Sea Kayaking and Canoeing at Glencoe Boat Club
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing at Glencoe Boat Club, located on Loch Leven, offers a variety of conditions to suit most abilities of paddlers. The Loch is relatively sheltered and although tidal, there is no ocean swell to be encountered here. Beginners will feel accomplished with the easy paddle out to “the burial islands”.
Located on The West Coast of Scotland, which offers a world class destination for Sea Kayaking and Canoe Touring. There are venues to suit all abilities from those starting out, to veterans at the extreme end of both sports. The inland freshwater lochs on the West Coast offer freedom and an escape from the pressures of modern living. The memories kayak and canoe touring on Loch Leven will last a lifetime.
Undertaking sea kayaking journeys along the exposed West Coast lead you to places seldom visited and allow you not only to observe but also to live with nature.
We have excellent clubhouse facilities, including hot showers, changing rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and roaring log burner. Perfect to enjoy a hot chocolate from the coffee machine upon return to shore. We also provide members storage should you wish to leave your kayak or canoe at the club.
Loch Leven and its unique history
Once you are on the water, you can explore the wonders of Loch Leven. The marine life thrives in abundance, in our crystal clear sea waters. Travel as far east as Kinlochleven, taking care at the narrows at Caolasnacon, where you can enjoy wildlife and marine life spotting with seals and dolphins in this great sea loch.
Eilean Munde is the largest of the burial islands. It was used by three local clans for the burial of their dead; the Stewarts of Ballachulish, the MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Camerons of Callart. It’s interesting to kayak out to the island and wander amongst the ancient headstones. Many are local quarried slate with inscriptions dating from the 18th century. The smaller of the islands, Eilean a’ Chomhraidh (the Isle of Discussion) was used by the clans to solve any disputes. When agreement was reached the parties would sail East along Loch Leven to Eilean nam Bán (the Isle of the Covenant) where their agreement was sealed.
This makes an interesting 8km paddle along most of the length of the loch and a return journey makes a nice expedition for lunch on either of the islands.
Legend says that Alasdair MacDonald (MacIain of Glencoe) was buried here after the Glencoe massacre of 1692. The Glencoe Heritage Trust currently shares ownership of the island. Its is accessible only by boat.
Paddling Loch Leven
A tidal laoch, at Ballachulish bridge, the in-going flood tide starts approximately -05h15m before HW Oban and the Ebb starts +01h00m HW Oban. Here a spring tide can run at 5 knots and, in a Westerly wind, the moderate overfalls thats form in Ballachulish Bay near to the entrance of Loch Leven on the Ebb tide are a nice play spot for accomplished kayakers.
Within the main body of the loch, tidal stream run at 1kn and present little problems to novice paddlers except in strong (> F4) winds blowing against tide in either direction along the loch. Such conditions can raise the sea state rapidly.
Moving West along Loch Leven, 5km before Kinlochleven, the narrows of Caolas nan Con are reached. Tides here can also run at 5kn, though often it is possible to use back-eddies to make progress against the prevailing stream. In wind-over-tide conditions the sea state can lift and this makes the narrows a useful area for intermediate paddlers to build on their skills.
Visitors welcome
Visitors are welcome. Whether you come by water, road or walk in, access is simple and you can also come by sea!
With parking, visitor moorings, a fully equipped kitchen, and hot showers, we are a popular choice for sailing the West Coast of Scotland. We welcome many visitors throughout the year who want to discover Glencoe. We kindly ask visitors to make a donation to our club in return.
Further reading about paddling the West Coast of Scotland