1. Glen Affric

    Natural Features: Often described as one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, Glen Affric is rich in ancient Caledonian pine forest, lochs, and mountains. The area is a National Nature Reserve, home to red deer, golden eagles, and otters.

    Historical Features: Remnants of old shielings (seasonal dwellings) and ruins hint at its past crofting communities. The glen has long been a traditional Highland route, and its scenery inspired early conservation movements.

    In: 57.3114021,-4.8585853 Islands or banks to stay, north loch day 1 and south/loch affric day 2 Out: 57.2716615,-4.9702551

  2. Loch Maree

    Natural Features: One of Scotland’s most picturesque lochs, with over 60 islands, many of which are covered in ancient Scots pine. It’s part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and supports rare species like black-throated divers and sea eagles.

    Historical Features: The island of Isle Maree has Viking burial sites, a holy well, and the remains of a chapel dedicated to Saint Maelrubha, making it a place of ancient pilgrimage.

    In: Slattadale Islands to stay night 1, night 2 options:

    • isle of ewe (grade A paddle)
    • slaggan beach (grade B paddle)
    • slaggan beach (drive + hike 5km) Out: northwest maree

  3. Loch Awe

    Natural Features: Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, bordered by forests and overlooked by Ben Cruachan. Rich in wildlife including ospreys, red squirrels, and pine martens.

    Historical Features: Dotted with castles, most notably Kilchurn Castle on a peninsula near the northern end. Also linked to Clan Campbell and medieval power struggles in the Highlands. In: Torran Banks first night, black isles second night Sea/tidal loch Out: Near Kilchurn Castle Car park

  4. Loch Sunart

    Natural Features: A sea loch on the Ardnamurchan peninsula with clear waters, kelp forests, and otters, porpoises, and seals. The surrounding oakwoods are part of a Special Area of Conservation.

    Historical Features: Scattered ruins of crofting settlements and fishing villages, reflecting the area's role in the Highland Clearances and maritime history.

    In: Kinloch or Glencripesdale Banks or bothy, order not important Out: Strontian

  5. Loch Arkaig

    Natural Features: A remote freshwater loch flanked by steep hills and dense forests. Noted for its wildness, eagles, and pinewoods, it offers a true sense of isolation.

    Historical Features: Linked to Jacobite history—it's reputed to be the hiding place of Jacobite gold from the 1745 rebellion. The area also has old clan connections and remote homesteads.

    In: Ardechvie end of loch Out: Strathan end of loch Glenpean bothy, hike to Oban bothy 2nd day (beach bothy)

  6. Loch Nevis (Knoydart)

    Natural Features: A dramatic sea loch bounded by the Knoydart Peninsula, often called Britain’s last wilderness. Known for its deep waters, porpoises, and stunning mountain scenery.

    Historical Features: Access to the remote community of Inverie, which has no road connection. The loch was historically important for fishing and sea transport.

    "Very sheltered sea loch" In: malaig - inverie ferry with canoes, camp the night there Follow coast along to sourlies bothy, use tide coming in for an easy paddle Out: Tarbet - malaig ferry, only one ferry per day, 15:30

  7. Loch Etive

    Natural Features: A long sea loch starting near Glen Etive and flowing to the coast at Connel. Surrounded by steep, rugged hills and dramatic glacial landscapes, it supports seals, sea eagles, and more.

    Historical Features: Ancient crannogs (artificial islands) and standing stones nearby. Also associated with Clan MacDougall and medieval maritime trade.

    In: Gualachulain, could be further up river if in spate Cadderlie bothy one night, wild camp another - beaches? Out: Taynuilt Jetty

  8. Loch Glendu and Loch Glencoul

    Natural Features: Two adjoining remote sea lochs in Assynt, surrounded by some of the oldest rock formations in Europe (Lewisian Gneiss). Towering cliffs and frequent sightings of eagles, otters, and seals.

    Historical Features: Abandoned settlements and sheep farming ruins from the Highland Clearances. Loch Glencoul is also near the Eas a’ Chual Aluinn, Britain’s highest waterfall.

    In and out: Kylesku Glendu and Glencoul bothies