Canoe Descent of the River Spey

If rafting white waters of River Spey sounds like great fun, then this 3 day extreme white water paddling canoe trip is for you. Trying the white water rapids in River Spey you will have plenty of fun! Ideal for experienced white water paddlers. 

A 3-day journey down the majestic River Spey from Aviemore to the sea at Spey Bay. One of the 'Big 4' rivers that is a must for the touring canoeist in Scotland, and which normally provides a fast current, great scenery and some interesting rapids. To paddle from Newtonmore to Spey Bay can take up to 5 days depending on the fitness, age, size of the group, weather and the water levels. However, for this trip we start down river at Aviemore. If you lack experience of whitewater paddling but would love to give it a go why not join one of our guided trips on the Spey

Itinerary

Day 1:

Meeting Point - At The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. Starting our descent of the River Spey from Aviemore on Friday morning, Day 1 consists largely of a gentle bimble down by Boat of Garten and Grantown on Spey before setting up camp on an island in the river overnight.

Day 2:

A pretty adventurous second day with a few grade 2 rapids, as we head down through whisky country past Knockando and Aberlour. Camp beside a pub in Craigellachie and maybe sample some of the Speyside malts from distilleries that we have paddled past during the day.

Day 3:

We start off with more "interesting" rapids before the Spey reaches the coastal plain and calms down on its last leg down to the sea at Spey Bay. Finishing Point - you will be transported back to the start from Spey Bay

Experience

Not only will you get to experience the River Spey at its best but there is the opportunity to learn from your experienced local guide:

- Improve your technical canoeing skills and journeying techniques.

- Discuss the issues facing those who live and work in the Highlands.

- Access laws and traditions in Scotland.

- Leave No Trace camping and travelling techniques (Boots N Paddles are an International Partner of the Leave No Trace organisation).

- Learn about the wildlife that we will encounter en route.

Pickup / Dropoff

If you need picked up somewhere please let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements, e.g. Inverness Airport, Aviemore Railway station. At the end of the trip everyone will be transported back to Aviemore, however, if someone needs to get back to Inverness, for example, we can provide transport

Included / Excluded

- All food will be provided, from evening meal on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3. Lunch on Day 1 will be up to clients to source themselves. The guide will co-ordinate the cooking of all meals but will hopefully get some help from members of the group when it comes to cooking and preparing meals and tidying up afterwards. Meals also include wine in the evenings should customers wish some. Customers should bring along any favourite snacks that they might want to nibble at between meal times and while on the water.

- Transport from Inverness to Aviemore if required. Pick up in Aviemore.

- Camping accommodation on both nights.

- Services of an experienced guide at all times.

- All canoeing and camping equipment (except sleeping bags). Many clients prefer to use their own camping gear.

- Quality waterproof jacket and trousers (if required).

- Liability insurance covering Boots N Paddles advice and equipment.

Essential Information

- With novice paddlers this may be a 4 or 5 day journey at a very relaxed pace. This trip, though, will involve fairly long days and is aimed at reasonably fit folk who do not have the time for a 4 or 5 day full Spey Descent.

- On confirmation of booking we will send a pre-expedition customer questionnaire to obtain some information about each individual participating.

- We will provide a suggested kit list to help customers prepare for the trip on confirmation of a booking.

- Accommodation is tent-based. Single occupancy tents are available at no extra cost.

- Customers are welcome to bring along and use their own equipment.

- This trip is normally run with a minimum of 4 confirmed customers. Should the minimum number not be met, Boots N Paddles reserve the right to offer clients an alternative date or full refund should it be necesarry.

Restrictions

Minimum age 15 , and must be able to swim 25m. Some previous canoeing experience required, although not necessarily on rivers.