Date:
Time:
Length:
Group Size:
The Great Glen Canoe Expedition
A five-day classic canoe journey through the highland fault of the Great Glen. Self-sufficient and paddling tandem canoes, we’ll wild camp along the way carrying all we need for the week in our canoes. With two highly qualified guides this trip is suitable for most abilities although you will enjoy yourself more if you have done a little canoeing and/or camping before. You don’t need to be an expert! We’ve plenty of time to learn along the way with our expert coaches alongside you. All specialist equipment will be provided, (except sleeping bags), including transport back to the start at the end of the journey. You’ll need to provide your own food but we’ll share our Camp Cookbook and top tips to give you some ideas. This is a superb journey through stunning scenery and an excellent way to stretch yourself while helping us raise funds for Wellness Walks.
Cost £550 per person (includes equipment hire)
Fundraising
By purchasing a place on this event you’re not just having a great adventure – you’re supporting Wellness Walks to achieve our mission of helping as many people as possible in as many places as possible.
But – this is a famous challenge, a once in a life-time experience..
So it’s possibly an excellent opportunity for you to fundraise to support our work, to raise sponsorship to recognise the challenge you’ve undertaken and to tell the people you know how and why Wellness Walks is a charity that’s special to you.
The links below takes you to our fundraising campaigns that you could link your fundraising to support.
What to expect - The Terrain & Activities
- Paddle Sport Available
- Swimming Available
Difficulty:
Terrain Type:
Paths Type:
Ascent Type:
A mixture of canals and lochs, including Loch Ness and the famous lock systems of Neptunes Staircase and Fort Augustus. There is some walking required (portaging) on well surfaced tracks.
mixed weather
We’re expecting mixed weather on this walk – so make sure you bring waterproofs AND an extra warm layer!
Walk Leader - beth
Beth is a qualified Mountain Leader & also has Mental Health & Outdoor First Aid qualifications – you’ll be in safe hands. Beth is also one of our ‘qualified to take you on & in the water’ leaders – so lots of adventuring opportunities!
Beth has worked in the outdoors for over a decade her infectious enthusiasm for making days out special is an inspiration to be around. Beth also leads our Women Only events. Beth is based in the Scottish Highlands but can often be found down in the Lake District. She says the middle of Derwentwater is her favourite place to recharge her batteries.
Any Questions?
If you have question, please check our General FAQ for quick answers. If your question is specific to this walk, you can reach out to the walk leader using the contact button below. Please be mindful that our walk leaders are volunteers who generously give their time! So we kindly ask that you keep your inquiries relevant and respectful.
Kit List
We’ll send you a full kit list after you’ve booked, but things to consider include:
- Swim kit & towel (if that's your thing)
- We recommend wet shoes
- Waterproofs
- Spare warm layer
- Hat & Gloves
- We recommend layers!
- Money for the pub or cafe
MEETING PLACE - Costa Coffee - Fort William
We’ll meet at the Costa on the small retail park for a brew and introductions. There’ll be chance to do any last minute shopping for food or forgotten bits and then we’ll drive over to Neptune’s Staircase car park, our starting point.
Donations
All of our walks are provided free of charge thanks to our funders, generous donations and our passionate volunteers. If you’re interested in supporting wellness walks by volunteering or donating please follow the links below. We look forward to walking with you!
Facilities
- Cafe or Pub Available
- Toilets Available
- Public Transport Available
- Transport Provided
- No Dogs Allowed
The Great Glen is the perfect introduction to wild camping. There are basic toilet facilities available most days. There are a few small cafe/shop stops available depending on progress and a small Spar, some cafes and the chippy at Fort Augustus, often a welcome pit stop.
Book a Space
Price:
Informed Consent - we want you to know what risk is involved
While we take every precaution to ensure your safety on our walks (physically, psychologically and emotionally), all outdoor activities involve an inherent and unavoidable risk of an accident occurring that could lead to personal injury. All of our Walk Leaders are qualified in First Aid and carry emergency equipment to deal with emergencies. Walk Leaders are also trained to dynamically alter the route or plan for the day based on numerous potential factors - any decision to do so is fully authorised and expected by Wellness Walks. All participants should take an active role in minimising risks - so if you have a concern please speak up, if you feel unwell or unable to continue tell the leader.
Lowland Walks
These walks will follow paths, trails and lanes that are clearly visible on both the ground and the map (with the exception of very minor alterations). The risk on these walks is low - but traffic, waterways and other hazards may still be encountered.
Participants are required to read the walk description and kit list and may not be allowed to take part on the walk if they do not have suitable clothing or footwear.
Open Water Swimming
To take part in swimming activities participants must be able to swim 25m unaided in cold water. Open water swimming by its very nature poses risks beyond those found in a swimming pool and by booking a place on this session you confirm you are aware of these. We strongly recommend that participants follow the kit list instructions (if you choose not to wear a wetsuit you do enter the water at your own risk) and you must listen to the safety briefing and at all times obey the instructions and limits set by the activity leader.
Paddle Sport Activities
At Wellness Walks, we are committed to providing enjoyable and safe paddlesports experiences across the UK. While these activities are generally safe, they do involve some potential risks, such as capsizing, exposure to cold water, and sudden changes in weather conditions. To help ensure a safe and positive experience, we require all participants to assess their own abilities, wear suitable safety gear like buoyancy aids, and to be aware of their own and others safety. By following our safety guidelines and the advice of our experienced event leaders, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of any incidents