Kayaker stops in Tayvallich on mission to circumnavigate Europe
A German adventurer has set off from Tayvallich to continue his journey to become the first person to circumnavigate Europe by kayak.
Urban Heupgen began on the Danube in 2016 and has so far travelled 24,000km around the Continent, crossing the Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula and The Channel along the way.
The 53-year-old paused his expedition in the village last September after travelling from Ireland to Kintyre in tough conditions.
Upon arriving in the area, Urban was welcomed by Tayvallich residents Ann and Dave Shand.
Urban said: “I joined a Facebook group called Scotland Kayaking and Ann replied first, offering me a place to stay.
“It seems that Scottish people are so friendly — all of them. I mean, I haven’t had any bad experiences.
“Ann and Dave are very hospitable and welcoming, and they always make me feel at home here. They’re gorgeous people, and I very much enjoy my time here.”
After spending the winter back in Munich, Urban returned to stay with the couple as he prepared to tackle the Inner and Outer Hebrides this summer.
Ann said: “Meeting Urban gave us a real insight into the scale of what he’s taking on, and it was easy to appreciate his steady, practical approach.
“We were pleased to give him a place to stay while he got ready for the next stage of his journey — wherever that may take him.”
This summer, the German adventurer plans to travel around Mull, Tiree and Coll before heading up to the Isle of Skye.
The adventurer hopes to reach St Kilda, an archipelago 65km west-northwest of North Uist, by the end of this season.
Having left Carsaig Beach on May 7, Urban made it to Oban, where he met kayaking expert Patrick Winterton.
Patrick was the first person to kayak from Scotland to the Faroe Islands in 2009 — something Urban must contend with if he wants to complete his mission.
“His advice is very valuable to me. He has made several large crossings up there in the north,” Urban added.
Beginning on the Danube, Urban had no intention of keeping the journey continuous, but following a prolonged break in Barcelona during the pandemic, his intentions changed.
He said: “When I restarted in Barcelona, I knew that Freya Hoffmeister had already circumnavigated Australia, South America and North America. So far, nobody has done Europe, so I thought to myself: it should be me.
“This is my motivation — not only experiencing beautiful landscapes and meeting nice people.”
Urban plans to keep followers updated on his journey via his social media channels and intends to rely on the kindness of strangers while on land.
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Latest News
JOBS
OOW DECK OFFICER 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off - Trident Aqua Services UK LTD
Office Co-ordinator (Sales & Marketing) - Midton Acrylics Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Latest News
JOBS
OOW DECK OFFICER 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off - Trident Aqua Services UK LTD
Office Co-ordinator (Sales & Marketing) - Midton Acrylics Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2026 Wyvex Media Limited.