Ingenious Expeditions

Join an Ingenious Expedition. Check out our list of upcoming expeditions below.

Expeditions amplify the personal experiences of all those involved, making them a powerful medium for change and introspection, as well as building relationships outside societal boundaries.

Expeditions provide an essential platform for science and fieldwork, and a level playing field for researchers and participants to be involved and immersed in the great outdoors.

An Ingenious Expedition is a dynamic, inclusive journey, undertaken in a wilderness area. They are person-centred and low-carbon.
Ingenious explorers are supported throughout with professional-led training, preparation and guidance, as well as cutting-edge inclusive outdoor equipment to meet their chosen expedition aim.

As an ingenious explorer, you can dare to challenge yourself physically and mentally – step outside your comfort zone and into the wild. Gain treasured memories, a deeper understanding of yourself, recognition that you can do great things, and a new outlook on life and its possibilities.

Lead an Ingenious Expedition
As a leader or advocate, you can positively contribute to the development and support of a diverse range of explorers, facilitate a trans-formative experience and be part of an amazing team of like-minded people.

Sponsor the Ingenious Expedition Program
As a sponsor, you will directly support the success of the venture and its contribution to knowledge by a wider range of people. You will prompt societal and personal change, and promote inclusion in outdoor adventure.

Join an Ingenious Expedition – get in touch today!

Canoe the Great Glen 2024

The Great Glen offers a classic canoe trip from coast to coast, following an ancient route through the Highlands that has been used since time immemorial to journey through the rugged and mountainous landscape of northern Scotland.

Our adventure begins near Fort William (FW), and for the next five days we will paddle our way northeast along several lochs and sections of the Caledonian Canal, culminating in the famous waters of Loch Ness.

This is old school journeying at a slow pace where we can take in the detail of the scenes around us. Enjoy the sound satisfaction of every mile earned by honest hard work.

Grading, Challenge and Difficulty

While no previous experience is required for this trip, some previous canoeing experience along with a good level of fitness will be helpful. Paddling on Canal and Loch we will provide coaching and guidance along the way. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are appropriately fit and capable for the grade of the trip you wish to join.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable at times which can make activities more challenging, so please bear this in mind when booking. We will work with you during your booking process to help ensure that you are matched to a journey that will allow your to explore your limits in safe and sustainable manner.

Safety and Comfort

Your Equal Adventure Mentor will guide and coach you through your journey to help you develop your independence and safe efficient performance.

As with all great adventure plans thinking ahead helps, so we would ask you to help us understand your needs prior to the journey so that you can make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Accommodation Description

On this trip, we wild camp beside the river each night. We provide tents and also carry a base camp tipi, which means that we can all gather together for dinner and a hot drink even if the weather is inclement. If you require a single tent we are happy to provide this, but otherwise, we do ask that those who are happy to share a tent with other travellers do so. This helps to keep our camp size small, giving us more options of where to pitch and reducing our environmental impact on these precious places.

Key Facts

- Accommodation Type – Supported Wilderness Camping
- Geographical Area – Scottish Highlands / Great Glen
- Nights Accommodation – 5
- Days Activity: 6
- Price From (£) 750.00
- Deposit (£) 500.00
- Min Group Size: 6
- Max Group Size: 8

Ethics and Inclusion

Equal Adventure Charity has inclusion and sustainability at the heart of its values, mission and practice. Our team will work hard behind the scenes to help ensure that your venture with Equal Adventure is minimized in terms of its Carbon Footprint and is as low impact as possible. This includes being culturally and environmentally aware and practice in our leave no trace and positive relationships with both the environment and communities you will travel through with us.

Itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary (dependent on weather and water levels).

Day 1 – Neptune’s Staircase to Loch Lochy

This section is on the Caledonian Canal with Night 1 Camp at the start of Loch Lochy. This section allows for time to practice canoeing skills & get clients comfortable in the boat. Paddling at a leisurely pace for the day to get clients warmed up for their journey. Take time to go through packing equipment, how to get in / out the boats, general tips and on water safety. You should aim to arrive at camp to allow for time to go over setting up of tents, leave no trace procedures & SOAC. If you get to camp and feel you have time on your hands after the portage & tent chat – then popping on the water for another skills session for a paddle out into Loch Lochy is an option. The paddle ends with the portage from the Canal up to the start of the Loch.

Day 2 – Loch Lochy to Loch Oich

Paddling the North side of Loch Lochy is recommended as the sound of the main road is eliminated. It is a lovely paddle along one of the longer lochs of the Great Glen, steep mountains really showcasing the Glens of Scotland – with views behind of Ben Nevis.

Day 3 – Loch Oich to Loch Ness

This day starts off a short section on the Canal before entering Loch Oich. Paddling the North side of the Loch allows you to stop at the Well of the 7 Heads for a leg stretch & tell the history behind the monument & also view what is left of Invergarry Castle from the water. As we approach the end of the Loch we head back onto the Caledonian Canal, ending our day in Fort Augustus.

Day 4 – Loch Ness to Foyers

This is a committing paddle as there are little options for get outs until we reach the camp for the evening. There is a stoney beach / headland with a stand alone tree that is a great spot for lunch at (GR NH451 157).

You may see wild goats on this south side of Loch Ness – usually around the Horse Shoe Crag area. Our camp site for the evening will be the commercial site at Foyers.

Day 5 – Foyers to Dores

Our last paddling day takes us from Foyers to Dores This route passes the big hydro dam system at Foyers, small hamlet of Inverfarigaig, Mowai Fish Farm & a house that owns pet llamas that can be seen from the Loch most days. We will finish with a celebratory drink at the Dores Inn before returning to our campsite at Foyers for a last evening meal together.

Day 6 – Returning to Inverness from Foyers Camp site

After breakfast we will visit the falls at Foyers before returning you to Inverness Railway station.

Note –

This trip is very water dependent and there may be times when we have to end our Great Glen crossing at other places on the Great Glen Trail due to the safety of group participants. In this case we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

What is Included

- - 5 nights wild camping.
  - All meals, from lunch on day of arrival through to breakfast on day of departure.
  - All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing at Aviemore Railway Station.
  - The services of experienced and knowledgeable canoe guides / driver throughout your trip.
  - All group equipment including tents, group safety equipment and cooking/eating equipment and utensils. Please note that sleeping bags are not included but are available for hire.
  - All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids.
  - Virtual pre journey briefing

Meals

Great food is essential to all our trips and expeditions are no different. While the guide will co-ordinate the cooking and help out, everyone is asked to lend a hand as this ensures the best meals in the shortest possible time after long days. We will carry plenty of food to cater a varied and satisfying menu throughout the trip. Dietary requirements can still be catered for but please ensure we know at the time of booking. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Equipment List

A full equipment list will be sent to you as part of your booking.

Arrival and Departure Information

You will be met by your Equal Adventure Leader at Fort William Railway Station at 11am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness Railway Station for 12.00pm on the final day of the trip.

Before and After Your Journey

Prior to your journey the EA team will work with you to ensure that you are reasonably prepared for your venture. This will will include advice on pre and post journey booking and travel.

Booking Guarantee

We guarantee that this journey will run as long as six people are booked. There are a maximim of eight places on this journey.

Our adventure promise.

- We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 6 people have booked
- Maximum of 8 places available per departure.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Equal Adventure Mentor with regard to weather conditions and other factors

Loch Shiel and Loch Moidart 2024

This challenging wilderness trip explores one of the most pristine natural areas of Scotland. We will journey into a remote region of lochs and mountains journeying by canoe and wild camping by night.

We will enjoy an inherently flexible itinerary and plan our trip day by day as we travel based on the conditions. This is a true wilderness trip, a long way from the nearest road or town and we are unlikely to meet other people during our adventure. At night we wild camp where we please on small islands and sandy coves, enjoying the spectacular views all around.

Grading, Challenge and Difficulty

This trip is suitable for people with some previous experience in canoeing and have a good level of fitness. This is a very physically demanding trip as we canoe on wild lochs, hike remote routes on rough ground, portage our boats from loch to loch and camp in wild terrain. We will be active for up to 8 hours each day. The canoeing will be on flat-water lochs but this can be challenging in windy conditions and we may experience some waves. We will also portage our canoes over a short portage and paddle on the shiel river for a short distance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are appropriately fit and capable for the grade of the trip you wish to join. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable at times which can make activities more challenging, so please bear this in mind when booking. If our guides at any point feel you cannot complete a scheduled activity, they may ask you not to join that day; this would be for your safety and the well-being of the group. If you are unsure about your ability, please don’t hesitate to give our Adventure Consultants a call.

On this trip we wild camp in spectacular locations. These are often remote and hard to reach on foot alone, adding to their appeal. We provide tents and also carry a base camp tipi, which means that we can all gather together for dinner and a hot drink even if the weather is inclement.

Safety and Comfort

Your Equal Adventure Mentor will guide and coach you through your journey to help you develop your independence and safe efficient performance. As with all great adventure plans thinking ahead helps, so we would ask you to help us understand your needs prior to the journey so that you can make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Accommodation Description

Key Facts

- Accommodation Type – Supported Wilderness Camping
- Geographical Area – West Highlands Scotland
- Nights Accommodation – 5
- Days Activity: 6
- Price From (£) 670.00
- Deposit (£) 250.00
- Min Group Size: 6
- Max Group Size: 8
- Guide Ratio 1:4

Ethics and Inclusion

- Carbon Footprint: Low Impact
- Inclusion
- Leave No Trace
- Cultural Respect

Itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary (dependent on weather and water levels).

Day 1 – Meet Fort William, transfer to Glenfinnan

This morning we will meet in Fort William and then transfer to Glenfinnan and our put-in at the head of Loch Shiel. Lunchtime will provide an opportunity to visit the renowned GlenFinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame) and the Jacobite Memorial to Bonny Prince Charlie and the 1775 rebellion. After loading the boats with everything we need for the following days of adventure we take to the water and paddle to our first camp-site, surrounded by wild country and towering mountains. (L, D)

Day 2 – Paddling Loch Shiel

Explore Loch Shiel making use of weather and water conditions and inspired by nature and imagination.

Day 3 – Paddling Loch Shiel and into Loch Moidart

Explore Loch Moidartmaking use of weather and water conditions and inspired by nature and imagination.

Day 4 – Exploring Loch Moidart

Explore Loch Moidart making use of weather and water conditions and inspired by nature and imagination.

Day 5 – Return to Inverness

On our final morning we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a final short paddle before we start the drive back through the Highlands to Fort William, arriving early afternoon. (B, L)

Note –

This trip is very water dependent and there may be times when we have to end our Loch Shiel crossing at other places on the Loch Shiel Journey due to the safety of group participants. In this case we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

What is Included

- - 5 nights wild camping.
  - All meals, from lunch on day of arrival through to breakfast on day of departure. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  - All transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing at Fort William Railway Station.
  - The services of experienced and knowledgeable canoe guides / driver throughout your trip.
  - All group equipment including tents, group safety equipment and cooking/eating equipment and utensils. Please note that sleeping bags are not included but are available for hire.
  - All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids.

Meals

Equipment List

A full equipment list will be sent to you on your booking.

Before and After Your Journey

Prior to your journey the EA team will work with you to ensure that you are reasonably prepared for your venture. This will will include advice on pre and post journey booking and travel.

Booking Guarantee

We guarantee that this journey will run as long as six people are booked. There are a maximim of eight places on this journey.

Our adventure promise.

- We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 6 people have booked
- Maximum of 8 places available per departure.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Equal Adventure Mentor with regard to weather conditions and other factors

Canoe the Scottish Highlands 2024

Canoe on silver lochs and flowing rivers, relax at charming Highland accommodation and learn new canoe skills in the company of an expert wilderness guide on this fantastic Scottish canoe adventure.

During the first half of the trip, we will be based in the Cairngorms National Park; we then transfer south and spend the second half in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park.

Grading, Challenge and Difficulty

Suitable for both beginners and intermediate canoeists, you will learn new skills and develop good technique while enjoying classic day trips on Scottish rivers and lochs. Whether it is your first time in a boat or you already know your J- stroke from your Pry, your guides will equip you with all you need to explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful paddling locations. This is a superb way to experience the landscape.

Safety and Comfort

Your Equal Adventure Mentor will guide and coach you through your journey to help you develop your independence and safe efficient performance. If during the journey your capacity for challenge or adventure changes your mentor will work with you to help you find an alternative activity. As with all great adventure plans thinking ahead helps, so we would ask you to help us understand your needs prior to the journey so that you can make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Accommodation Description

Your journey is based around two luxurious Lodges that we will use as a base to journey from daily.

Key Facts

- Accommodation Type – Comfortable Catering Journey Base Lodge
- Geographical Area – Scottish Highlands and Central Highlands, Cairngorm National Park / Rannoch & Tay Valley / Trossachs
- Nights Accommodation – 6
- Days Activity: 7
- Price From (£) 1750.00
- Deposit (£) 450.00
- Min Group Size: 6
- Max Group Size: 8
- Guiding Ratio 1:4

Ethics and Inclusion

Itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary (dependent on weather and water levels).

Day 1 – Meet and Greet and Loch Morlich

On our first day we meet at the train station in Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. Your guide will give everyone a welcome brief over a coffee before you transfer a short distance to the stunning Loch Morlich, overlooked by the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains. This is the perfect place for an introductory warm up paddle. Afterwards, transfer back to Aviemore and settle in at your accommodation for the next few nights.

Day 2 – The River Spey

Today we will enjoy a journey on an easy section of the River Spey. Starting from Boat of Garten we take to the river as it meanders gently through the woods and fields of the national park – a relaxing paddle during which we can continue to work on our skills. We will journey as far as the town of Grantown on Spey where we’ll then have the option of doing some coaching on a slightly faster easy rapid to learn the skills to master these enjoyable sections of water.

Day 3 – Loch Insh to Aviemore

This morning a short drive takes us to beautiful Loch Insh. Here we launch onto a woody section of flat river overlooked by an impressive Osprey nest – keep your eyes peeled for the birds! We’ll first make a circuit of Loch Insh, looking out for some of the many rare bird species that live here such as goldeneye ducks. Then we return to our launch point and continue down the river, paddling all the way back to Aviemore. The river is an easy paddle but there are a couple of very small rapids that will put our steering skills to the test! We arrive back at Aviemore conveniently outside one of the best pubs in the Highlands.

Day 4 – Loch Rannoch

This morning we depart the Cairngorms and transfer south for the second half of our trip. We’ll break up the journey with a paddle on Loch Rannoch – a quiet loch in the heart of the Highlands surrounded by hills and woods. Afterwards we continue south enjoying the great views of lochs and mountains before arriving at our accommodation in the valley of Stathyre.

Day 5 – Loch Tay to Aberfeldy

A true classic river journey for today’s outing. Starting in the stunning bay of Kenmore with views of Ben Lawers we paddle into the entrance of the River Tay and head downstream. There are several bouncy fun and bouncy rapids between here and our destination for the day – the village of Aberfeldy. On arrival, we can look forward to tucking into some great cake in one of central Scotland’s best cafes before heading back to Strathyre. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – The River Teith

Today a short transfer takes us to the town of Callander, and along the way we’ll maybe stop to have a look at the impressive Falls of Leny – but we won’t be paddling it! In Callander we set out on the River Teith and paddle to the village of Doune, where we will have a late lunch and then spend the afternoon exploring Doune Castle. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Loch Voil and Depart

On our last morning we will enjoy a last paddle together with an easy journey on Loch Voil, surrounded by hills and finishing in the village of Balquhidder. Here we also find the grave of the famous Rob Roy MacGregor which we’ll visit before finishing the trip. After loading the boats one last time we transfer to the town of Stirling where the trip will finish at the train station.

Notes –

The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of your guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.

What is Included

- 6 nights accommodation
- All meals, from lunch on day of arrival through to breakfast on day of departure. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All transport throughout the trip, starting at Aviemore and finishing at Stirling Railway Stations.
- The services of experienced and knowledgeable canoe guides / driver throughout your trip.
- All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids.

Please note that sleeping bags are not included but are available for hire.

Meals

Great food is essential to all our trips. All meals from Lunch on day one to Lunch on the last day will be provided by our resident chef.

Equipment List

A full equipment list will be sent to you as part of your booking.

Arrival and Departure Information

You will be met by your Equal Adventure Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 11am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Stirling Railway Station for 1.00pm on the final day of the trip.

Places to stay and see before and after your expedition with Equal Adventure.

Before and After Your Journey

Prior to your journey the EA team will work with you to ensure that you are reasonably prepared for your venture. This will will include advice on pre and post journey booking and travel.

Booking Guarantee

We guarantee that this journey will run as long as six people are booked. There are a maximim of eight places on this journey.

Our adventure promise.

- We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 6 people have booked
- Maximum of 8 places available per departure.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Equal Adventure Mentor with regard to weather conditions and other factors

Spey Descent 2024

Join us for an open canoeing expedition as we descend the famous River Spey, paddling through Speyside in the scenic North East Highlands. This classic Scottish river trip runs through pine forests, heather-covered hills and Scotland’s most celebrated whisky region.

Starting our journey on a gentle section of the river, we’ll practise different strokes and techniques as we go. The canoeing becomes more challenging as we travel downstream through several fun and exciting rapids.

As you journey along the river you’ll enjoy the pine forests on the riverbanks, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red squirrels, red deer and capercaillie. There’s always the chance of spotting ospreys, golden eagles and other large birds of prey overhead.

Adventurous days on the river will be balanced by tranquil nights in the campsites, where each evening we eat tasty meals and prepare you for the next day’s challenges.

Grading, Challenge and Difficulty

This canoeing journey is suitable for people with some previous canoeing experience and a good level of fitness. Since we are paddling on moving river waters, including several more exciting rapids (up to Grade 2) competence in steering the canoe is an essential skill from the beginning. You can expect up to 7 hours of paddling a day plus breaks.

Whilst Equal Adventure will make all efforts to ensure you are included in a safe and meaningful way, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are appropriately fit and capable for the grade of the trip you wish to join, please work with us so that we can meet your needs. The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable at times which can make activities more challenging, so please bear this in mind when booking. If our guides at any point feel you cannot complete a scheduled activity, they may ask you not to join that day; this would be for your safety and the well-being of the group. If you are unsure about your ability, please contact Equal Adventure so we can work with you to find the right journey for you.

Safety and Comfort

Accommodation Description

Key Facts

- Accommodation Type – Supported Wilderness Camping
- 5b Geographical – Spey Valley
- Nights Accommodation – 4
- Days Activity: 5
- Price From (£): 670.00
- Deposit (£): 250.00
- Min Group Size: 6
- Max Group Size: 8
- Guiding Ratio 1:4

Ethics and Inclusion

Equal Adventure Charity has inclusion and sustainability at the heart of its values, mission and practice. Our team will work hard behind the scenes to help ensure that your venture with Equal Adventure is minimized in terms of its Carbon Footprint and is as low impact as possible. This includes being culturally and environmentally aware and practiced in our leave no trace approach and our positive relationships with both the environment and the communities you will travel through with us.

Itinerary

Day by Day Itinerary (dependent on weather and water levels).

Day 1 – Boat of Garten to Boat of Balliefurth

Your mentor will meet you at the railway station in Aviemore and transfer you to our put-in point a short distance away. We will spend some time familiarising ourselves with the moving water environment before setting off on our journey. We move north-east, passing the village of Boat of Garten and the Abernethy Forest. Looking back, there are superb views of the Cairngorms Plateau. Our first nights camp will be on the edge of the forest at Boat of Bailliefurth.

Day 2 – Boat of Balliefurth to Blacksboat

Following breakfast, we’ll paddle into the heart of malt whisky country. As we reach the edge of Grantown-on-Spey.We’ll pass under a couple of road bridges and there will be time to work on the skills that will be essential when negotiating the rapids that lie ahead in the second half of the journey. We’ll put these skills to use at the end of the day with a trip through the short but exciting rapid known as the ‘Washing Machine’ before we reach our next camp.

Day 3 – Blacksboat to Craigellachie

Our moving water skills are tested today as we meet unforgettable rapids such as the Station Pool of Knockando, and numerous shorter rapids. We’ll also pass by a few small villages (most of which have a whisky distillery) before finishing close to the village of Craigellachie near the mouth of the River Fiddich.

Day 4 – Craigellachie to Spey Bay

Today we canoe along the final stretch of the Spey, where the valley widens as we approach the sea. We will put our new skills to good use on this stretch where the Spey twists its way through rolling rural farmland. We pass many beautiful pools and small islands before passing under a road bridge at Fochabers, where the coastal plain emerges and we travel alongside gravel banks before reaching our journey’s end at Spey Bay.

On completion of our journey we will transfer back to Craigellachie to enjoy a final dinner along with a well earned whiskey Tasting Session.

Day 5 – Craigellachie – Return to Aviemore

We will enjoy a final breakfast on this our last day. Following breakfast we will pack our gear and thence transfer back to Aviemore, through the Spey Valley, for the end of the trip.

Note –

This trip is very water dependent and In such instances we will adjust our itinerary accordingly. Your Mentor’s decisions in this respect will be final.

What is Included

4 nights wild camping. (2 people per tent)
All meals, from lunch on day of arrival through to lunch on day of departure.
All transport, starting and finishing in Aviemore.
The services of at least one experienced and knowledgeable canoe mentor/driver throughout your trip.
All group equipment including tents, group safety equipment and cooking/eating equipment and utensils.
Please note that sleeping bags are not included but are available for hire.
All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids
Pre journey video group call with follow up.

Meals

Great food is essential to all our trips and expeditions are no different. While your mentor will co-ordinate the cooking and help out, everyone is asked to lend a hand as this ensures the best meals in the shortest possible time after what are often long days. We will carry plenty of food to cater a varied and satisfying menu throughout the trip, and some of these may even be prepared on an open fire. Dietary requirements can still be catered for but please ensure we know at the time of booking.

Equipment List

A full equipment list will be sent to you as part of your booking.

Arrival and Departure Information

You will be met by your Equal Adventure Mentor at Aviemore Railway Station at 11am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Aviemore for 2:00pm on the final day of the trip.

Before and After Your Journey

Prior to your journey the EA team will work with you to ensure that you are reasonably prepared for your venture. This will will include advice on pre and post journey booking and travel.

Booking Guarantee

We guarantee that this journey will run as long as six people are booked. There are a maximim of eight places on this journey.

Our adventure promise.

- We guarantee this trip will run as soon as 6 people have booked
- Maximum of 8 places available per departure.

Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Equal Adventure Mentor with regard to weather conditions and other factors