This
is a relaxing alternative to seeing Scotland
or travelling to and from other European
destinations. You could also cruise the
canals and navigable rivers of Scotland
by houseboat.
FERRY
LINES
Exploring the islands of Scotland's is impossible
without travelling by ferry or plane. Caledonian
McBrayne offers car ferry services to most
of the Western isles while Scottish P&O
offer sailings to Orkney and Shetland. During
the summer months you should book in advance.
Scotland Destinations
Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries
Hebridean ferry services operates a passenger
service between Ballycastle and Rathlin
Island.
Tel. +44 01475 650 100 www.Calmac.co.uk
ACCOMODATION
Obviously this will depend on your mode
of transport. If you are coming ashore at
night you may consider some of the accommodation
options we offer through our booking
engine. If you are camping on a water
route make sure you practice low impact
camping (i.e what you bring in you take
away – note that on some water ways
even human waste is supposed to be brought
out).
SAFETY
Weather conditions can change fast on water.
Know the weather forecast and the expected
weather at that time of year. Also keep
an eye on tides and estimated sun down times.
Always take a medical kit with you. Remember
any trip on the water should be planned
bearing in mind it could turn into an overnight
trip even if it is supposed to be a 1-day
activity. The best solution for the first
signs of hypothermia are a warm, sweet drink.
Take a compass, first aid kit and additional
supplies of food and water with you.
BOATING
IN SCOTLAND Houseboats
These usually accommodate four to 12 passengers
and can be rented for a weekend or several
weeks. These houseboats resemble true barges
and are usually equipped with a kitchen,
comfortable sleeping cabins and a bathroom.
When you want to shop or eat or explore,
tie up to a tree and head ashore. There
are lots of places that rent barges, they
can start from Euro 1000 a week for a 2
person barge so it's not a cheap way to
travel.
Kayaking or Canoeing
For the more adventurous planning to do
your own sailing, kayaking or canoeing trip
then you need to prepare adequately. We
would assume people doing their own kayaking
or canoeing trips will have adequate experience
and skill on the water and examine the route
they are taking carefully. Some of the following
handy hints and absolute essentials should
be obvious: - a basic repair kit and safety
equipment for your boat. This will include
extra rope (make sure it is tied up and
out of the way), life jackets, a tow rope
(if you need to help someone out), flares
etc.
- extra snack food and water (it can be
a long way between towns in some parts,
particularly if you get marooned with an
injury or get lost!)
- pack light! You can buy extra food as
you go and you really only need basic water
gear and a change of clothes if you go into
towns.
- get some maps (detailed for any small
rivers that you might take)
- itinerary - give someone a copy of your
itinerary and check in with them every few
days so they know you are okay.
- learn some Scottish that you will need
to use in small towns or on the water for
directions.
Some of these links will be useful:
Sea Kayak Expeditions to St Kilda www.canoehebrides.com/
AFerry.to
Book ferry crossings to/from Scotland, Ireland,
Scotland, Scotland, Spain, Greece, and Italy
online. Includes ferry timetable with real
time pricing and availability. http://www.aferry.to/
Direct Ferries
Information for ferry crossings and ferries
to Scotland including Belfast to Stranraer,
Belfast to Troon, Larne to Troon and Larne
to Cairnryan with P & O www.directferries.co.uk/scotland.htm
