Sherpa Expeditions makes hiking a pleasure by arranging the logistics so efficiently, leaving walkers to simply enjoy the experience. One important example of Sherpa efficiency is the arrangements they make to assure luggage gets to where it needs to be at the end of each day.
We booked a trip aboard the Fingal of Caledonia for 12 family members in May 2024. We had the time of our lives. We are active folks between 59 and 74 years old. Together we celebrated our common Scottish ancestry and joy in hiking and being outdoors. This trip was a treasure. Gordon Steer of Walkers Britain capably facilitated the arrangements (for we 12, a "charter" designation applied). The accommodations aboard the Fingal barge worked well - while cabins are understandably snug, each has a shower and toilet and sink, and clever storage areas. The social hub aboard the Fingal is remarkably spacious. It's well equipped for socializing and dining (+ there is a small bar). There is a "drying room" available for damp clothing. The canals, locks, and lochs we traveled through and moored at were scenic and mostly calm for our May trip. The daily walks are stunning and varied -- it's not just towpath walking, though -- the lochs are edged by high hills. Several days require fairly demanding switchback walks to get to logging roads and hiking trails above the lochs. The reward is a sequence of stunning views, good places to stop for lunch, and the peace of a day beautifully spent, when we returned to the barge for the overnight. Fingal's crew (Skipper Chris, Bosun Steve, Chef Kevin and Guide Micheál) was outstanding. They are seasoned hosts and crew, and brightened our time on board. Micheál was an outstanding guide on the daily walks - knowledgeable and seasoned in working with groups. And a lot of fun. Similarly, the onboard crew are experts at their roles, and work together well to create a hospitable stay. Chris and Steve kept the boat on track (including through multiple locks daily, which we occasionally watched) and ensured that our travel needs were met. Chris briefed us daily on the next day's walk, using a table-length map and an antler as pointer. He reviewed our progress and ensured that we had all we needed for a comfortable stay. Steve keeps all the systems running on the renovated 1929 barge - he knows it inside out. Kevin prepared gourmet dinners and breakfasts daily, and packed tasty lunches to carry in our daypacks. In sum, I would book this trip again in a heartbeat - it was truly outstanding.
Thoroughly enjoyed this walking holiday. The views were magnificent and the barge (Fingal) was charming. Our guide Ankia, was knowledgeable and ensured we were all keeping up and walking at a comfortable pace. The skipper, Adam and Ankia made a great team explaining our route with the aid of pictorial maps. Lucy fed us well and Steve ferried us safely back to the boat at the end of our walks. They were a great team and nothing was too much trouble for them. I would certainly recommend this holiday with this crew. Memorable.