We are proposing to offer a week of paddling in Mull, Scotland in mid-late May 2026. This is a part of the British coast that is very spectacular to visit and should be some amazing kayaking. However, the weather and sea conditions can be sometimes challenging. The details are as follows:
Dates: Saturday 16 May to Saturday 23 May 2026 Outward travel would be on the Saturday 16 May and it is likely to take the whole day to get there. There is a ferry to get to Mull, so the logistics will need careful planning with the group going on this trip. We hope to get at least five days paddling on the sea, and return travel on Saturday 23 May. You could of course chose to extend the trip and stay on the island longer if you wish (and logistics allow).
Kayaking: The trip is graded as a C Grade trip. See here: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club
You need to have the following paddling abilities to join this trip:
Skill Level
All the skills from Grade A and B in the link above.
plus:
– Ability to listen and act on instructions from your leader.
– Ability to control your boat in choppy seas – facing the waves, broadside and with a following sea; able to edge and use bracing strokes.
– Ability to paddle 12-18 nm, including open crossings up to 2nm, while dealing with possibly strong winds and tides.
– You should be able to help others in difficulty, perform deep water assisted and self-rescues in 0.5m waves; tow and be towed. Swimming the boat away from obstacles, keeping a clear head and directing others from the water.
– Ability to roll desirable.
– Launch and landing in surf (up to 0.5m) or on wave swept beaches and jetties.
– Demonstrate good CLAP awareness (Communication, Line of Sight, Avoidance, Positioning).
Expedition skills
– Understanding what to take in your boat and how to pack it most effectively for the conditions and trip.
Theory
– Ability to use maps, charts, tidal and weather data to undertake coastal navigation. You should be aware of buoyage and local regulations and how to interact with other vessels.
– Knowledge of tides, tidal streams, weather forecasts for coastal navigation and tidal planning.
– Knowledge of basic first aid, including CPR ideally.
Conditions
– Exposed water, possibly longer crossings and being more than 800m offshore.
– Wind: F0-F4 (i.e. moderate breeze up to 18 mph).
– Stronger tidal streams (up to 2 knots).
– Landing and launching through surf up to 0.5m.
Weather: The air temperature can vary, depending on wind and cloud cover. It’s usually around 12 degrees at this time of year.
Travel: We plan to take club and personal kayaks by car along with kayaking and camping kit. We will need sufficient drivers with roof racks to be able to take the kayaks. Drivers will be prioritised for this reason.
Accommodation – We plan to camp and will have a group tent that can be used by everyone for meals and socialising. The campsite is basic, but has all the necessary amenities. There are only limited facilities nearby. That means you will need to have your own camping kit and be prepared to be largely independent with limited opportunities to replenish stores.
Costs: The main cost is the transportation of the group and kayaks/kit to Mull, estimated to be £110 each way (total £220) per car, plus ferry cost of £56 return for car with 2 passengers. The intention is that these costs will be share equally amongst the group members, being settled after the trip. Accommodation is approximately £14 per person per night. So an estimate £240 per person, excluding food and other non-kayaking activities.
If you are interested in joining this trip, please register your interest below. Please note your place is not confirmed until you are advised by the trip organiser. There are a maximum of eight places. and there will be a waitlist if this is over-subscribed.
Once your place is confirmed, you will need to pay a deposit to secure it, about £50.
Please contact Liza or info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk if you have questions.
Maximum number of attendees reached - registrations are closed. Total Attendees: 8| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | fiona |
| 2. | Paul H |
| 3. | Gilly |
| 4. | Liza |
| 5. | Jude P |
| 6. | Sara A |
| 7. | Jonathan T |
| 8. | David P |
Waiting list: If you are interested in being placed on the waiting list for this trip:
Total Attendees: 0| # | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| No attendees found. | ||
