Paddle Scotland

Over the last few years, I have fallen head over heels with paddleboarding in Scotland, so I was delighted to receive a copy of Alasdair’s new book ‘Paddle Scotland’. I know Ally through the Water Skills Academy, so I knew I was in for a treat with his background in instructing, adventure guiding, and running Glasgow Paddleboarders. Plus, I was lucky enough to have a few of my photos featured, and with 125,000km of rivers, over 27,000 lochs, and 800 islands, Scotland has great appeal not only for paddleboarders but canoeists and kayakers alike.

The book covers all the regions of Scotland from south to north, east and west coasts, the sublime Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to the Scottish Highlands and islands, including Mull, Arran, and the Outer Hebrides. It is designed for paddlers of all abilities. There is a simple difficulty rating and a clear map for all routes and distances ranging from short paddles to epic day trip adventures. For the islands, local providers are listed separately towards the book’s end.

Each region’s chapter begins with an overview of the whole area, including local providers, and then a personal anecdote from Ally, which certainly gives life and personality to that region.

The routes include ‘The Lowdown’, which covers difficulty, distance, parking (What3Words), launch point, and water type, which can be anything from a graded river to a stunning loch. Local history, the paddle route, wildlife, and food stops are also included. Other knowledge like local waterfalls, a famous Munro, or local businesses are all there, interspersed with inspirational photographs.

You know this book is written by a local as a wealth of information is included for each paddle adventure. Our favourite quote in the book is, “Get out a map, close your eyes and point. There will be water near your finger that will likely be worth paddling,” and with names like Bow Fiddle Rock, the Rabbit Islands of Talmine, and Loch Awe to choose from, who could not be excited about exploring the rugged beauty that is Scotland.

With only a few visits under my belt, I know I haven’t touched the sides with my SUP adventures in Scotland, and this impressive book will truly inspire me to explore some more. Paddle Scotland is available to pre-order and perfect timing for your Scottish adventures in 2023 at £15.29.