Otter’s Tail
Otter’s Tail
5
Full view
About
You'll find us beside the yacht club building at Lamlash Pier. If you stand at the top of the pier, looking out to sea, head to your left along the hard and you'll see us on the left hand side of the lane leading up to the yacht club boat shed.
Lamlash, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
128 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Seonaid H
Loanhead, UK35 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Cannot recommend Andy and Otter’s Tail enough! We had an amazing afternoon gorge walking. Following clear instructions via email for what to expect, where to meet etc, we met Andy and his wife who kitted us out in wetsuits and safety gear before heading up to the gorge. Andy stopped on route to show us some extra wee bits on the way and made the whole experience completely personalised to us. Once up at the gorge Andy was easy to talk to, full of knowledge and fully committed to ensuring we had a great time! We walked, climbed, swam and jumped our way up and down the gorge, always feeling completely safe with Andy’s direction, with the added bonus of some photos and videos being sent over that evening. We would 100% recommend Otter’s Tail to anyone looking to do something a bit more active on Arran.
Written 18 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sian
Burnley, UK3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Ellie was brilliant from the first enquiry. My partner and I have three boys with us, 12, 20 and 23 so keeping everyone happy isn’t always easy. We are of mixed ability with my partner often reminding us ‘he used to be a sea cadet’ 🤣 but the rest of us mixed confidence, fitness and seaworthiness! So kayaking in the sea seemed and odd choice but I need not have worried. Ellie did everything from reassuring those of us carry them odd extra pounds that we would make it into a wet suit, to giving us the confidence that we would manage to stay afloat.
We had a phenomenal time around the coastline and got prime views of Holy island, the salmon, lots of birds and the friendly seals who kept popping up to say hello!
Ellie kept us entertained with local anecdotes alongside some friendly competitive action and I simply couldn’t have wished for a better day.
Yes, we are all exhausted sat by the fire now but was it worth every Penny? ABSOLUTELY!
If you get chance, do it! Even if it’s cold and windy. And if you are brave enough, and the tide is in, leap into the sea off the pier. Icing on the cake.
Thanks Ellie for a fabulous day ❤️💙💙💙💙
We had a phenomenal time around the coastline and got prime views of Holy island, the salmon, lots of birds and the friendly seals who kept popping up to say hello!
Ellie kept us entertained with local anecdotes alongside some friendly competitive action and I simply couldn’t have wished for a better day.
Yes, we are all exhausted sat by the fire now but was it worth every Penny? ABSOLUTELY!
If you get chance, do it! Even if it’s cold and windy. And if you are brave enough, and the tide is in, leap into the sea off the pier. Icing on the cake.
Thanks Ellie for a fabulous day ❤️💙💙💙💙
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Sian :-) You guys were great fun, and thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely review :-)
Written 25 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa A
1 contribution
Aug 2023
Andy and Ellie are a delightful couple. Booking was so personable and easy and what a warm welcome we received when we arrived early one beautiful morning at Lamlash Pier to sea kayak. Andy had us laughing and kitted up in no time, Mum, 4 teenagers and a little one in wetsuits, cagouls and life jackets ready with oars and boats. The water was like glass and it wasn't long before we saw our first seals. Holy Island looked stunning as we paddled our way across the bay searching for starfish, jellyfish and sea urchins. The teenagers loved racing one another and Mum had time to relax and chill taking in the beauty around us. Thankyou for such a happy morning Andy, you took such care in making this a memorable activity and we can't wait to come back!
Lisa, Rosie, Scott, Benito, Valentino and Florence :-)
Lisa, Rosie, Scott, Benito, Valentino and Florence :-)
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J K
London, UK20 contributions
Jul 2021
Had a lovely afternoon paddling with Otter's Tail. We saw seals and otters, visited an island and jumped off a jetty.
We booked the kayaking last minute over the phone. Otter’s Tail were very helpful and friendly and sorted us out straight away.
My daughter (12 years old) and I joined a group of 6 lead by Andy. All the equipment was provided. We chose single kayaks, they all had doubles. After an introduction to kayaking and safety chiton on land given by Andy, we were off.
We paddled over to Holy Island. The pace was comfortable. Andy through in some challenges and a prize! Near Holy island a seal popped up and followed us. The bird around the island are plentiful and were swooping out over the water. As in the name an otter appeared, scampering over the rocks, looking for and catching its food. We had a quick walk on the island and then paddled back round the edge of island followed by the inquisitive seal, that seemed quite happy to play with us. Arriving at the island's jetty, we stopped on beach and took a swim from the jetty.
A nice paddle back.
Relaxed, fun, friendly. We will happily do it again.
We booked the kayaking last minute over the phone. Otter’s Tail were very helpful and friendly and sorted us out straight away.
My daughter (12 years old) and I joined a group of 6 lead by Andy. All the equipment was provided. We chose single kayaks, they all had doubles. After an introduction to kayaking and safety chiton on land given by Andy, we were off.
We paddled over to Holy Island. The pace was comfortable. Andy through in some challenges and a prize! Near Holy island a seal popped up and followed us. The bird around the island are plentiful and were swooping out over the water. As in the name an otter appeared, scampering over the rocks, looking for and catching its food. We had a quick walk on the island and then paddled back round the edge of island followed by the inquisitive seal, that seemed quite happy to play with us. Arriving at the island's jetty, we stopped on beach and took a swim from the jetty.
A nice paddle back.
Relaxed, fun, friendly. We will happily do it again.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big Andy D
Morpeth, UK5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We’re so glad that we happened upon Otter’s Tail during a Google search of things to do on Arran. What a little gem of an operation!
We’ve visited Arran a number of times in the last few years, but until now, had never indulged in anything more adventurous than some walking in the outstanding wild landscapes. We’re a family of four; 2 slightly out of shape adults, and 2 girls, aged 12 and 13, and all of us complete novices. The activities on offer seemed like a lot of fun, and the girls were very keen to give them a go.
The website has plenty of information about the activities, including videos to help understand what’s involved, and is easy to navigate. Responses to enquiries were very quick, and we found the owners very easy to deal with right from first contact.
When we arrived on Arran, the weather was less than ideal for our first activity (gorge walking) and the owners kept us fully up to date on whether or not the activity would be going ahead, and an assurance that we could rebook or accept a refund if it didn’t.
Fortunately, it did go ahead, and we absolutely loved it! We were kitted out at the main site in Lamlash, where there is ample parking and changing facilities, followed by a drive to the gorge. All the equipment needed is supplied (except for appropriate footwear), and it is all good quality and in good condition. The clothing was more than adequate to keep you warm in some rather fresh mountain water, and good quality dry robes were provided afterwards so that you could get changed on location at the gorge.
The activity itself is really well-managed, with my family forming part of a group of 7, led by one of the owners. Each stage of the activity is briefed, so that everyone knows what is going to happen, and how to perform it both safely, and to get maximum enjoyment.
We had also booked an evening sea kayak, heading out across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle and back. The weather was perfect, and made a fun activity even more enjoyable and memorable. Again, the equipment supplied was very good, and the activity well-briefed.
At no point during any of the 2 activities did I have any concerns for the welfare of my family, or about their ability to fully participate. It really is a wonderful set up, and accessible to a very wide range of ages and abilities.
Full credit to Andy and Ellie for making the whole experience such a wonderfully memorable couple of days, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Otter’s Tail to anybody wanting to have some outdoors fun whilst visiting Arran. We will absolutely be back to do it all again on our next trip to Arran.
We’ve visited Arran a number of times in the last few years, but until now, had never indulged in anything more adventurous than some walking in the outstanding wild landscapes. We’re a family of four; 2 slightly out of shape adults, and 2 girls, aged 12 and 13, and all of us complete novices. The activities on offer seemed like a lot of fun, and the girls were very keen to give them a go.
The website has plenty of information about the activities, including videos to help understand what’s involved, and is easy to navigate. Responses to enquiries were very quick, and we found the owners very easy to deal with right from first contact.
When we arrived on Arran, the weather was less than ideal for our first activity (gorge walking) and the owners kept us fully up to date on whether or not the activity would be going ahead, and an assurance that we could rebook or accept a refund if it didn’t.
Fortunately, it did go ahead, and we absolutely loved it! We were kitted out at the main site in Lamlash, where there is ample parking and changing facilities, followed by a drive to the gorge. All the equipment needed is supplied (except for appropriate footwear), and it is all good quality and in good condition. The clothing was more than adequate to keep you warm in some rather fresh mountain water, and good quality dry robes were provided afterwards so that you could get changed on location at the gorge.
The activity itself is really well-managed, with my family forming part of a group of 7, led by one of the owners. Each stage of the activity is briefed, so that everyone knows what is going to happen, and how to perform it both safely, and to get maximum enjoyment.
We had also booked an evening sea kayak, heading out across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle and back. The weather was perfect, and made a fun activity even more enjoyable and memorable. Again, the equipment supplied was very good, and the activity well-briefed.
At no point during any of the 2 activities did I have any concerns for the welfare of my family, or about their ability to fully participate. It really is a wonderful set up, and accessible to a very wide range of ages and abilities.
Full credit to Andy and Ellie for making the whole experience such a wonderfully memorable couple of days, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Otter’s Tail to anybody wanting to have some outdoors fun whilst visiting Arran. We will absolutely be back to do it all again on our next trip to Arran.
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thanks guys :-) That's made our day!
We are really glad that you enjoyed your time with us, and thank you so much for taking the time to write us your lovely review.
We'll look forward to seeing you again next time you are on Arran :-)
Written 18 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ailsa
Harrogate, UK6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
AMAZING. Andy took us out at 5am and we watched the sun rise while seals played next
to our kayaks. Our group included my 71 year old mum and my 9 year old daughter with no kayaking experience and both had a fab time. A must- do on Arran.
to our kayaks. Our group included my 71 year old mum and my 9 year old daughter with no kayaking experience and both had a fab time. A must- do on Arran.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shindig P
11 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
What a fantastic day! Andy and Elanor really know their stuff, and make sure everyone is safe and having a good time. Kayaking amoungst seals was wonderful and then as we paddled to pladda (a lighthoused island 4 miles off shore) we sat and watched otters play in the water!
Some of the kayaking was challenging but the leaders steered us safely through choppy waters, with lots of smiles and laughs and a few sea shanties along the way. What a treat of a day 😊
Some of the kayaking was challenging but the leaders steered us safely through choppy waters, with lots of smiles and laughs and a few sea shanties along the way. What a treat of a day 😊
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We had an awesome time gorge walking with Andy yesterday. An exciting, fun-packed afternoon with an adrenaline-fuelled jumping session at the end left everyone on a high. Andy’s easy-going leadership made us all feel safe and confident to push our boundaries. ‘Even people like me with ADHD and dyspraxia can have an amazing time and slide down waterfalls backwards like I did’ says Jamie aged 11. Can’t recommend Otter’s Tail highly enough.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Kialla, Australia9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Originally had planned the kayaking tour but Andy advised due to the wind being against us, the gorge walk would be a better option or even a refund if we wanted.
Decided on the gorge walking and had an amazing experience. We were challenged from the start but Andy was there to guide us and knew exactly when we needed assistance and when we were able to push through ourselves.
It's not often you find someone who obviously loves what they do, is an expert at it and is also a genuinely interesting person, so whichever activity you choose, I'm sure you will have an unbelievable time.
Also, thank you Andy for the Sandwich Station recommendation at Lochranza, luckily we managed to catch them on the last day before they closed for the winter. Brisket sandwich was a winner.
Decided on the gorge walking and had an amazing experience. We were challenged from the start but Andy was there to guide us and knew exactly when we needed assistance and when we were able to push through ourselves.
It's not often you find someone who obviously loves what they do, is an expert at it and is also a genuinely interesting person, so whichever activity you choose, I'm sure you will have an unbelievable time.
Also, thank you Andy for the Sandwich Station recommendation at Lochranza, luckily we managed to catch them on the last day before they closed for the winter. Brisket sandwich was a winner.
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Paul :-)
Glad you enjoyed the gorge. Pretty much any sandwich from the Sandwich Station is a winner ;-)
Written 5 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colin M
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
An amazing evening sea kayak to Holy Island was the highlight of my 60th birthday break to Arran. Elanor and Andy are warm welcoming hosts who are informative enthusiastic and patient. The equipment was excellent. With another couple and Elanor we managed a 7.6km kayak, a short landing on the island and culminating in a return to Lamlash Pier as the sun set over the mountain behind the village. A truly memorable evening and I can not recommend this exhilarating experience to others enough.
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your lovely review. We’re so glad you enjoyed your paddle. :-)
Written 19 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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