Anam Cara Fasgadh Canoe Challenges
Canoe & Kayak Challenge 2025
The Anam Cara Fasgadh Canoe & Kayak Challenge will return in 2025.
Anam Cara Fasgadh is delighted to invite challengers to join us to take on Loch Lomond, one of our most iconic Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands.
We are once again teaming up with our friends at In Your Element to run our biggest challenge to date. Taking place over Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April 2025, teams will take on the 36.4 km expanse of Loch Lomond and the hefty heights of Ben Lomond, bagging a Munro into the bargain! We can welcome 16 paddlers and 20 climbers. Participants can choose to canoe and climb, or they can choose just to canoe or just to climb.
This will be a 2 day trip however a briefing session will be held on the evening of Friday 4th April for those taking part.
Day 1 – Paddlers meet at Lomond Shores at 8.30am. We will paddle towards Cashel Campsite (4 hours paddling time) where those who are taking part in the climb will meet us. Then it’s time to tackle Ben Lomond!
Day 2 - Canoeists set off at 8am on the Sunday morning to paddle the remaining 7-8 hours before reaching their end goal in Ardlui.
We ask for a non-refundable £25 registration fee and once you register you agree to raise the following minimum sponsorship amounts to cover the costs of the equipment and guides for the weekend:
Climb only £170
Canoe only £380
Canoe & Climb £480
How can I raise funds?
You can raise funds by various means (eg events, corporate sponsorship, etc.) as well as through online and paper sponsorship. Our team at Anam Cara Fasgadh will be in touch when you sign up
Is there a minimum participation age?
Yes, the minimum age for canoeing is 16 and for the climb is 10.
Can I take part if I haven’t used a canoe before?
Yes however, we would advise that you attend a local canoe club in order to gain more from the challenge and you must attend the briefing session on Friday 5th September.
What is provided on this challenge?
2 canoe guides/ hill guides - Saturday and Sunday.
1 shore-based member of staff with 9-seater minibus on the Saturday only.
All canoe equipment and buoyancy aids, including 60 litre watertight barrels or dry bags for each person in the canoes.
Liability insurance.
Is food provided?
All participants must provide their own food and beverages for the duration of the challenge.
Do I have to pay for the campsite?
Yes, we have booked the campsite but require £16 per solo tent and £32 per double tent – we will invoice this to you after the event.
Do I have to bring my own camping equipment?
Yes but you can hire a tent and sleeping mats from our guides In Your Element.
Do I have to camp?
No, you can book in to accommodation nearby but must have your own transport to get you there at the end of the challenge day.
Do you have a suggested kit list?
Yes, please find this at https://iye.scot/top-tips-canoe-kit/
Do you have a question not answered here? Email Irene on info@anamcarafasgadh.org or message Susan on 07771358382.
Thank you for helping to make a difference.
To register, click this link ~ Lomond Canoe and Climb for Anam Cara Fasgadh 2025 | Anam Cara Fasgadh (enthuse.com)
2022
Anam Cara Fasgadh’s 1st Canoe Challenge was hosted by cofounder Susan Simpson, with the support of Aileen Thomson, from 11-14 April 2022.
Over 4 days the team battled headwinds and rain to traverse the 95km journey crossing Scotland from west to east, with 22 miles of canal and 4 Lochs - Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness, and Loch Dochfour.
Pushed back due to the challenging weather conditions, their fabulous guide Stewart from In Your Element - Scotland made the safety call to have the team complete part of Loch Ness today and a weary but triumphant team finished back at Fort Augustus.
The team raised over £4,500 for Anam Cara Fasgadh, and have taken away so many amazing memories from an incredible challenge.