a two-seater kayak accompanied by an adult.

The best way to organise one o f this adventures is as a group. You’ll be in the very good hands of an expert guide, who will give you the instruction appropriate to the level of your group and take you on a journey of discovery across the water.

How long this experience last?

- If you want a short experience, your best bet is to choose one of the lochs, where you can take a kayak directly from the water’s edge out into the loch for 45 minutes, or up to 2 hours. However, if you want to travel down a river, or explore the islands and inlets of the coast, you need to put aside some more time. In part, this is because these areas can be rougher and more difficult to navigate and so you need more preparation time, putting on equipment, learning about the route, etc. These experiences usually last half a day (3-4 hours) or a full day.

- The ultimate experience is a sea kayak tour which takes place over several days and takes you on an adventure, hopping from island to island, having picnics on beaches and spending the night in accommodation near the shore. If you’ve got the time and ability to take part in a multi day sea kayak tour, you’ll come away with a perspective of this region that few other people achieve, and maybe a new outlook on life too.

The experience is second to none, but the booking process couldn’t be simpler. Find out for yourself by clicking Reserve now!