Expeditions & Journeys - Overview
Summer 2010

Are you seeking a wilderness adventure off the beaten path in the West and North of the Scottish Highlands-one that offers physical challenge, new experiences - yet provides you with opportunities for reflection and solitude?
Join one of our open canoeing, sea kayaking, open boat sailing, backpacking or hiking base camp expeditions in one of the last of the European pure wilderness locations. In summer our high latitude places us in almost constant summer light.

For more than four decades, we have explored steep west coast rivers, wild coasts, and large inland stretches of some of the deepest fresh water lochs formed during glacial times; along with fjord-like sea lochs, rugged mountain country, seeking out the unusual and the magnificent.

Snowgoose Mountain Centre, based near Fort William organizes adventure expeditions and day tours from the mountains and lochs off the far west coast of Scotland out to the fjord-like sea lochs and coastal areas off of Ardnamurchan, Knoydart, the Sound of Mull; the down the Linn of Lorne towards the open sea. Plus all inland lochs in between – Loch Sheil – Loch Arkaig – Loch Lochy – Loch Nevis – Loch Hourne and out to the Skerries off Arisaig and the Small Isles.

We can explore by foot or even a combination of foot, sail or canoe, north and west to the seemingly endless sweeping semi-high arctic, tundra- type plateau, peaks and ridges and mountains of the Nevis Ranges, Glencoe, Kintail and Glen Affric. These areas support sub arctic wildlife and fauna in unique geological areas.

Our journeys and expeditions can be supported, part supported or entirely self propelled and un-supported. The most usual scenario is for our wild land journeys to be self propelled from the point of drop off and are wholly self catered on a wild camping basis.

We believe that these  earth's wilder places offer a path for balancing the hectic pace of modern life with simplicity and a personal connection with the living landscape, other beings and indeed ourselves. Here we can all find solitude and silence. Entering the land on its own terms we accept, adapt to and use the rhythms of tides, wind, weather, and wildlife. We encounter natural ecosystems often almost uninterrupted by human hand, and experience the diverse and rich flora and fauna of our unique environment. We connect with each other in ways that are often not possible in our day-to-day lives. This is a very precious gift of our wild land environment.

By Sea Kayaks and Open Canoes

For 2007 we are including some of our old favourite expeditions, as well several new exploratory trips by open sailing boats down the 60 mile long Loch Linnhe to the open sea through into the Sound of Mull. Also included will be a reciprocal trip from Loch Sunnart round to Loch Aline in the Sound of Mull by Open Canoe then change over to open sailing boat to Fort William – and visa versa. We can also offer day tours on our inland lochs and out to the Skerries off Arisaig or along the sheltered coastal fringes looking out over the stunning views to the Inner Hebrides and Outer isles.

By Foot and with Open Sailing Boats and Open Canoes

In 2007 we will be journeying by open canoe, sea kayak or open sailing boats into more inaccessible and remote areas to travel further overland into even more remote mountain areas. This will give us access to rarely visited west coast mountain ranges from a different perspective.

By Foot 

Deep within our west coast mountains, long high ridges and forests there is magnificent trekking country with access to really wild mountain country within reach of hidden away hills and mountains. We have found that the use of our local train is often an excellent jumping off point for our mountain tours and journeys.

If you are up for something really different these are ideal as ideal “Returner Trips” for those of you who have travelled with us before or are interested in seeing a different side of Scotland’s west coast away from the usual tourist trails

Our team of guides consists of proven outdoor folks who have a wealth of outdoor travel – often world wide – along with vast knowledge and experience between them. John Cuthbertson who runs Snowgoose Mountain Centre with his wife is happy to share his passions and sense of humour to ensure that clients of all abilities enjoy the very best of experiences in Scotland outdoors.

“…. If you get a guide like ours called John who functions as a quick-drying agent of fraternal bonding. He lashed our little trio together tighter than any rope ever could”.
Robert Crampton. Journalist. The Times. 16th December 2006 – from a report on ascent of Ben Nevis on 5th December 2006 – in atrocious conditions!