River Spey Trip - Start
River Spey Trip - Night 1
You'll meet your guide at the Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore for 9.30 where we will get our kit, food checked and packed. Chatting through some emergency procedures before we get on the water and run through some basic skills to gain some confidence in our craft before we start to weave and meander on our way through the upper reaches of the river. We plan to camp beside the river at Boat of Balliefurth.
We get packed up and get on the water to flow down through Grantown on Spey taking in some faster-moving water where we will help to develop our moving water skills, paddling through fantastic scenery and prime fishing estates such as Tulcan & Ballidallach as we weave our way towards our next camp near Cragganmore.
Regarded as many, the most exciting day, with some of the best rapids along the way, the 'Washing Machine and 'Knockando' being the two of most memorable. After the action, we head down to Aberlour to restock with supplies, get some ice cream and visit Abelour Distillery if people wish. Craigellachie is less than an hours paddle away where we can get some evening food and visit the whisky bar if you desire!
Our final day where we paddle our way towards the North Sea. Over the course of the day with the scenery changing from the low lying mountains at the start to the expanse of the open sea, weaving our way through the braided estuary tasting the salt in the air as we head towards our final destination, Spey Bay. We celebrate completing one of the finest canoe journeys in the British Isles before grabbing some celebratory photos and coffee!
When we pack up we will return people to Aviemore in our 9 seater minibus, usually arriving in Aviemore for around 4pm. Say our farewells and time for a well earned dinner!
Includes complete kit list, daily mileage charts, and meeting point coordinates for offline access.
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Perfect for individuals with some experience who want to take their skills to the next level. These sessions include more physically engaging activities and may cover varied terrain or conditions, offering a mix of challenge and reward. Expect a balance of skill development and adventure.
No prior experience is required. These sessions focus on learning the basics, so you can enjoy the experience even if it’s your first time. From understanding the gear to mastering essential techniques, we’ll ensure you feel prepared and comfortable.
You'll camp at several designated wild camping locations along the route. These spots are carefully chosen to enhance your experience and connect you with the stunning surroundings. You can view these locations on the interactive map at the top of the page.
Yes, this can be arranged! Accommodation-based trips are available for private bookings or if all participants in the group agree to stay in accommodation. If you're interested in this option, let us know, and we'll be happy to discuss the details with you.
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
If you book solo we will provide a tent to have your own sleeping space. If you book as part of a group/pair then we would provide either 2 or 3 man tents to share.
Absolutely - try and give the guide as much notice as possible of any dietary requirements. You can do this when completing your participation form after booking.
On this trip, we plan to wild camp each evening, which we believe adds to the overall quality and adventure of the experience. Some of the wild camping spots we may use have toilets nearby, and we'll aim to stay close to these when possible. However, facilities can be limited, so we recommend being prepared for a true back-to-nature experience. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to ask!
While it's not legally required, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel/activity insurance before your trip to Scotland. Our courses involve outdoor adventures where weather conditions or unforeseen events could cause cancellations or prevent attendance. Having insurance ensures that you're financially protected if these situations arise. For example, many adventurers opt for specialized coverage such as Sports Cover Direct's offerings for canoe holidays or winter climbing, and the British Mountaineering Council also provides tailored policies for mountaineering activities. We encourage you to review these options and choose a policy that best suits your needs for peace of mind during your adventure.
Yes, you can secure your course/trip with a deposit. We only require a 25% deposit to reserve your position, with the full payment due 30 days prior to the start date.
Yes! You can use our fast checkout option to secure your spot without adding participant details. All we need is your name and email to send the confirmation.
All of our staff hold the relevant qualifications and substantial experience for any courses that you book with us here at Scottish Rock & Water. We can provide any relevant certifications upon request.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on river spey guided canoe trip? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
Canoes, camping kit, and dry barrels are included. The guide handles the route, the food stops, and the pace.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
We’re committed to protecting the landscapes we love. Unlike providers who put profit first, we focus on responsible guiding, conservation, and a leave-no-trace ethos. When you book with us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve Scotland’s wild places for future generations.
We keep our group sizes small to provide a personal and tailored experience. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we take the time to understand your goals and adapt each course to suit your needs.
Sure, you can find the well-trodden routes in a book—but we take you beyond the usual paths. With our deep local knowledge, we’ll guide you to hidden ridges, quiet valleys, and secret spots that make every adventure feel truly unique.
What other groups say about the rivers, the camps, and the days in the canoe.
Packing, rivers, and how a multi-day paddle in Scotland actually runs.
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As the summer season draws to a close, we get some spare time on our hands, so what better to do than see where the water is and get some good old fashioned adrenaline! So Liam, Terry and myself had a few days off togeth...
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When you paddle the Hårkan River in central Sweden, you're not just on a canoe trip—you're moving through some of the most pristine wilderness Scandinavia has to offer. Vast forests meet clear water, the only sounds are...
Not sure which river suits the group, or what a wild camp on the bank involves? Talk to the guides who paddle these trips.
Gift vouchers
A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.
