Unforgettable Adventures with Otter’s Tail on the Isle of Arran
Discover the hidden gems of the beautiful Isle of Arran with Otter’s Tail Adventures.
Otter’s Tails mission is to provide you with an unforgettable experience, taking you to places on the island that you might otherwise never have seen.
Whether you’re a family looking for a leisurely paddle or an experienced adventurer seeking a challenging expedition, Otter’s Tail has the expertise to cater to your needs.
Table of Contents:
Your Guides
Andy and Elanor McNamara are the experienced guides behind Otter’s Tail Adventures. With over 20 years in the outdoor education industry, they are fully qualified to lead you on an exciting Arran adventure. Andy, a 5* Advanced Sea kayak leader and Winter Mountain Leader, and Elanor, a SCA Paddlesports Leader and Mountain Leader, are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing an inspirational experience.
Sea Kayaking
Explore Arran’s stunning coastline from a new perspective with their sea kayaking adventures. Encounter seals, otters, dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of sea birds. Their fleet of versatile Scorpio Sea kayaks, suitable for all skill levels, ensures a stable and enjoyable journey.
Half-Day Sea Kayaking
Join Otter’s Tail for a half-day exploration of Arran’s coast. Launching from our base at Lamlash Pier, you’ll paddle through the picturesque bay and, whenever possible, make the two-kilometre crossing to the Holy Isle. Perfect for families and beginners, these sessions provide a taste of the beauty surrounding Arran.
Full-Day Sea Kayaking
For a more extensive adventure, choose a full-day sea kayaking trip. Options include paddling to Holy Isle, climbing to the summit, and exploring the island before kayaking back. Alternatively, opt for a one-way journey from Kildonan to Lamlash or Lamlash to Corrie. Suitable for adventurers aged 12 and above, these trips offer diverse experiences based on weather conditions.
Kayak Sailing
For intermediate paddlers seeking more challenge, speed, and excitement, try kayak sailing with Otter’s Tail. Our sails are very effective downwind, enabling you to cover larger distances on a one-way journey. This thrilling addition to sea kayaking provides a unique way to experience the open water. Due to the extra equipment and smaller group sizes, it does cost a little bit more. Contact Otter’s Tail for more details and to discuss your preferences.
Hillwalking Adventures
Embark on thrilling scrambly walks through Arran’s iconic hills with Otter’s Tail. From Goatfell to The Three Beinns and beyond, our guides specialize in creating memorable experiences in the great outdoors.
Goatfell and Beyond
While Goatfell is the highest peak on the island, Otter’s Tail offers a unique ascent starting with Cioch na-h Oighe, a rocky mountain guarding the entrance to Glen Sannox. After summiting Cioch na-h Oighe, continue along the ridge to North Goatfell and onto Goatfell itself via Stachach ridge. This route provides breathtaking views and a diverse range of terrain.
The Witch’s Step
Experience the famous gap in the east ridge of Caisteal Abhail, known as The Witch’s Step. Climb from North Glen Sannox, tackle Suidhe Fhearghas ridge, and continue west to Cuem na Cailleach. This route includes quality scrambling and a circular path through Coire nan Ceum, offering a full day of adventure.
The Three Beinns
Embark on a classic horseshoe ridge walk encompassing Beinn a Chliabhain, Beinn Tarsuinn, and Beinn Nuis. Starting in dramatic Glen Rosa, follow the Garh Allt into Coire a Bhradain, enjoying 3 km of beautiful scrambling and ridges with stunning views.
Cir Mhor and Western Hills
Climb Cir Mhor from Glen Rosa for a proper hill experience. Optionally, descend the steep long slide to The Saddle and tackle North Goatfell on the other side. Explore the often-overlooked western hills, offering a 5 km ridge stretch from Beinn Bharrain to Meall Donn and Meall Biorach.
Check out the calendars and booking pages on the Otter’s Tail website for availability and prices.
Gorge Walking
Delve into the exciting world of gorge walking in the North Glen Sannox Water. Navigate natural water slides, waterfalls, and plunge pools while enjoying the granite terrain and spectacular scenery. This full-immersion activity is open to all with a reasonable level of fitness and is best experienced from April to October.
Gorge Walking Sessions
Join the Otter’s Tail Team for an afternoon of gorge walking, meeting at 1:30 PM (morning sessions available by arrangement). Equipped with a full wetsuit, helmet, and buoyancy aid, scramble up the river together, challenging yourselves with natural features along the way. The North Glen Sannox Water provides a solid granite stream bed and clear water for an exhilarating experience.
It is recommended that you undertake gorge walking from April to October but please get in contact with Otter’s Tail if you wish to go out of season.
They are game, if you are!
Booking Information
To book your adventure with Otter’s Tail, visit their website www.otterstail.co.uk or email via [email protected].
Check the calendar for availability and prices. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or a group of friends and family, we offer a range of activities to suit everyone.
Pricing (Taken from Otter’s Tail Website Jan2024)
Otter’s Tail provides competitive pricing for various activities:
- Sea Kayaking Half-Day: Adult £60, Child (8-18 years) £40
- Sea Kayaking Full Day: Adult £110, Child (12-18 years) £80
- Hillwalking/Scrambling: Group size 1-2 £80 per person, Group size 3-4 £60 per person, Group size 5-6 £50 per person
- Gorge Walking: Adult £60, Child (8-18 years) £40
Conclusion
Otter’s Tail Adventures promises to make your time on Arran truly special. Whether you’re gliding through the waves in a sea kayak, conquering the island’s peaks, or navigating the rugged gorges, our experienced guides are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing an unforgettable experience.
Book your adventure with Otter’s Tail today and create lasting memories on the Isle of Arran.
