Reviewed 06 Sep 2009 by Jane Moore
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably on the final day of kayaking when about a dozen seals decided to come and have a bit of a look at what we were doing. They came incredibly close and were so beautiful - it was magical to see all their little heads popping up around us. Having said that, it was all pretty memorable and exciting :)
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take non-cotton clothing! The company don't really specify this but our guide mentioned it on the first day. Luckily I had some on me. Also, it is probably worth getting some wetsuit shoes or something similar. Oh, and definitely, definitely get a waterproof camera or camera bag with a decent strap so you can get the best shots!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The tour leader was incredibly conscious of having as little impact on the environment as possible and I'm sure this was achieved. We aimed to leave with only one bag of 'proper' rubbish and recycled as much as possible, as well as having a compost bin. Supplies were bought from local shops on the way up.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved this holiday. It was amazing and definitely one of the best things I have ever done. We were well looked after and well catered for and I learned so much from our knowledgeable, experienced and friendly guide. Scotland is breathtakingly beautiful and kayaking is definitely an amazing way to experience it. I highly recommend it.
Reviewed 16 Oct 2009 by Connie Martin
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning to do something new and taking steps outside my comfort zone gave me a warm feeling on the way home. Best of all though was getting cold and wet in the company of a few seals.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You can never have enough dry clothes!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not really.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable - would love to do a longer and more challenging trip next year.
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for taking the time to review this trip - we are glad that you enjoyed it and are planning to join another of our trips next year. I just wanted to respond to your comment in question 3, and highlight what we do to make this trip as sustainable as possible. The accommodation you stayed in is owned by a local charity which serves to protect the natural environment of Torridon, so by staying there we provide them with valuable income and help them protect the landscape. We source as much of our food as possible from a local company, with an emphasis on fair trade products wherever possible. We then supplement this with food bought locally and, of course, you will have visited at least one locally owned and managed inn during the trip.
We also try to minimise our impact on the environment in many ways. For example, our trips start and end at railway stations to encourage clients to travel by train instead of flying. Our guides are all trained in official 'Leave No Trace' ethics and our sea kayak guides have also been through the WISE scheme, which trains them to observe marine wildlife without disturbing it. Back in the office, we have been awarded the 'Gold Award' in the Green Tourism Business Scheme in recognition of our environmentally friendly practices. Finally, all of the above led to us being the first Scottish business to gain AITO's 5 star award for responsible tourism earlier this year.
We do try, however, not to preach what we are doing on our trips as we recognise that you are there on holiday and want to enjoy yourself! However, I hope this reassures you that we do everything we can to ensure that our trips are as sustainable as possible. Thanks again for travelling with us and we look forward to welcoming you back next year. Our trips to the Sound of Arisaig or the Summer Isles would be a great next step for you!
Reviewed 08 Jul 2008 by Louisa Radice
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting right-up close to mother seals swimming with their pups. Oh, and the glorious Highland sunsets...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have sufficient changes of quick-drying clothes - you will get wet!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We stayed in a bunkhouse owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and I was impressed by the leader's attention to details such separating out recyclable waste and buying local food where possible
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I've achieved more in four days on the water than I ever thought possible - and I don't think one can ever get bored of Highland scenery.
Reviewed 11 Jul 2006 by Graham Jeffs
I am still smiling from the holiday! Great accommodation and lovely people!
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seals bobbing up around us in the sound of Arisaig and surf kayaking into Morar.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some waterproof kayaking gloves as recommended in the holiday notes!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It would certainly have helped the local economy, I was amazed how much that part of Scotland relies on tourism.
4. Any other comments?
I will be back next year!
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