A Canoeing and Bushcraft Weekend with Anyone Can in Scotland
This experience was gifted to us by Anyone Can
Picture this: a breath-taking adapted canoeing and bushcraft weekend on the enchanting Loch Lomond in Scotland, where six adventurous individuals, including myself, embarked on an unforgettable journey. It was a weekend of fun, courage and discovery, all made possible by the incredible team at Anyone Can - led by the dynamic duo, Chris and Vicky. You can watch the video here, or read on for the blog (or do both, why not!)
Let me introduce you to our fabulous crew: myself, my wife Kirsty, and our soon-to-be friends Laura, and James. Laura, James, and I are wheelchair users; thanks to Anyone Can's extensive experience and exceptional planning, that didn't deter us from embracing this daring adventure.
We kicked off our epic voyage from Balloch, where we assembled the outriggers (like stabilisers for canoes, to stop us tipping!) and loaded all of our kit. Anyone Can sent a packing list to us beforehand so we knew exactly what to bring, and they can provide things like waterproofs, sleeping bags etc if you don’t happen to have them. They provide the canoes of course, along with tents, food, and cooking equipment. For the canoes, we were given the option of various backrests and gel cushions for support and comfort. The canoes were pulled onto dry land for us to transfer into, and it’s a fairly level transfer.
We started by paddling our canoes toward the mystical Inchcailloch Island. The journey was both tranquil and exciting as we glided across the shimmering waters of Loch Lomond with our wheelchairs in the canoes with us. Our first stop was a random stony beach, where we indulged in a scrumptious lunch under the open sky. Now, I must admit, my arm weakness posed a challenge, but that's where Vicky came to the rescue, strapping her canoe to ours so I could take a well-deserved rest without missing out on the fun. Vicky and Chris are always ready to help; we were told at the start of the trip, “We’ll work on the premise that you’ll ask for help if you need it.” That said, they both regularly, casually checked in to make sure we were all happy.
While we all continued to paddle along, Chris zoomed ahead in the powerboat to set up camp for us on the island. Rain or shine, this team knew how to make every moment special. Speaking of weather, Mother Nature decided to surprise us with intermittent showers, and at times, it poured cats and dogs. But hey, we were on an adventure, and a little rain couldn't dampen our spirits.
Photo kindly provided by Anyone Can
Finally, we reached our island haven - Inchcailloch. It’s a rough sandy shore, so I definitely needed some assistance to wheel up to the camp area, which is firm grass and easy enough to wheel about on. Once we were settled, nice and dry under the tarpaulin, the bushcraft part of the trip could begin. Chris and Vicky guided us through the process of building a fire from scratch, no matches or lighters involved! With laughter and determination, we came together to prepare a three-course meal over the crackling flames.
First up, a soul-warming soup. Next, we unleashed our inner culinary artists to create mouthwatering pizzas with a twist of wilderness charm (by which I mean, there may have been a bug in Kirsty’s pizza). But the pièce de résistance was the heavenly apple crumble, sweet and sticky, and slightly charred from the flames. Together, we enjoyed our scrumptious feast, feeling a deep sense of pride in what we had achieved.
As night fell, we settled into cosy bell tents, seeking shelter from the rain. I had a raised camp bed, and Kirsty opted for an inflatable mattress. If I’d chosen a mattress I would’ve had the option of a transfer board to help me get onto the floor. Room was tight in the tent, but we made it work. Our island abode offered an accessible toilet, accessed by wooden boardwalks, though the toilet did have a sizable door threshold. But Chris and Vicky's preparedness was exemplary, as they had thoughtfully provided a portable accessible toilet near our tents. This toilet was even ‘on-call’ while were out canoeing, with Chris offering to meet us anywhere with the loo should nature call! That's what I call a team that thinks ahead.
The following morning we had hot rolls for breakfast, juice, tea and even real coffee. It was incredibly windy, and although we had planned to canoe at least halfway back to Balloch, it was decided that the safest option was to all head back on the powerboat. You might think that was a bit disappointing - not when you get to drive the speedboat it isn’t! We all piled in and I took the wheel - well, until it got too choppy and needed someone with a lot more expertise to take over. Chris drove and we enjoyed the sights as we headed back to Balloch.
This adventure was about conquering challenges and embracing the unexpected. You might be thinking, “Beaches, islands, camping - none of this sounds accessible!” You are technically right, but if you’re happy to accept support and assistance then it’s possible to make it work. I’ve never been keen on accepting assistance but Vicky and Chris made it very relaxed, and I had no issue asking for what I needed to make the trip work for me. Even in advance of the trip, I received the Anyone Can questionnaire where it was explained to me what options and facilities were available - such as as a comfortable back support for in the canoe, or a raised bed for in the tent.
The magic of Anyone Can lies in their unwavering belief that adventure knows no boundaries. They curate experiences that are challenging yet made accessible, empowering individuals with a can-do attitude to realise their full potential. Chris and Vicky are more than guides; they are catalysts for life-changing moments.
So, to all you thrill-seekers out there, I say this: embrace the outdoors, and let Anyone Can show you a world of possibilities. Pack your adventurous spirit and get ready for an experience that will leave you inspired, encouraged, and with a heart full of laughter. Remember, you're never alone in the wilderness - there are friends waiting to be found, even if they start as strangers.
Until the next daring escapade, keep exploring, keep embracing, and keep living your adventure-filled dreams! Scroll back up to watch the YouTube video if you want to see the adventure in action, and feel free to comment below with any questions you have.
Adventure awaits,
