Explore the Magical Outer Hebrides with Active 360

Introducing the magical Outer Hebrides, found in the north west of Scotland. Arriving on these incredible islands, you really will feel like you have escaped from it all. Discover a different pace of life as you explore untouched coasts and countryside, fascinating history and unique island cultures. It is sure that once you’ve been, you’ll be pining to return.

Paul Hyman and Sarah Robinson both from Active 360 are of the part of the team that takes customers on this remarkable trip to the Hebrides.  They both introduce this breath-taking trip to TotalSUP.

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Hi Paul and Sarah, Can you introduce this SUP adventure?

How in touch are you with our natural landscape? When was the last time you visited the coast and took in the vast beauty of the water which supports our life systems?

It is very easy to become removed from it all, especially when the stress of life has something to do with it. Become grounded again with our SUP expedition to the Hebrides from the 1-7 July. We will be sailing onboard The Lady of Avenel, an elegant 102ft Brigantine Square Rigged Ship, exploring the landscape, fashioned by Geology. Our destination? The Isle of Skye, the largest inland island of the Scottish Archipelago, full of wildlife and beauty. Along the way we have plenty of activities in store to help you become fully immersed in the natural landscape around you.

One thing that draws us to the Hebrides is the sheer amount of diverse landscapes and places to explore. No matter how many times we visit, our list of ‘things to do and see’ grows even more. It is this factor that makes the Hebrides the perfect place to escape to. Whilst this is a trip which includes regular SUP trips, our expedition encompasses a range of activities suited to everyone, so that you can truly experience the Hebrides.

The 2016 and 2017’s expeditions were awe-inspiring. Each year, our home for the week is the Lady of Avenel, a 102ft Brigantine Square Rigger, it has a comfortable interior and the safety provided by the crew, we are able to venture to remote areas such as Loch Spelve, Loch Uisg, and the Strait of Corryvreckan which is home of the notorious Corryvrekan Whirlpool, all found in the North West of Scotland. To break up the journey on the sea, we ventured to land to explore local history and culture, and of course whisky (got to have a wee bit of whisky, right?).

I (Paul)was fortunate to take part in the 2017 expedition, it was a stunning and engaging trip, full of wildlife, serene locations and memorable moments. However, one thing that struck me was how grounded I became. With no mobile phone signal, no depressing headlines, only the natural seas around you and a handful of friendly people, the weight of the stress of life was suddenly forgotten.

What is planned for the 2018 expedition?

Whilst we loved freely sailing and exploring the Hebrides, we want to bring more to the expeditions, so that you can gain the most out of the experience.

There will be daily SUP Trips through untouched lochs, peaceful coastline and more challenging coastal seas, and an eco-tour hosted by our resident SUP coach and ecologist. You have the opportunity to learn coastal skills and navigation delivered by chief mariner and owner, Stefan Fritz.  There will be a SUP skills clinic delivered by one of our SUP coaches and elite racers, aimed at all paddle levels, he will be covering everything you need to know from the anatomy of your board, paddling basics all the way though to racing and more advanced levels. No matter your skill level, there will be plenty of opportunities to grow, and not forgetting regular off-shore excursions to include hikes, local distilleries, castles. Lastly there is the chance to chill!

The great thing about this trip is that you can make it your own. So whether you fancy just sailing, and relaxing on board, touring the coastal areas, or SUP’ing your way through the seas you won’t miss out. You don’t have to have the best SUP skills, nor do you need to have an extensive knowledge of sailing, BUT you do need, a sense of adventure.

Do you have to have a good level of sailing and SUP experience?

Up until last year, the closest I (Sarah) had ever been to sailing was playing with a makeshift stick boat on my local pond. Never did I ever believe that I would have the opportunity to sail a ship. The experienced and extremely knowledgeable crew will teach you as much as you want to know. This expedition is open to everyone, never SUP’ed before? No problem, with every booking you will be entitled to 3 free trips in London to equip you with the essential skills needed to safety navigate on your board.  From novices to experienced racers, this is trip is suitable for all!

Sounds like this is an expedition not to be missed, how can customers sign up?

For more information, visit our website or join the conversation on our facebook page. Bookings can be made via our website’s calendar . Book now and save £100 with our Early Bird Special, running until the 31^st March 2018. The price includes all kit (including safety kit, meals and accommodation).

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@active360.co.uk.

We also have competition running to win a 3-hour beginner SUP session with Active360, at Kew Bridge or Paddington Basin in London, UK. Experience London’s Waterways from a different perspective, whilst building the basic skills needed to SUP with confidence.

To enter, send the correct answer to the question below to info@active360.co.uk.

What kind of tall ship is the Lady of Avenel?

1. 209ft 3-mast Schooner
2. 102ft Brigantine Square Rigger
3. 106ft Gaff Sloop

Competition closes 31^st March 2018.