Four hours before the picture above was taken I had nervously met my Much Better Adventures group for the first time in Inverness, ahead of our canoe expedition across Scotland. We would be paddling along the Caledonian Canal from Fort William in the west, back to Inverness in the east, through Loch Ness.
My bag was too heavy, I didn’t know how to hold a paddle and I was convinced I was going to fall in the loch. I had never travelled solo before or wild camped – or even canoed. Yet here I was, somehow ready for an adventure, wellies in tow.
I need not have worried. I was immediately met with handshakes, smiles and laughter. We were all beginners.
After some training and suiting up in our kit, we clambered in and began to paddle. The sun broke on the surface of water and I remembered why I was here: for this spectacular view.
My bag was too heavy, I didn’t know how to hold a paddle and I was convinced I was going to fall in the loch. Yet here I was...
There are many ways to paddle and control the canoe within your pair. We learned to navigate the canals, the blessings of inevitable portages and the great lochs, whilst managing our load – mainly, the group's camping equipment.
The distance may seem initially daunting, with 100km to cover in five days. But you find your rhythm. Perseverance and snacks help a lot. There are many moments to pause, reflect and enjoy in such a beautiful landscape.
If it’s windy you can hoist the sails and kick back with your canoe buddy. We raced, sang and quizzed each other during most of our days on the lochs. We made camp in many locations, from the hallowed woods next to a waterfall to a wildflower field where wild deer visited us.
The beach shore front was my favourite. We could hear the loch's waves at night, slowly whooshing - and the distant sounds of an enthusiastic harmonica player. I was terrible at pitching a tent, but luckily I had a lot of help from my group and was blessed with their endless patience. I must have almost speared them all with a tent peg, at least once.
This was our guide, Luke. Best described as a real life action man, he was kind and knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. If you’re feeling unsure he will make sure you’re safe and sound, whilst teaching you how to canoe like a professional.
He can also really cook! Not only did he prepare hearty breakfasts and sandwich buffets for lunch, but also a mouthwatering three-course meal for each dinner. This included a glorious pudding which we all loved every night. You will definitely not starve, I can assure you.
The tranquillity and serenity of nature evoked a peace and respite that is sorely sought after in our daily lives.
We sat on the beaches of Loch Ness soaking up the sunshine. The monster of Loch Ness had not yet surfaced but we were hopeful this would be our night. If all else failed, we could buy a wooden version from the Loch Ness hunter trailer down the beach.
Stuart Kenny
With our tents pitched, canoes secured safely, and the fire already underway, one of the guys suggested we take a walk to the local town before dinner. It greeted us with a promise of an ice cold beverage and a packet of peanuts. The joy of simple pleasures.
At one point as we were rowing, a little wave pulled us in a bit too close, causing everyone to feel a brief jolt on our arrival. Above, Simon is catching mine and Luke’s canoe as I ungracefully smacked into the side of his and Ben’s canoe, whilst bumping into Jane and Vic’s canoe.
This prompted a break time. All bobbing and tethered together in the middle of Loch Linnie, Prue and John wondered who had the snack bag (most likely Luke, who covets chocolate). Pure bliss.
Each night we built a fire, collecting dried logs, spruce, juniper and heather. Pinecones also made great tinder. There was something ancient and healing about feeling the heat of embers whilst listening to the lapping of waves and wind song. We told awful ghost stories, shared celebrity encounters, stargazed, attempted a group podcast ('Fireside Chats' was our name) and had a lot of laughs.
Here, we had just finished the expedition! What a sense of achievement. I felt like a real canoeist. I couldn’t have imagined a trip without these guys; we had met as strangers and now we finished as friends. Each person made this journey memorable, joyful and full of life.
This was an incredible experience. Loch Ness is powerful and transformative. The tranquillity and serenity of nature evoked a peace and respite that is sorely sought after in our daily lives. I am so glad I took the plunge and jumped into this adventure. I cannot wait to see what is next.
Inspired? Check out our 100km Canoe Expedition Across Scotland and you too can cross Scotland on the water, like Aleena. Eyes peeled for the Loch Ness Monster.