For many of you the final section you need to finish off the long process to achieve your Gold Award may be that additional residential section.
If that is the case, or you just want it out of the way, then why not join us for our five-day Gold DofE Residential up in the Highlands of Scotland. We will be travelling on Scotland in open canoes. Over the five days we will use the Great Glen Loch side campsites and some of the wilder traveller’s rest areas.
The Great Glen Coast to Coast canoe expedition takes in short sections of the Caledonian Canal to link Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. This expedition will see you paddling from the west coast to the east coast of Scotland navigating these magnificent waterways.
Over the course of this trip you may have to contend with big waves, mirror calm waters and some exhilarating sailing, such is the nature of the ever-changing Great Glen.
During this DofE Gold Residential, expert coaching will be provided to help develop your open canoe paddling skills. Depending on wind conditions, we may also be able to sail the canoes. We aim to finish the expedition in Dochgarroch, which is just outside of Inverness, again dependent on weather conditions.
Itinerary
Five days paddling from Neptune Staircase locks (Banavie) to Inverness (Please note sometime a full crossing of the Great Glen is very wind and weather dependent so a shorten trip will be offered but will still allow you to complete your gold residential)
Accommodation
Camping by the loch side – four nights. There will be toilet and warm showering facilities available on most nights.
Canoeing Standard
This expedition is suitable for those with little canoeing experience as well as experienced paddlers who prefer a guided trip. Please note that there will be some portaging round the locks on canal sections.
We will meet at Neptune Staircase locks (Banavie) on the first morning of the Gold Residential where there is ample car parking. The price of the trip includes: all canoe /camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and camping mat), coaching and guiding, Great Glen fees, all expedition type food (apart from lunches).
Residential Date 1 (Open Canoe)
Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th August 2022
Residential Date 2 (Open Canoe)
Monday 7th August to Friday 11th August 2023
Residential Date 3 (Open Canoe)
Monday 14th August to Friday 18th August 2023
