Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre is in the northwest Highlands of Scotland amongst some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and surrounded by amazing wildlife. The centre is owned and managed by Cory Jones who is an Endorsed Guide who decided to become a Delivery Partner earlier this year. 

Cory moved to Scotland in 2010 after spending much of his career working in the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. He began sea kayaking and canoeing on the coastal and freshwater lochs of the area. “There are some unique places here and we are based within the UNESCO Wester Ross Biodiversity Reserve. As well as amazing sea cliffs and caves to explore, there are sheltered bays and iconic lochs like loch Maree that are all on our doorstep”.

"I began taking groups sea kayaking five years ago, with just a trailer and a van. I would meet clients at a kayaking spot and take them on exceptional journeys around the area. I then added canoeing to our portfolio of activities, and we are blessed to have Loch Maree on our doorstep. Clients get to experience the areas wildlife and landscapes."

After a few years Cory was given the opportunity to base his kayaking experiences out of a local hotel on the shores of Gairloch. Shieldaig Lodge Hotel converted their loch shore boat house to store sea kayaks and gave the newly branded Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre the opportunity to launch straight out into Shieldaig Bay on Gairloch.

"The business has grown and grown. Having a base has made life easier for us to run sea kayaking experiences and the grow of the NC500 (North Coast 500 tourist route) has brought new customers to our venture. Covid apart, the centre has grown in size and scale of operations each year. We are now employing two instructors during the main summer season."

In 2019 Gairloch Canoe and Kayak Centre won the category for the Best Outdoor Adventure Experience in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and went on to be a finalist in the VisitScotland Thistle Awards 2020.

"In 2021, I decided to become a British Canoeing Delivery Partner as the scheme adds credibility to our operations. The additional marketing and web presence offered as part of the package can only benefit us over the years to come. Looking to the future, we now have a good local following of customers who come back to us regularly and we will be starting to offer them Start, Discover and Explore Awards."

Become a Delivery Partner

Becoming a Delivery Partner gives you the opportunity to join a supportive scheme to help you develop and grow your paddlesports activity. The partnership is aimed at the full array of paddlesport activity providers including outdoor centres, hire providers, tour guides, charities and small and large organisations providing paddlesport activity, as well as coaches, leaders and guides.

Choose from our Gold, Silver or Bronze packages of support, each including a variety of benefits. Find out more and become a Partner today!