The 13 Best Places To Canoe In Scotland

Deciding on the best places to canoe in Scotland is never easy. When it comes to adventure activities in the UK, Scotland in particular offers many incredible canoeing and kayaking locations. 

From rivers to lochs to oceans and islands, Scotland really is a paddler's dream. You just need to be prepared for the cold and unpredictable weather, and canoeing in Scotland will be an incredible experience.

Whether you plan to combine your canoeing trip with wild camping, hiking, or fishing, or just want to stick to paddling, there are plenty of amazing opportunities. To help you plan your canoeing adventure, here are some of the most popular and best places to canoe in Scotland.

In Scotland, kayaking enthusiasts have a wide array of stunning options to explore. Lochs such as Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, and Loch Awe provide serene settings for freshwater canoeing/kayaking, allowing paddlers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Scottish Highlands. 

Rivers like the River Spey and the River Tay offer both gentle stretches and thrilling white-water experiences for kayakers seeking excitement.

For those who prefer coastal adventures, the Firth of Forth presents a captivating estuarine environment, while the rugged North Sea coastline offers ocean kayaking opportunities with the chance to witness Scotland's dramatic shores and abundant marine life.

So, if you’re wondering where to kayak in Scotland, the first step is to decide what kind of kayaking adventure you want to have. Once you’ve narrowed this down, there are loads of amazing places to kayak in Scotland, covering all kinds of different environments and experiences.

Scotland offers loads of stunning waterways and lochs that are perfect for canoeing. In fact, the country has more than 30,000 freshwater lochs.

To help you choose the right spot, here are some of the best places to enjoy canoeing in Scotland.

Loch Ness, situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is an internationally famous destination that beckons avid canoeists from all corners of the world. Of course, it's one of the best places for loch canoeing in Scotland.

This iconic loch, known for its mysterious Loch Ness Monster legend, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and folklore. Paddling along its deep, dark waters is a mesmerizing experience that allows you to soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, verdant forests, and rugged terrain. 

As you glide through the Loch, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation, not only for the legendary creature said to inhabit these depths but also for the rugged and dramatic landscape that unfolds before you.

It’s also an enormous loch, so there are loads of different areas and smaller rivers that you can explore while kayaking in Loch Ness.

Loch Lomond is a grandeur in the world of Scottish lochs, and for canoeing enthusiasts, it's a heavenly playground. As one of Scotland's largest lochs, Loch Lomond attracts thousands of canoe and kayak enthusiasts.

Its crystal-clear waters stretch out beneath the vast Scottish sky, reflecting the majesty of the nearby mountains and hills. The diversity of wildlife in the area adds an extra layer of enchantment to your canoeing experience, as you might encounter graceful swans, playful otters, or soaring eagles. 

With numerous islands to explore and shoreline paths to discover, this loch is an enticing mosaic of natural beauty and tranquil exploration.

There are also some great opportunities for camping in Loch Lomond, f you would like an overnight canoeing adventure.

The River Spey is a meandering masterpiece that winds its way through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and it's a paddler's paradise. 

If you're seeking both peaceful stretches and heart-pounding white-water adventures, the River Spey has it all. As you dip your paddle into the calm sections, you'll feel a sense of serenity envelop you.

The riverbanks are adorned with wildflowers, making them ideal for wild camping in Scotland and the surrounding hills create a serene atmosphere. But as you venture further, you'll encounter thrilling rapids, bringing an adrenaline rush to your journey.

This diversity makes the River Spey a prime choice for canoeists looking for a range of experiences during a single canoe trip.

If you are interested in river canoeing in Scotland, Skyhook offers a fantastic group trip in the Scottish Highlands to canoe the River Spey.

The Great Glen Canoe Trail is a quintessential Scottish adventure, encompassing a 60-mile odyssey that unfolds between the charming towns of Fort William and Inverness. This is always rated as one of the best routes to canoe across Scotland.

This trail leads you through a series of lochs and canals, including the likes of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. It's an opportunity to explore the dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands from a unique perspective. 

The paddling experience offers moments of tranquillity when you glide on still waters, gazing upon the awe-inspiring mountains and the lush forests that blanket the landscape. Yet, it also beckons to the adventurer in you with passages that present exciting challenges and swift currents.

The Great Glen Canoe Trail is a journey that weaves together the varied tapestry of Scotland's natural splendour, making it an unforgettable experience.

The River Tay, often referred to as Scotland's lifeblood, is the longest river in the country. Needless to say, it’s also one of the best places to canoe in Scotland. 

The Tay offers loads of different kayaking opportunities. The river offers both gentle sections that allow for leisurely exploration and more spirited white-water stretches that cater to the thrill-seeker. 

As your paddle touches the water, you'll become one with the rhythm of the Tay, gliding through serene pastoral landscapes and encountering the occasional rapid that stirs your senses. The River Tay, with its diverse personality, beckons all levels of canoeists to embark on a journey that showcases Scotland's natural beauty and invites them to embrace its challenges.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Argyll and Bute, Loch Awe is a hidden gem for canoeing enthusiasts. It’s also the longest freshwater loch in Scotland at 41km long (25 miles).

The clear waters of Loch Awe mirror the lush, rolling hills and ancient forests that frame the loch's banks. The tranquillity of the water is only interrupted by the occasional ripple of fish breaking the surface or the distant call of a loon. 

Located in the rugged expanse of the West Highlands, Loch Shiel is a testament to Scotland's wild and unspoiled beauty. 

Paddling on this pristine loch is a voyage back in time, where the untamed wilderness embraces you at every turn. The water is crystal clear, mirroring the imposing grandeur of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain. As a side note, canoeing on this loch can also be combined with camping Ben Nevis - which will help you create a truly unforgettable journey.

As you navigate Loch Shiel, you might encounter the regal golden eagle soaring overhead, or the elusive red deer coming down to the loch's edge to drink. This remote loch is an exquisite blend of natural splendour and solitude, inviting canoeists to connect with Scotland's wild heart.

In the heart of the Northwest Highlands, Loch Maree stands as a testament to Scotland's untouched, primordial beauty.

The loch is surrounded by ancient Caledonian pine forests, their branches reaching out to the water's edge, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Canoeing on Loch Maree is a journey back in time, where the paddler is immersed in the ancient and mystical ambience of the Highlands. 

The loch presents a spectrum of experiences, from gentle paddling along its placid stretches to more challenging exploration of its remote corners. It's a place where you can connect with the spirit of the Scottish wilderness.

For a coastal canoeing adventure, the Firth of Forth offers a unique and captivating experience. 

The Firth is an estuary that opens up to the North Sea and is known for its dramatic tides and rich maritime history. Paddling along its coast provides a different perspective of Scotland, with the iconic Forth Rail Bridge standing as a sentinel against the skyline. 

The coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages, and you might encounter seals basking on rocky outcrops or seabirds soaring above. The Firth of Forth showcases Scotland's rich maritime heritage and the rugged beauty of its eastern coastline.

Located in the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich is a pristine freshwater loch that's perfect for kayaking. The surrounding mountains and forests create a picturesque backdrop, and the clear waters are ideal for exploration by watercraft. Cairngorms National Park is also a great area for loch camping in Scotland.

Loch Leven, situated in the heart of Scotland, is a haven for birdwatchers and kayakers alike. Paddle on its tranquil waters, and you'll be surrounded by lush wetlands and may even spot rare bird species. It's a unique kayaking experience connecting you with Scotland's natural diversity.

Tucked into the Trossachs, Loch Lubnaig is a hidden gem for kayakers. The loch's clear waters and the surrounding forests create a serene environment for paddling. With mountain vistas and the chance to glimpse red squirrels, it's a delightful spot for a day's kayaking in Scotland.

The Isle of Skye's rugged coastline and pristine waters offer an enchanting setting for sea kayaking. 

Paddle along dramatic cliffs, explore hidden coves and witness wildlife like seals and seabirds, surrounded by the island's spellbinding landscapes. Of all the best places to canoe in Scotland, the Isle of Skye is always rated near the top for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

The Isle of Skye also boasts some of the best camping spots in Scotland. The area is perfect to combine a canoeing and wild camping adventure.

Remember that when embarking on a canoeing adventure in Scotland, it's essential to be well-prepared, taking into account local regulations, permits, and the unpredictable Scottish weather. Whether you choose the serene lochs or the challenging rivers, Scotland's waterways offer a diverse and captivating tapestry for canoeists to explore and savour.

So, no matter what kind of canoeing adventure you’re after, there are destinations in Scotland that will provide an awesome experience. The destinations above are some of the best places to canoe in Scotland, yet they’re only the tip of what this magnificent country has to offer.