Paddle and Plunge
Dates: Saturday 5th – Saturday 12th September 2026
Cost:
£1,860 per person (single occupancy accommodation in a double room).
£1,540 per person (Twin/double occupancy accommodation; Must be booked with a friend/partner attending the course).
£550 deposit per person payable at time of booking.
Final payment is due 12 weeks before your retreat.
If kit and equipment rental is required for sea kayaking, this can be arranged for £150 per person for the whole retreat.
Itinerary
The exact itinerary for the retreat will be finalised closer to the time. It will primarily take into account the weather and sea conditions in combination with the kayaking and swim ability of the group. We will be able to cater for all levels. Swim and kayak ability will be assessed by your guides through the registration process and we will formulate a plan after that. The activities will be suitable for all levels, including complete beginners, with the opportunity for a more challenging swim at least once during the week.
Depending on the weather, we will aim to include a semi-free day at some point during the week where we can enjoy activities in the area and ensure your energy levels are maintained and recharged!
Arrival at Coillemore House is from 4.30pm Saturday 5th September. Meet your guides for a welcome reception and introduction at 6.30pm. Departure and checkout from Coillemore house is no later than 9.00am Saturday 12th September.
Accommodation
Your luxury accommodation for the week is Coillemore House, a stylish Scottish manor house set in the National Trust for Scotland’s Balmacara Estate. It has sea views across Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye, which is just 10 minutes away. Our basecamp is perfectly placed for us to explore and access the best waters for us to paddle and plunge. Its luxury twin and double bedrooms are all beautifully appointed each with a unique character and different aspect. All bed linen and towels are provided.
At the end of our day of activities, we can cosy up in front of an open fire, or enjoy another plunge – into the wood-fired hot tub and sauna. The perfect way to relax and recharge.
For more detailed information about the facilities at Coillemore House, please click here.
Meals
Dining is in the spacious kitchen. Two course evening meals will be home cooked and served to you by local chef Lynne Kennedy. With the exception of one night where we enjoy locally made fish and chips from our famous ‘Shonzey’. Please bring your favourite tipple to have with your evening meal.
Breakfast ingredients will be available for you to prepare your own breakfast in the morning at whatever time suits you.
Sandwich packed lunches will be prepared for you, along with the famous Sea Kayak Plockton flapjack for ‘elevenses’.
Sea Kayaking
The sea kayaking is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners. You’ll receive expert instruction and coaching from two advanced sea kayak coaches, Alison French and Ali Rose. They know these coastal areas intimately. We can arrange rental of all sea kayaking kayaking kit and equipment if you don’t have your own.
Sea Swimming
Sea swimming adds an elemental side to your paddling adventure. After your paddling efforts, immerse yourself in your surroundings with a sea swim with your swim guide and open water coach Norma Macleod. Swim floats are included.
If this is your first sea swim we can cater for this and provide wetsuits (extra fee) if required. There will also be opportunity for a more challenging swim and technique instruction for those who wish.
Nearer the time we will ask you to explain your sea swimming experience via a questionnaire, and on day one of the retreat there will be an acclimatisation swim. All swims will be curated to compliment your kayak adventure but carefully assessed to be in line with your ability. Your safety is paramount.
Sauna and Hot Tub
General use of the sauna and wood-fired hot tub is included.
There will be an opportunity to participate in the Lithuanian Pirtis sauna bathing ritual with Norma, a qualified Saunamaster. This cleansing ritual with seasonal leaves and herbs takes you through the seasons with leaf whisking, natural aromatherapy & steam and can place you in a relaxed and meditative state. One group steam and herb bath ritual is included.
If you wish to arrange a more personalised one-to-one experience this can be pre-booked nearer the time for an extra charge. Norma uses her own scrub and local honey for the massage. The solo ritual lasts for around an hour with a rest at the end.
What to bring:
- Sea kayaking equipment (Kayak, Paddle, Spraydeck, Buoyancy aid, sea kayaking clothing* (*we can arrange rental if you don’t have your own: cost £150)
- Swimwear x 2
- Neoprene boots for swimming
- Wetsuit for swimming* (*we can arrange wetsuit rental if you don’t have your own: cost £30)
- Spare towel
- Warm clothes / layers
- Warm hat / cap
- Walking boots / shoes
- Waterproofs
- Rucksack
- Waterproof Drybag for wet gear* (*these are provided for you if you don’t have your own)
- Water bottle
- thermos flask
- Slippers / indoor shoes for Coillemore House
- Favourite tipple to have with your evening meal
- The retreat is fully catered, but please bring any special snacks that you prefer
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Toiletries and any personal medication that you might require
Coillemore House located in Balmacara near Kyle of Lochalsh. It is approximately 2 hours driving from Inverness and 1 hour 30 minutes from Fort William. Arrival at Coillemore House is from 5.00pm Saturday 5th September. Meet your guides for a welcome reception and introduction at 6.30pm. Departure and checkout from Coillemore house is no later than 9.00am Saturday 12th September. For directions please click here.
Smoking
Coillemore House has a strict no smoking policy inside. Smoking outside is fine.
Paddle and Plunge Booking form
All passengers must complete an online booking form for the retreat and nearer the time we will ask you to complete a swim disclaimer.
Insurance
We appreciate that wholly unforseen events may result in cancellation. In view of this and for your peace of mind we therefore strongly advise you to take out appropriate accident and cancellation insurance at the time of your booking.
Terms and conditions
Please see the Sea Kayak Plockton terms and conditions prior to booking on this retreat.