The PaddlerUK magazine July 2015 issue 3 | Page 33

Some of the gang likened it to

Canada and New Zealand how lucky we are in the UK
This, along with toasting marshmallows on the
campfire on our own secret island on Loch Ness
and physically crossing the finish line, along with
the awesome company and general frivolity, were my
absolute highlights of the trip. To be honest, I loved it
all and would do it all again tomorrow.
On this trip, we paddled around eight hours a day (a
far cry from struggling to paddle to midday) and had
to carry luggage and portage four sea kayaks and
open canoes around many lock gates. As a word of
caution regarding portaging, particularly at Fort
Augustus with its five locks, should you wish to
embark on the Great Glen, in the words of team
paddler, Andy Lees, “don't over pack. The extra weight
is a nightmare” and if you have a mix of kayakers and
canoeists, Andy found that, “the slow pace of our
prospector fully laden, meant we were always at the
back chasing and it was quite tedious. Mix the
paddling up a bit with some sailing, and leave some
time spare for the chippy in Fort Augustus!”

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