Paddle your way round the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland! We shall be circumnavigating all 335km (200miles) of this island in Voyageur Trapper boats, from the 3rd to the 18th August 2010. These North American transport canoes are able to carry 6-7 people together with expedition kit. (The boats were originally used in North America and Canada by licensed traders called ‘Voyageurs’, meaning traveller in French, for transporting goods along rivers for distances up to 5000km).
Our trip will visit the dramatic coastline of Skye with its 50m cliffs, spar caves, sea stacks and arches and beautiful coral beaches.
Lavvu’ a northern Scandinavian tent
We shall see castles and remnants of old crofting communities and discover legends, myths, bloody battles and island eccentricity. Traveling by boat and sustainable wild camping in Scandinavian ‘Lavvus’, enables us to get close to the diverse wildlife found in and around the island. We shall have the opportunity get close to porpoises, seals and vast sea bird colonies. We may see otters, sea eagles, whales and harmless basking sharks. On land we shall see red deer and eagles and if lucky see the elusively rare and strange sounding bird, the corncrake.
Trip Dates – 3rd -18th August
Voyageur Trappers supplied by Adventure Scotland
The trip includes 9-10 days of paddling and exploring and a 2-3 day project where we shall be contributing to the work done within the local crofting community of Skye. The project will be led by the RSPB and/or Kyleakin Environmental Group and will involve habitat management and survey work, which could involve any of the following: fencing, drystone walling, vegetation creation and management, beach maintenance, bird surveying/recording.
The Expedition is open to all young people aged between 16 – 19 years of age and in full time education. We shall make every effort to accommodate expeditioners with Special Needs.
The total inclusive cost will be in the region of £1,600. ie. all travel; accommodation in Scandinavian ‘Lavvu tents and possible hostel accommodation on the first night; all food; group equipment e.g. stoves and fuel; canoeing and safety equipment, ribbed rescue boat safety cover and fully qualified guides; insurance, etc. The final cost will be known by autumn 2009 and fund raising help will be given.
There will be two training weekends in Derbyshire/Yorkshire plus at least one parent’s evening before you leave.
Download the Isle of Skye 2010 poster to put up in your school or club.
This is a joint expedition with Derbyshire Youth Exploration Group
Chief Expedition Leader – Christine Wilson
