paddlesports
If you are looking for a new way to discover Scotland's wilder places, then you need to look no further than Snowgoose Mountain Centre to experience canoeing and kayaking in our very own "way out" places - very much on the wild side.
The west coast of Scotland has an acclaimed and unrivalled access to all disciplines and levels of paddle sports plus an (over!) abundant supply of fresh and sea water with ample kayaking, sea kayaking & open canoeing opportunities on rivers, lochs or coastal and marine environments – for all levels of previous experience.
Snowgoose Mountain Centre actively practices and promotes responsible enjoyment, skills training, wilderness paddling and access – with (almost) year round paddling on local lochs, rivers. There is provision for a wide range of spring, summer and autumn paddling holidays & courses by kayak or open canoe. We also offer 2 – 5 day tours and expeditions into wilderness locations plus independent equipment hire to discerning paddlers.
Whether is it river or sea kayaking, or open boating, Snowgoose Mountain Centre has the specific activity day or longer adventure based course and instruction for you, your family, club, corporate group or group of friends. We will always take you into some incredible west coast scenery, remote or wilderness locations with beautiful, life changing journeys. This will be no matter whether you are a family on an "adventure day out" or a more mature group wanting an extended paddling experience in a more challenging environment – all with great expectations and aspirations. These courses are only led by local, friendly, professionally qualified and experienced instructors & guides.
Our holidays and courses are based in an ideal location with a unique variety of water based environments on our doorstep. Here, there is an enviable access situation within the UK and Europe.
On our doorstep we have easy access to the many wide expanses of inland freshwater lochs feeding local our rivers – Lochs Lochy, Sheil, Arkaig, Garry, Ness, Morar and the Etive to the south.
The long sheltered inlets on the western fringes – Loch Linnhe, Locheil, Sunnart, Leven & Loch Nevis – offer access to coastal waters and the islands of the Inner Hebrides and the Small Isles.
The west coast of Scotland is on the "short, steep" side of the country – which means rainfall to feed our short, steep more technical rivers. Within an hours drive we have easy access to over 50% of Scotland's best white water paddling on the River Lochy, Roy, Spean, Loy Gloy, Onich, Arkaig, Sheil, Garry, Etive and the Orchy to the south. Further east the Spey, Findhorn and Tay can be accessed.
Our paddlesports staff are personally experienced and committed paddlers with extensive local knowledge, many of whom hold the BCU Level 3 coach and above in specific disciplines. All paddling activities at Snowgoose are run by John Cuthbertson plus a team of qualified freelance staff. John is a member of the Scottish Canoe Association and holds the BCU Level 3 Coach in Kayaking and Open Canoeing with over 30 years of paddling experience on rivers, lochs and the sea.
We provide
Snowgoose Mountain Centre has a fleet of stable, and not so stable user-friendly kayaks & open canoes you can try out. We will supply all technical equipment, safety and canoeing specific clothing. However, if you already have your own, then do bring it. We advise you not to rush out and buy kit for the course, but use it as a chance to find out what would best suit your needs. Beg, borrow or ... from friends and family until you know that this is the sport for you.
The following list is a suggestion of what you should bring with you.
What you will need.
Our Kit List includes:
- Warm outdoor wear (all times of the year) thermals
- fleece, sweaters, and tracksuit
- Hat and gloves
- Water bottle
- Vacuum flask
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Swimming costume/ trunk, towel
- Plastic container for Butties
- Sun hat, Sun glasses & sun block!
If you have them already then please bring:- Wet suit (for kayaking), Buoyancy aid, Dry bags, Helmet, Wet feet or socks. These all help for convenience but are not necessary
You can hire from us: Wet Suits if needed for kayaking.
We offer:
- Half Day & Full Day Introductory sessions
- Family Day Tickets
- 2 day weekend courses (from £ 110) as well as 3-5 day mid week courses (from £ 165)
- 2 – 5 day tours & wilderness expeditions. Course costs only. We also have fully self catered hostel / apartment accommodation available on site. A reasonable level of general fitness is necessary for full days on the water
