Canoe the River Spey
Descending one of the most famous rivers in Scotland from source to sea.
Itinerary
Starting on Loch Inch you'll have time to practice skills and techniques before heading down the river Spey later in the afternoon. A gentle river paddle to start will eventually finish in Aviemore at a comfortable B & B.
With the backdrop of the spectacular Cairngorm Mountains you'll use the smooth currents to aid you downstream. A beautiful campsite awaits you with only red squirrels for company.
Paddling into malt whisky country. This day will include plenty of time to practice skills that will be needed for the upcoming rapids. The day finishes with a thrilling ride down the “washing machine” rapid.
You'll now find yourself in the heart of malt whisky country. Your river running skills will be tested to the full with the famous Knockando rapids.
Today brings the most dramatic changes to the character and scenery surrounding the river. As the water gathers pace towards the sea it will eventually give way to a coastal plain with stunning views of Spey Bay and beyond.
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FAQs
This trip will take you on grade 2 and 3 rapids. You'll be required to have some experience in a canoe. The Canoe Expedition Across Scotland is a perfect starting point if you are a complete beginner.
Included
- Guides
- Accommodation (1 night B&B, 3 nights camping)
- Meals
- Specialist equipment (canoe, tent)
- Transfers
Excluded
- Appropriate clothing
- Sleeping bags
Start: Aviemore Train station at 10am
End: Aviemore Train Station at 5pm
A maximum of 6
The guides and clients use tandem canoes that you'll share with one other person.
Water
Whilst doing adventurous activities, it's important to carry enough water and stay hydrated. We strongly recommend taking between two and three litres of water. Your guide can give you advice on where to get water each day. This is often likely to be from a fresh stream, so please bring purification tablets if you feel it necessary.
Food
The guides work hard to use great quality, local produce where possible to prepare fantastic meals for you. Here are some examples of what you can expect:
Breakfast: porridge, bacon, pancakes, bagels, fresh tea or coffee.
Lunch: Normally a buffet-style feast with fresh bread, wraps, oatcakes, cold meats and cheese.
Dinner: A freshly made, warm meal every evening. Risottos, spaghetti bolognese, haggis neeps and tatties followed by homemade cake!
Snacks: There will be plenty of snacks available every day to make sure you have all the energy you need!
Food on your trip is included as follows:
Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - 4: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast
If you have any food restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc) please make us aware of this when completing your registration form, found on your Skyhook dashboard. The guides can cater for most people.
On night 2 there is a toilet but the other nights so not have any facilities.
Yes! Most people are solo travellers.
No - you'll take most of your luggage into the boat with you. Empty suitcases and any clothes you don't need can be left in the vehicle.
No but a degree of water confidence is preferable.
The guides supply dry bags and barrels to keep everything nice and dry! Each person will have one large 60 litre barrle for their own personal use.
Winter season (Nov – Mar)
Winter in Scotland can be extremely cold. In Scotland, temperatures can go as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Shoulder (Apr– May & Oct)
Temperatures in Scotland can vary at this time of year. Lows of 2 degrees Celsius and highs of 15 degrees Celsius. There can be some chances of rain, with May turning very green.
High Season (Jun – Sep)
June to Sept can be warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 – 25 degrees Celsius. There can be some rain.
The weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to always be prepared for such a change.
The guides on this trip believe that to give you a quality experience, you need to be comfortable. They work with a number of companies to ensure that the equipment available on the trips are not only fit for purpose but also the best quality.
You’ll be provided with:
- Tents (shared)
- Dry bags/Barrels
- All Safety equipment**
You’ll need to bring:
- Sleeping bag* (3 season is best)
- Lunch box (to keep food through the day)
- Sleep mat*
- Waterproofs* (Jacket and Trousers)
- Outdoor clothing for wearing when your on the water
- Spare clothing for wearing in camp or if you have an out of boat experience
- Shoes for on the water
- Shoes for camp
- Toiletries
- Torch
- Midge net and spray
- Sun protection
- Personal medication
- Camera
*Most people bring these items themselves however if you require them please just let us know when completing your form on the Skyhook dashboard.
** If you have your own safety equipment then that’s great. To use on any of the guides trips, the equipment must be CE marked, (ENISO12402) under 5 years old and be fit for use.
16
Yes on Day 4 you may have time to visit Aberflour where there is a distillery and shops!
Yes, if there are adverse weather conditions and the river floods it may change your itinerary.
Your head guide is Beyond
All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Beyond Adventure.
By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!
