Introducing our canoe adventure in the Arctic Circle
In 2024 we are introducing our new Ivalo River canoe adventure. We are the only UK adventure provider offering this trip making this a rare opportunity! Read on to find out more about this incredible experience!
Where is it?
The Ivalo River is located high above the Arctic Circle in the far north of Finland. Our trip follows a 90km route of exciting rapids that flow through the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, one of the wildest parts of Lapland.
How technical is it and what experience do I need?
This river runs at a maximum of Grade 2 although it is mostly Grade 1. If you have joined us on our awesome River Spey canoe descent you will be well placed to confidently join this trip. Alternatively, you could join one of our Introduction to Moving Water skills weekends. You do also need to be comfortable wild camping with zero facilities! Our Ivalo River trip features expert English-speaking local adventure guides.
Would I get to see the Northern Lights?
No one is going to be able to make promises, but being this far north, with zero light pollution and heading into the Arctic winter, there is a very good chance we will get to see the aurora borealis.
What kit would I need to bring?
We supply canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids and tents. You just need to bring a sleeping bag and mat, appropriate clothing and personal equipment.
How do I get there?
Finnair offer flights to Ivalo, via Helsinki from airports in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Flight dates are generally released around 12 months prior.
Great, I’m in! How do I book?!
Head over to our trip page to check out our dates and availability. Our August 2024 departure is confirmed and has strictly limited space left, so don’t delay to avoid disappointment! Ready to book? Follow the link on the trip page to pay your deposit or drop us a line for more information!
Top ten tips for canoe camping
For their July 2023 issue, Trail Magazine asked North Star Adventure for our top ten tips for canoe camping, which we have listed below for you!
We love canoe camping. It involves a totally different mindset to journeying on foot thanks to the ability to take your creature comforts with you. Canoes allow you to access hidden bays, secluded islands and quieter shores and the sense of freedom is awesome. When travelling across open-water, one can harness the wind and on rivers the current pushes you along so it can be an incredibly efficient way to travel. Our favourite thing is to descend a river over a number of days. You soon lose the anxieties of modern living as you slowly become accustomed to the rhythms of life on the water. There is no better feeling than warming yourself next to a fire, eating something delicious with great company.
1. Check the weather forecast and water-levels before setting off. Canoes are quite dramatically affected by wind direction and strength. We strongly recommend having a Plan A and a Plan B.
2. We would really recommend synthetic sleeping bags over down, as these handle the potentially damp conditions much more effectively.
3. Specialist paddling clothing just isn't needed when starting out. We always recommend people dress in pretty much the same clothing they'd wear on the hill for the given environment and weather conditions.
4. Canoes allow a few more luxuries to be taken. Perhaps sneak a bottle of wine into your packing or maybe a folding chair.
5. Dry-bags are much easier to pack into awkward spaces (keep an eye out in Aldi for some bargains!). Make sure these are securely fastened to your canoe so you don't lose anything in the event of a capsize!
6. We love our Kelly Kettles for boiling water for endless cups of tea. These are specially designed to burn whatever scraps of twigs, cones or dry grass you find around you.
7. We take our raised fire-pit to ensure we leave no trace on our wild camp-sites. Take some dry kindling with you to help get your fire started.
8. No one likes talking about it, but if you get caught short, wild toilets should be dug using a trowel. Dig at least 15cm deep and 30m away from the nearest water course, path or building. Of course, this isn't always possible so bagging it and binning it is the safe and responsible option.
9. Tarps are fantastic pieces of kit that can keep a group sheltered from the elements. Learn how to improvise poles with your canoe and paddles where there are no trees to suspend one from.
10. Finally, our top tip is to always tie your canoe up at the end of the day or drag it well away from the water-line. Water levels can dramatically change overnight and you do not want to find yourself stranded the next morning!
For those ready to take on your next canoe camping adventure, check out our Scottish and Scandinavian river trips. For those feeling like they would like a little more experience, have a look through our NEW skills weekends, perfect for beginners!
Introducing: Machu Picchu and the Amazon
Peru is where it all started for North Star Adventure’s founder Tom. Get the lowdown on experiencing the best of Machu Picchu and the Amazon.
North Star Adventure’s Tom grew up on stories of the Lost World and Spanish conquistadors in Latin America. As an established canoe coach, he was approached one day by the British Exploring Society and asked if he would lead a canoe expedition on the Amazon in Northern Peru. Almost by accident, Tom had landed his dream career: leading adventure expeditions and trips around the world. Over the next several years, he revisited Peru and led further teams on treks through the Andean mountain ranges and jungles of this incredibly diverse country. “Latin America has a pulsating heart and has a way of getting under your skin”.
Mystical, magical Machu Picchu
Let’s get it out of the way. Machu Picchu is clearly the crown jewel of Peru’s attractions and remains shrouded by mystery and intrigue. Built by the Inca civilisation in the 15th century, perched high on a seemingly impenetrable mountain top, it remained hidden from Spanish conquistadors. Partially reclaimed by the jungle, Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ruins in 1911. Actually, there were three indigenous families farming on its terraces so it hadn’t been completely forgotten about!
In any case, believe the hype. This is truly one of the seven wonders of the world. We think you’ll be just as blown away by the stunning geographical position of Machu Picchu as you will the citadel itself. Access to the site has recently been tightened up and visitors are allocated timed entries. The famous peak that looms over the site, Huayna Picchu, used to be free to climb but is now only accessible with an upgraded entrance ticket. The climb is a little sketchy and features some scrambling and fixed ropes but does afford a different perspective on Machu Picchu. New rules also prohibit visitors from accessing the citadel without a guide although all North Star Adventure trips include these as standard.
There are three ways to arrive in to Machu Picchu: trekking on one of the many trails, bus from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the little tourist town that has popped up in the shadow of Machu Picchu) or train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
Which Inca trail trek?
There are numerous ways of getting to Machu Picchu on foot. Trekking into Machu Picchu is well within most people’s ability with some preparation. The trail covers steep steps, inclines and rocky ground and falls into the category of ‘high altitude’; the air is thinner and this makes everything harder work. Careful acclimatisation is key and all our itineraries allow for time your body to adjust. There are quite a few ‘Inca trails’ but only one that is often referred to as the ‘Classic Inca Trail’ but they all offer a similar experience. Make sure you pick an operator who brings social and economic benefits to the local rural communities you will meet on the way. Check out our own Classic Inca Trail to see a sterling example of how this can be done well. Supported treks such as ours bring much needed local employment to porters and trail chefs. Arrive at the end of a long day of trekking to find your tent already set up, complete with your luggage, and a delicious meal served each night too. To minimise the impact and damage to the trail, permits are required for the classic trail and are strictly limited to 600 a day. 400 of these are for support crew and porters meaning only 200 trekkers are permitted to set off on the trail each day, and they do sell out fast!
Thankfully, there are other options for those who like to seek the adventure alternative. If you want to step it up a little in the comfort stakes but still have a thirst for adventure, then our Luxury Lodge Salkantay Trek could be just the ticket! The trek visits four lodges dotted along the Salkantay trail, which despite not being restricted remains a quieter approach to Machu Picchu. These exclusive lodges feature comfortably appointed private rooms and hot tubs and beautifully prepared food and drinks are included. The views on the Salkantay trail are arguably better than the classic trail and this is certainly no poor relation.
Regardless of the route you choose, you will fly into Cusco to access them. This is a North Star Adventure favourite and we love sitting on a restaurant terrace sipping a coffee whilst people watching across the colonial Plaza del Armas. Cusco is the jumping off point for all adventures in the Sacred Valley and also a great base to plan further adventures to add to your Inca trail experience. Why not take a flight to Puerto Maldonado and immerse yourself in the Amazon rainforest in the Tambopata Nature Reserve (see below).
The Peruvian Amazon
The headwaters of the Amazon rise in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Bisected by this mountain range from north to south, Peru is largely desert along the coastal strip to the west and sticky and humid jungle to the east. The Amazon rainforest is a stunning environment, absolutely teaming with wildlife and not to be missed if you have the time. Tom says “you will never forget the first time you hear the spine-tingling roar of howler monkey in the early morning or the excitement of seeing a pink river dolphin”. The Amazon is teeming with incredible wildlife!
There are two key gateways to the rainforest in Peru, both offering very different experiences. In the north-east corner of Peru lies the isolated jungle city of Iquitos accessible by river or air only. In the late 19th century, it experienced a huge boom thanks to rubber production before slipping into decline. It is the perfect place to join a riverboat cruise to explore the tributaries of the upper Amazon such as the Maranon and Ucayali, where Tom led his first river expedition all those years ago. These riverboats slowly transit up and down the river, often stopping to allow passengers to alight in small dinghies and canoes to observe the incredible wildlife up close.
Nearer to Cusco and Machu Picchu, one can take the short flight to Puerto Maldonado. From here, there are a number of rainforest lodges accessible only by motorised canoe. These lodges are often traditionally built, high on stilts, and allow guests to fall asleep to the nocturnal chorus of the jungle wildlife and are connected to numerous trails that afford observers unparalleled access to nature.
North Star Adventure UK can arrange both riverboat cruises in Iquitos and rainforest lodge experiences. Please contact us for further details.
Beyond Machu Picchu
Peru is absolutely packed with must-see sights. Many people arrive into Lima and head straight out to Cusco or the Amazon but the bohemian streets of Barranco and the cliff-top walks in Miraflores are both worthy and deserving of some time spent exploring. To the north, one can find the incredible surf-mecca of Mancora, perfect for a beach break and to the south there are the mystical Nazca Lines and the beautiful colonial white city of Arequipa. The latter is a perfect base to spend a week visiting the Colca Canyon to watch majestic condors soaring overhead and perusing the artisan shops and burgeoning restaurant scene.
Further south still and nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca lies Puno. Puno isn’t particularly interesting but is the gateway to exploring Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. There are the islands of Amantani and Taquile, where one can arrange a rustic homestay and learn about how these people carve out an existence on the turquoise waters of this magnificent lake.
Ceviche to chicharron - Peru on a plate
We love nothing more than seeking out authentic street food and local delicacies. Peru is one of the most exciting foodie destinations in the world and its culinary star is rising fast. One of its most famous national dishes is that of ceviche: spanking fresh raw seafood, chopped and briefly marinated and cured in a blend of freshly squeezed citrus juices, salt, shallots and chilli. Often served with mashed sweet potato and corn kernals, this is a zingy, refreshing plate of food; a perfect meal to wash down with a cold beer. Chicharron is a wildly popular snack across Latin America and is very similar to the classic British pub snack of pork scratchings. Head into the Andes and meals become more substantial and filling and you could find yourself tucking into pan-fried trout from a mountain stream or another Peruvian classic: lomo saltado, a fusion dish of stir-fried beef and vegetables on a bed of French fries - just what you need for post-mountain refuelling! Along the Inca Trail, you will find trees groaning under the weight of avocados and mandarins which both make for a great snack. One of Tom’s favourites remains anticuchos; thinly sliced beef-heart marinated and gently cooked to tenderness over a street-side charcoal BBQ and served with a piquant salsa verde. Delicious! Finally, and not to be missed, is the classic Peruvian cocktail: the Pisco sour. Using Pisco (a clear grape brandy) mixed with fresh lime juce, sugar, frothy egg-white and angostura bitters, this is a decidedly moreish drink.
Visit Peru
The best time of year to go is during the dry season. This largely runs between May and October. Expect wide, blue skies with lots of sun with temperatures that drop significantly at night. This is particularly true when trekking in the Andes and in the Sacred Valley around Cusco. There is more rainfall during the winter, but this is counterbalanced with cheaper prices, less tourists and verdant greenery. We love it all! The sweet spot would be the shoulder months of April/May. In the jungle, expect it to be sticky, hot and humid all through the year.
There are numerous routes to Peru from the UK. You generally have a choice of transiting through the US or a European city. Our choice would always be through Europe to avoid the hassle of US immigration control. This also opens up a wide range of regional airports avoiding the need to travel to London. Expect flights times of around 15+ hours. At the time of writing, KLM were offering super convenient flights departing on 26th March 2022 from London and regional airports for around £460 return via Amsterdam. For those basing their stay in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, we found flights with Air France + LATAM for £555 via Paris and Lima. Cheap flights are available from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado to explore the Amazon Rainforest.
Visas are not required for UK passport holders.
Travel to Peru with North Star Adventure by joining our Classic Inca Trail trek or our Luxury Lodges Salkantay Trek. We also offer other routes into Machu Picchu, such as the Lares Trail or even a horse-back adventure for equestrians. Get in touch to find out more!
Introducing: Jordan
Find out why we rate Jordan as one of our ultimate adventure holiday destinations with our mini-guide to this jewel of the ‘Near East’.
“Receive without forgetting. Give without remembering”
(Ancient Bedouin proverb).
The Treasury, Petra
When Jordan is mentioned, many people could perhaps be forgiven for thinking of biblical references or the impressive long-abandoned desert city of Petra. And whilst the location of Jesus’ baptism and Petra are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jordan boasts many more, including the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum. For some time, Jordan has remained one of North Star Adventure’s favourite adventure destinations; packed with ancient ruins, unique natural wonders and the warmest of welcomes. Jordan is a safe country to travel in and you soon realise why the warm Bedouin hospitality is so renowned.
The Arch Of Hadrian, Jerash
Petra and beyond
Petra needs little introduction. Known as the Rose City, this incredible archaeological gem was carved out of red sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean people, seeking to control the camel caravans navigating the spice trade routes traversing the desert. It fell into decline as maritime routes became established and was eventually forgotten and lost to the world until 1812 when it was rediscovered by the Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. As impressive a draw as Petra is, Jordan has far more to offer to the inquisitive traveller. The Roman city of Jerash is often described as the ‘Pompeii of the Middle East’ and one can wander down colonnaded streets and visit its hippodrome and numerous temples. The capital of Amman boasts the ancient citadel whilst all long the King’s Highway, there are numerous crusader castles waiting to be explored.
The rolling green hills of the Ajloun Nature Reserve
Natural wonders
Although a desert kingdom, the north of Jordan boasts a Mediterranean climate. In the Ajloun Nature Reserve, you can explore trails that wind through olive groves, pistachio forests and rolling green hillside. Wadi Mujib is a spectacular deep sandstone canyon that curves and twists its way through the landscape and is a adventure playground for those wanting to abseil down waterfalls and wade, swim and plunge into natural pools. The canyon eventually ends at the Dead Sea, which is a must-visit to experience the strange sensation of floating in the mineral-rich waters A little further south is the renowned Dana Biosphere Reserve, situated on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. A haven for rare wildlife, it is also the start of our sought-after Dana to Petra trek, widely touted as the ‘Inca Trail of the Middle East’. Further south still lies the other-worldly desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Once the hideout of Lawrence of Arabia , fighting an insurgency against the Ottoman Empire, this place is more recently known as the film backdrop for films such as Aladdin, The Martian and Dune. You haven’t seen a star-lit sky quite like the one you’ll experience from one of our Bedouin desert camps.
A traditional Jordanian mezze spread
Jordan on a plate
At North Star Adventure, we are big fans of eating our way around the world! We have never been disappointed with the typical Middle Eastern cuisine on offer in Jordan. Breakfasts often consist of fuul (a fava bean puree), hummus and savoury pastries. During the day, one can snack on the freshest falafel or tasty shawarma kebab as part of a mezze, a widely available and popular social way to eat. The national dish is mansaf which consists of slow-cooked lamb served over rice with yoghurt and flatbreads and is a must-try whilst in Jordan. If staying with the Bedouin, there is a fair chance your hosts with prepare a zarb. This consists of a pit dug into the soft sand and filled with wood embers. A tray of wrapped marinated meat and vegetables is lowered over the embers and the pit is covered back over with sand for several hours and the food is ready…. Delicious! The stalls in the street markets positively groan under the weight of fresh dates, sweet grapes and tangy pomegranates, all locally produced and harvested. Alcohol is available, despite Jordan being a Muslim country, but only in tourist hotels, restaurants and bars. The national drink of choice is sweet black tea, often flavoured with locally foraged herbs. We particularly enjoy the Turkish coffee, aromatically flavoured with cardamom.
Bedouin tented camp, Wadi Rum
Visit Jordan
Although Jordan is a Muslim country, it is quite moderate. That said, we recommend men and woman both dressing respectfully in accordance with local norms and covering your arms and legs when in cities and in the desert. This is just as much to do with protecting yourself from the sun as anything else. You can find alcohol in tourist bars, restaurants and hotels and can purchase it in most large supermarkets.
The best time of year to go is outside the summer (hotter) and winter (wetter and colder). Late spring is a great time to visit with amenable temperatures and wild-flowers in full bloom.
Getting to Jordan couldn’t be easier. Royal Jordanian offer the speedy convenience of direct flights from London to Amman for just over £300. For those who are happy to use a low-cost carrier, it is possible to get flights for under £100.
Visas are required but are available online (we recommend getting the Jordan Pass instead).
Visit Jordan with one of North Star Adventure’s adventure holidays. Come and join our Dana to Petra trek, the ‘Inca Trail of the Middle East’, one of National Geographic’s top 25 treks in the world or join our multisport adventure to explore, canyon, cycle and trek your way through the best of Jordan.
River Tay 2021 canoe adventure report
Read Bryony’s recount of when she joined North Star Adventure’s River Tay weekend adventure.
In September 2021, Bryony joined us on our River Tay canoe adventure with her friend Lizzie and fellow adventurers Helen and Justin. Read on to find out how she got on!
“Day 1 of canoeing adventures with @northstaradventureuk.
We started off with a splash, or more accurately, I started off with a splash! @lizzyem91 and I had a few communication issues as we got to grips with the boat and within 5 minutes on the water I found myself in it! 😂.
We soon got going again and spent 4 hours of paddling in the afternoon to reach our woodland wild camping site.
Tom treated us to a steak dinner and delicious apple and blackberry crumble cake all cooked on an open fire!”
“Day 2 of adventures with @northstaradventureuk.
Porridge at camp and then a second breakfast in the lovely Dunkeld.
We had about 8 hours of paddling today and so much sunshine! (Thank you Scotland).
There were salmon leaping out of the river, more herons than I could count and even a red squirrel!
We finished the paddle by heading down the Campsie Linn waterfall to the island below. The water levels were really low so it was a little underwhelming!”
“Day 3 of adventures with @northstaradventureuk.
We started the day with some adrenaline! Down Stanley weir and onwards through the rapids.
Captured is the result of hitting the big fluffy waves, a canoe full of water! We had to empty out a few times but there was no involuntary swimming which I call a success!
The paddle to the finish line (Perth) was hard work, the wind was against us but the sun kept shining!
Our little 70km paddle down the Tay was over in a flash but such a great experience! Thanks to Lizzy for inviting me along and being an excellent paddling partner, Tom for the fantastic cooking and planning and Ingrid for the guiding and canoe expertise!”
Thanks Bryony, Lizzie, Helen and Justin for joining us on our River Tay river adventure. We hope to welcome you back some time!
“He who does not know his way to the sea should take a river for his guide.”
(Blaise Pascal, 17th cent.)
North Star Adventure origins.
The North Star Adventure origin story.
2020 has been the strangest year of my life. Whilst everything was seemingly on hold, in some surreal stasis, I did a lot of reflection and set myself a challenge. With a growing interest in the staycation and the emergence of a new audience of intrepid adventurers seeking natural thrills and highs, I thought a lot about how we could make outdoor adventure even more rewarding and fulfilling. How could we help develop people’s skills in the mountain environment and increase knowledge and confidence? The answer was in setting up North Star Adventure. Following a successful IT career at a multinational corporation, I have spent the last 14 years in the Lake District working in education and adventure coaching people to climb, sail and canoe and leading mountain activities including canyoning and ghyll-scrambling. I have had the privilege of working for some of the very best adventure companies alongside some incredible people, all of whom have guided and inspired my professional practice. After completing a degree in Outdoor Education and undertaking a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education at the University of Edinburgh, I found myself working in remote environments leading expeditions all around the globe. From exploring the Amazon to living with hill-tribes in northern Vietnam I was able to help young people achieve their personal development goals through experiential learning. Settling back in the Lake District, I served in the mountain rescue service for several years where I specialised as a swiftwater-rescue technician and continued guiding people on amazing outdoor adventures.
So what has all of this got to do with anything?
In creating North Star Adventure, I set out to combine all this experience to provide the best possible service for our customers and to do things better and more ethically.
I will be writing in more detail in upcoming posts, but here is a brief summary of what makes us different:
· We don’t operate large groups
· We listen to you and design the activity around your needs
· We provide the very best kit available
· We are locally owned and staffed
· We have taken up the Pledge 1% to support a very special local charity
· We are working with environmental groups to take an industry lead in raising ecological awareness and minimising our impact
· We attract the best instructors with outstanding pay and conditions
So tell me. What do you look for in an adventure provider? Leave your comments below.
See you on the fell.