Shetland Islands: Pinnacle Adventure Summer 2027
Dynamic conditions, a remote lodge base, geographically distinct and culturally interesting population all make this an amazing place to paddle. We are partnering with our friend Eila Wilkinson to bring this trip to 6 qualified paddlers and three, maybe even four coaches. Fantastic opportunity for ACA Levels 3 and 4 paddlers to up their game and see this amazing semi-Nordic island. This will be an unparalleled opportunity for skill development with a great team and an inspiring backdrop. NDK kayaks will be brought over on the ferry for this program by Eila and we will do our best to get everyone well fit for the week. We’ll be providing most of the food service this week, so you depend on high standard provisioning. Technically, Shetland is part of Scotland, but inhabitants think of themselves as more Scandinavian, so it is an incredibly unique place to visit with amazing land and seascapes, incredible seabirds and culture. With a population of 23,000 and close enough to Norway geographically and historically to make nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. There’s a Scandinavian lilt to the local accent, and streets named King Haakon or St Olaf are reminders that Shetland was under Norse rule until 1469, when it was gifted to Scotland in lieu of the dowry of a Danish princess.
Our expedition base camp this year is a beautifully converted church in the picturesque village of Walls, next to the sea with beautiful views. The spacious house sleeps 8 people in 4 rooms. Spectacular open-plan living/dining/kitchen area featuring church windows and oak staircase to upper balcony, 2 1/2 bathrooms with all linen and towels provided.
Epic sea kayaking and exploring awaits the adventurous paddler. The adventure begins with your journey to arrive onto the Shetland Islands. The coast offers amyriad of sea caves, stacks, islands and voes with a limitless amount of exploring and amazement. Exposed to winds and the Atlantic swells, the nature of these majestic islands offers magnificent paddling. The emphasis is on exploring and enjoyment, while we will be exposed to tidal races, surf and swells at times the ethos of the expedition is not a surf and tide races course. Our expedition base gives us optimum flexibility to maximise the best paddles according to the prevailing weather and conditions present, without restrictions or by being storm bound. Paddlers should be paddling fit, able to comfortably paddle at a reasonable pace and happy to undertake full and big days in the kayak with the possibility of extended paddle legs if landings are not immediately available. We hope to have 5 days on the water with an additional land or paddle day.
Suggested Itinerary:
- July 8: Arrive in Aberdeen, Scotland, overnight on your own
- July 9: Overnight ferry to Lerwick (cabin highly recommended). You must reserve your own tickets but we can help guide you on dates and times.
- July 10: Travel to Lodge
- July 11-16: This is the juicy center bit with amazing guided kayaking day trips out from a private lodge. Your guides will prepare meals for the group during the week, with the exception of a couple of nights out at local restaurants.
- July 17: Travel to Lerwick for the evening ferry back to Aberdeen
- July 18: Early morning ferry arrival for your further travel or flights onward
Dates for 2027
- July 8-18, 2027 (NOTE: Trip is currently full. If you’d like to be put on the waitlist, email us at [email protected] with the Subject Line: Shetlands Waitlist)
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging
- Most meals (except two or three nights out)
- Transfers on Shetland
- NDK Sea kayaks
- Kayaking Gear
- Logistical assistance
- Experienced guides
What’s Not Included
- Personal paddling clothing. It is expected that you will bring your own personal dry land and paddling gear /clothing for on and off the water, lunch breaks etc. The weather can be variable and dynamic, rain or shine, heat or cold, please ensure you are prepared and have sufficient gear to be comfortable.
- Restaurant meals (likely two or three nights out)
- Airfare and ferry to Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland (logistical help provided)
- Pre and post trip lodging and activities
- Travel Insurance (Required – we recommend you look at World Nomads, Allianz, travel guard – and make sure it covers adventure sports)
- Guide gratuity (10%+ suggested)
- Personal Items: A packing list will be provided. Be sure to review the list early on, in case you have questions or need to order gear.
- Alcohol
Registration
NOTE: If a booking date shows on the calendar below, there is space available but always feel free to call or email with specific questions. If the trip is full and you’d like to be waitlisted, give us a call.
Reservations are held with a $1000 deposit. The price below reflects the full amount, including service fees; However, your initial payment will be a $1000 deposit (assuming you book 90+ days prior to the course).
The remaining amount due will be automatically charged to your credit card 90 days before the trip.
NOTE: You must choose the date of the trip you want before clicking on BOOK NOW. Be sure you are on the right month! You may need to choose the fare you want and then zero out the fare that the system initially chooses. Let us know if you have any difficulty.
What registration option should I choose?
- Joining by yourself? Choose Single Occupancy
- Joining as a couple or with a friend? Choose Double Occupancy
- Joining by yourself but willing to share a room? Choose Double Occupancy but realize we will adjust the price to single occupancy if we can’t find you a roommate.