Sea kayaking is exploration and adventure and should always be fun. From the seat of our kayaks we can reconnect with our childhood imagination and wonder. We can slip off the shore into worlds unknown where every island has a castle, where sea monsters are real and where whirlpools swallow great ships without warning. A place like say, Scotland.

In the summer of 2010 I will be heading out from my little house here in Great Lakes region of the United States, and across the sea to the city of Glasgow in Scotland. Just blocks from the airport I plan launch my sea kayak and head down the river Clyde out into the sea. From there  I will make my way north up the amazing west coast, and then inland once again and up Neptune’s Staircase into the Caledonian Canal, then on to Loch Ness, ending at Inverness on the East Coast of Scotland.

What makes this trip unique for me is simply the diversity of the route. Along the way I will paddle urban rivers, work my way around busy canals and take my kayak for walks down city streets. I will paddle in calm Lochs and with friends on the open ocean.

You are welcome to follow along with the adventure right here as well. Along the way we’ll visit with seals, otters, dolphins and all sort of amazing wildlife. We’ll see modern Scottish cities, laid back villages and ancient castles. We will pass the infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool and paddle where the whole of the ocean races under a small stone bridge. We may even taste a bit of Scotch! All of that is before we arrive at Loch Ness where I can’t help but do a bit of Nessie hunting.

As you can see I’ve posted all sorts of information about the trip and the places I will be visiting along the way. New content will be added regularly. You can also subscribe specifically to the Loch Ness trip blog for updates. I also expect to offer stories, photographs and video reports along the way. Stay tuned. .You never know what happen. It’s ok, neither do I.

*The Loch Ness with Urquhart Castle image above was created by Sam Fentress. CC.