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 across Scotland in sea kayaks. 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 sea kayak 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 sea kayak paddling skills. Depending on wind conditions, we may also be able to sail the sea kayaks. 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 this trip is very wind and weather dependent – please email or see below for a more detailed itinerary).

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.

Meeting Place

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 sea kayaking /camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and camping mat), coaching and guiding, Great Glen fees, all expedition type food (apart from lunches).

Residential Date 1 (Sea Kayaking)

Wednesday 2nd August to Sunday 6th August 2023

Residential Date 2 (Sea Kayaking)

Tuesday 8th August to Saturday 12th August 2023

Residential Date 3 (Sea Kayaking)

Tuesday 15th August to Saturday 19th August 2023