Our Story
Kayaking in scotland – the journey so far
2014
The official launch of Outdoor Explore
Outdoor Explore was launched in August 2014 based in Blairgowrie, Perthshire offering a range of guided kayak tours and outdoor activities across Scotland. Working mainly with small groups and individuals we proudly offer the best customer service and hope to inspire our customers to respect, admire, and look after the beautiful environment Scotland has to offer.
in 2014 we made it our mission to clear the waterways in Tayside region. Since then, we have been running free trips for you to join us in our effort to make our local rivers, loch and sea a better place for all.
2015
Outdoor Explore very quickly started to expand our kayaking locations in Scotland. Moving further along the River Tay to Dundee to kayak on the beautiful River Tay estuary between places like Broughty Ferry and across to Tayport in Fife. Piotr made his first TV appearance when he came across dolphins just of the coast of Broughty Ferry beach.
Outdoor Explore very quickly started to expand our kayaking locations in Scotland. Moving further along the River Tay to Dundee to kayak on the beautiful River Tay estuary between places like Broughty Ferry and across to Tayport in Fife. Piotr made his first TV appearance when he came across dolphins just of the coast of Broughty Ferry beach.
2016
Perth City was the next stop on the Outdoor Explore tour with regular trips along the River Tay from Perth to Dundee. Piotr and the team made sure that hundreds of customers enjoyed castles, historical fishery huts, stunning scenery, and amazing wildlife along the way. Working in partnership with local experts, council, landowners, and other water users Outdoor Explore started offering great short or long trips between Perth, Newburgh, Wormit, Newport, Dundee, and Broughty Ferry.
2017
In February 2017 we opened our outdoor hub, tourist information centre, paddle, and cycle shop in Alyth where we served great coffee and home-baked cakes. This project included restoring an old church, The Barony. This was a collaboration with our great friends from Alyth Cycles.
2018
Piotr was asked by a local Alyth man if he was interested in an old – very old – boat. Piotr replied: “Silly question, if a kayak is involved, there is always a happy grin on my face.” The man had built the kayak himself with his father in the 1950s and used to take it on mini-adventures in the local area. It was still its original green colour and came with paddles, outfitting, and seats and was, according to Piotr, in good condition for its age.
The boat was 50 years old, handcrafted, made of wood and canvas, but quite fragile. Piotr and friend from Special Branch Baskets decided to restore the boat and take it on one last adventure 85km from Killin to Meikleour near Blairgowrie. It took the duo 14 hours and 32 minutes, and the boat lasted fine. Piotr said ‘It was tiring, scary at times and we were challenged to the limits in terms of fitness levels and psychological approach’
A film documenting the journey, created by Morrocco Media, is showing at many adventure film festivals throughout the UK, including Kendal Mountain Festival and even coming second at the Aviemore Mountain Film Festival in 2018.
2019
In 2019 we moved back to Blairgowrie to a fantastic spot just metres from the fabulous River Ericht. Outdoor Explore also featured on BBC’s Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith on a kayak safari as she went on the lookout for Scotland’s newest native species the Eurasian Beaver. Hunted to extinction in the 16th Century, the beaver has now been officially reintroduced to the UK.
2020
We all know how 2020 caught us all surprise. Still, as soon as we could we re-opened our services delivering our guided tours in more amazing destinations than every before. We did spent time upgrading our kit, meeting new people and even expanding our team to catch up of the summer-time eqnuiries.
2021
Starting 2021 with another ‘lockdown mode’ still on across the UK we did have more time to come up with the new ideas. In April 2021 we decided to expand and we launched OUTDOOR EXPLORE WALES! How amazing is that? Under the management by our long time staff member, and friend, Martin, we offer guided paddle board tours, tuition and hire in South Wales. So if you ever in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Brecon area, look us up. Follow this link to see Outdoor Explore Wales website.
MEET THE TEAM AT OUTDOOR EXPLORE
Guides | Instructors | Teachers | Leaders
Over the years we met many great teachers, interesting guides, inspiring leaders, and highly qualified instructors along the way. They share a similar passion and enthusiasm form the outdoor’s as Outdoor Explore and many have come on board to help us provide unforgettable experiences. We hope you get to meet the team very soon.