Our open canoeing holidays are a superb way to discover and explore the wilderness regions of Scotland.
Gliding down a meandering river or across a glass-calm loch, admiring mountain views all around are some of the joys of canoeing in Scotland.
Our tours give you the chance to do just that, either staying in hotels (look for the 'classic' comfort grade) or wilderness camping on the water's edge. Two-person canoes are easy to handle, so you can easily learn the key skills from our expert guides during a multi day canoe trip.
Our open canoeing holidays are a superb way to discover and explore the wilderness regions of Scotland.
Gliding down a meandering river or across a glass-calm loch, admiring mountain views all around are some of the joys of canoeing in Scotland.
Our tours give you the chance to do just that, either staying in hotels (look for the 'classic' comfort grade) or wilderness camping on the water's edge. Two-person canoes are easy to handle, so you can easily learn the key skills from our expert guides during a multi day canoe trip.
Book your canoeing holiday with Europe's No.1 Adventure Travel Company - Wilderness Scotland
If you fancy canoeing in Scotland, it’s a truly magical way of exploring Scotland’s lochs and rivers. The canoes help us access some very remote areas of stunning wilderness.
Our hotel based trips are the perfect way to try canoeing in comfort. If you choose a camping trip, like the Great Glen Canoe Trail, you will love loading up the canoe and pushing off into the wild, without the weight on your back!
Our reviews prove testament that these are some of the best canoe camping trips in the UK. Canoeing on the River Spey is so good that we offer two trips – one with camping and the other staying in hotels!
Canoeing is a wonderfully relaxing past-time, and our range of trips offer something for every taste and ability.
Canoeing tours are available in the following locations:
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us.
Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That's why we read each of our client's reviews and although we don't respond to all of them, if it's glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
It was an amazing trip, we were very lucky with the weather, but you would have to be prepared to paddle in any weather. One reservation would be the Saturday paddle on the Caledonian Canal. We put in near a lock and had to contend with boats coming out of the lock, also the tourist boat coming past with it's wake. It wasn't too much of a problem for our group but if everyone had been real beginners it might have been.
Wild Camping - Camping under the stars in spectacular locations near the waterway/shore. Some camps are wild with no facilities while some have very basic facilities such as a toilet and cold running water.
Basic - These simple rustic accommodations in breath-taking locations have a warm and cosy feel with shared bathroom facilities, warm showers and comfortable beds.
Classic - Staying in 3 or 4 star hotels, guesthouses and Highland inns, you can enjoy warm hospitality along with a hot shower, great food and a comfortable bed at the end of a day.
Deluxe - Staying in 4 or 5 star hotels you can enjoy superior comfort and the finest service.
Luxury - Selected castles in locations across Scotland, each have their own character and you will be exceptionally well looked after in each of them.
Status
Provisional - These trips are available to book but the dates may be subject to change.
Unconfirmed - These trip dates are fixed but not yet confirmed to run, if two people book this trip it will become confirmed.
Confirmed - This trip is confirmed to run so you can arrange travel plans.
Fully Booked - Sorry this trip is fully booked please try another date.
Accommodation is usually in twin (2 single beds) or double (1 shared bed) rooms unless stated otherwise and we request that clients who book individually share a twin room.
If however, you would like a single room this may be possible subject to availability and payment of a supplement (see Trip Dossier for details). If you select single, we will determine availability and advise you shortly after you have made booking.
Please provide some information on your relevant experience/fitness for this trip
Please provide any dietary requirements e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, no dairy
Please provide contact details for who we should call in the case of an emergency
Please provide a contact mobile number that will enable us to contact you should you not arrive at the start point on time
Your conservation contribution will go towards supporting the vital environmental protection and conservation of wild land undertaken by our nominated charity the John Muir Trust. Should you prefer not to pay this contribution, simply un-tick the box and the amount will be deducted from your payment. Full details of our conservation contribution scheme and the organisations we support can be found on our sustainable tourism pages.
Please advise us of any medical conditions relevant to a trip of this type eg. Asthma, autism, aspergers, bad knees, replacement hips, etc. All information will be kept in the strictest of confidence
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us
Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That's why we read each of our client's reviews and although we don't respond to all of them, if it's glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
Outstanding Customer Service
Open Canoeing Holidays
As a 5 Star tour operator this is how we see customer service.
For example, we can’t say we will get back to you within 3 hours because sometimes we won’t and we can’t say we endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible, because that’s just wishy washy and everyone says that.
Great customer service isn’t tangible.
It’s tone of voice, and relationship building.
And going that wee bit further to make someone’s day and it can’t be quantified.
It’s how we make you feel…
and we feel that it’s the following things that go towards making the difference between a holiday, and an amazing, memorable experience.
Our Network
We have fantastic relationships and in many cases personal friendships with our trusted team of suppliers.
A Growing Team
Our team of 35 travel professionals in the office and over 60+ expert guides mean we're small enough to care about every detail but big enough to deal with any curveballs, meaning your holiday experience will be seamless.
We Know Scotland
Being outdoors people, we have an unrivalled depth and breadth of knowledge when it comes to Scotland's wild places. We've been there and can recommend locations and activities from our own experience.
Our holidays reviewed in your words
I have not slept under canvas for at least 30yrs so was a bit concerned but had no worries on that score. I am not a canoeist but Laura was my other half and I enjoyed my time. Being older the portages were a worry but there was no need they were all handled efficiently. Over all an excellent trip.
I enjoyed the trip very much. However, portaging the canoes and all the gear over rough and muddy terrain and aside waterfalls proved unnecessarily challenging as we could have put in at a different spot to avoid all of these obstacles. Hiking to/from the base of the peak (10 km RT) we wanted to climb also prevented us from actually reaching the summit. Perhaps another, shorter way up would have allowed us to reach the peak.
TEAM WILDERNESS RESPONCE:
Thanks for your feedback. The itinerary on this trip did have to be adjusted based on the weather. The put in places were chosen to give the best options for paddling and hiking but it sounds like the explanation for this could have been clearer and we’ll follow up on that.
Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 186 reviews of Canoeing
by Gloria Ziebart 21/09/2017
5Pre-Trip Service
5Trip Comments
4Accommodation and Food
4Your Guide
5The Bottom Line
Pre-Trip Service
I was impressed by the team of guides (very professional) who worked well to recover a pair of canoeists under unexpected wild conditions. I like the quality of the canoes and tents. I appreciated the good food that was cooked and being told where it came from. I would of appreciated a soft drink alternative to the wines and coffee, I didn't like the third walk to the third campsight as it involved carrying what was heavy gear over a 300m distance, I struggled with this after a long day paddling.
Trip Comments
None
Accommodation and Food
I think you are doing well.
Your Guide
None
The Bottom Line
I was able to learn a lot from the Team on how to paddle in white water. They took time to explain how the water works and techniques to use.
Pre-Trip Service
Nothing to complain about - on a contrary, Bridget made a great job - she guessed by my strange questions, that I am about to make an organizational mess and she supported a lot ... Good job!! :-)
Trip Comments
The trip was a bit more "challenging" (in terms of paddling technique) than I thought, but I felt well taken care of and got support and explanation whenever needed. Not that I understood all of it (my "Canoe English" is not very well developed) - but I made it finally to the level of a "Super potential" :-)) that makes me very proud! And without my capsizers - I would have never got the chance to get an original "Wilderness Scotland" cap ... This alone was worth every bruise and every wet clothes!!
Accommodation and Food
Hotel in Beauly seemed sometimes a bit helpless reacting to customer requests ( a fan in the room and some light in breakfast room) - but all in all was ok. Hotel in Aviemore was great ... nice people and a dry room :-)
Your Guide
These 2 guys did a super natural work!! Myles seems to be born for this job - also when river Findhorn decided not to give us access and (just to please us in addition) have extremely low water - he arranged and managed everything to make the trip go on. Great... And then Paul! His canoeing capabilities are only topped by his great fine type of humour, that I would book to have at my breakfast table every day (if that would be possible ;-) It didn't even stop, when he got in trouble with his car. Also this problem was solved without having any influence on us or on the trip. ....
The Bottom Line
I booked Wilderness the 2nd time now and it was as great as the first time (MTB trip on outer Hebrides). For this trip, perhaps I would not emphasize so much the "unlikeliness of capsizing" :-) - but perhaps this is only what I wanted to focus on, because I am not so much a "water person" ...
Pre-Trip Service
The comments from previous clients on the website was very useful. Jane Gilles was helpful. Pretty efficient really.
Trip Comments
Overall great trip. The canoeing was actually harder than I expected but that made it more of an adventure. The guides were clearly very experienced so I felt very safe. The rover was low on day three so canoeing was harder and we did lots of walking with the canoes but in hindsight that was possibly the best day!
Your Guide
Both Paul and Myles were excellent guides. They were technically very capable and also helped managed the group dynamic and kept people engaged. I would happily recommend both of them as guides.
The Bottom Line
Great trip, excellent guides, good adventure, stunning countryside - highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about a bit of time in the Highlands.
Trip Comments
A great trip, well organised and fun with a group of very nice people. Our Guides looked after us very well and put our safety first. Lovely choice of wild campsites on the banks of the beautiful Spey. An all round great adventure.
Accommodation and Food
Excellent quality tents and super easy to put up. The communal wigwam was spot on and spacious.
Your Guide
Professional, informative and very safety conscious. Nice guys.
The Bottom Line
Exceeded my expectations. I had a brilliant time and would definitely recommend the trip. We were very lucky having great weather which is a big bonus.
Pre-Trip Service
There were a couple email exchanges I had with people where I got different information each time, like the trip documents said I could store my bag in the van, and then I was told I couldn't. Nothing that affected the overall trip, just required a few extra steps to set right during the planning process.
Trip Comments
The highlight for me was definitely each night in the tent as we all warmed up, shared some food and whisky, and gave each other a hard time! Really lovely bunch of people, many fond memories. There was also an impromptu yoga session led by myself that was pretty hilarious.
Accommodation and Food
I had one of the small tents two of the nights, and there was a hole in it. I patched it with tape so the slugs couldn't get in the second night, but for someone less used to tent camping it might have been an issue. ;) The food was great and my only quibble is that I would have appreciated a little more protein. I know from my own expeditions it's a cost thing, but a few chickpeas or lentils in the curry or TVP in the spagbol would be pretty easy inclusions I think. I thought the portion sizes were great and the lunch selections were always perfect picnic fare.
Your Guide
Grant, Ray, and Alex were fun, professional, and knowledgeable. They were wonderful about seeing to everybody's comfort and all easy to talk to. I felt like we were friends very early in, which makes it an enjoyable trip. I also cannot say enough about their calm handling of the tip ins that happened in our group. The first few were (I think) pretty routine, but that doesn't lessen the value of having good guides. They were always very clear about how they would get the boats and it was just our job to be safe, and all three were great about checking in with everyone afterwards on if they were alright, warm enough, etc. My canoe partner and I had a scary tip the last day where we got swept into a tree on the bank, and the guides were world class. Everyone stayed calm, communicated well, performed their role, kept the rest of the group safe, and they all touched base with Jim and I about how we felt too. It's easy in situations like that to focus so much on the mechanics of getting the boat back, making sure people are out of the elements as much as possible, etc., and forget that the customers might be scared, but the guys were very compassionate without making me feel coddled. I have only good things to say about their teamwork and I'd recommend them any day!
The Bottom Line
I'd book with Wilderness Scotland again any day! Knowledgeable guides, a great group, and such beautiful country!
Pre-Trip Service
I liked the promotional emails and reminders kept the excitement for the trip
Trip Comments
So many great memories of my trip hard to pick a favourite, a big highlight was sitting in the canoe on water as smooth and reflective as mirror surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands under a clear blue sky
Accommodation and Food
The tents were very easy to put up, and kept the wind and rain out. Cozy and dry,
Your Guide
It was easy to tell that our guides love the wilderness and their jobs. They were Fabulous, friendly, enthusiastic. They shared history and fascinating facts about the area
The Bottom Line
I loved the trip. Everything was arranged and all equipment provided. Made it so easy for me as I usually have to do all the work myself. A lovely change to not have tents and gear all over my house after a caneoe trip
Trip Comments
We really enjoyed our fantastic adventure from start to finish, we learned so much and it was a pleasure to so in beautiful surroundings with great company.
Accommodation and Food
The camping equipment provided was all excellent and we loved wild camping by the river, one night was even spent in earshot of our greatest challenge 'The Washing Machine' Thankfully after we had all made it through without capsizing!
Your Guide
Our guides, Mark and Grant, were excellent. Great instruction especially when needed. Building our skills and confidence for each new challenge throughout the 4 days. Friendly, well organised and really lovely people to lead us on our adventure.
The Bottom Line
Brilliant, fantastic, would love to do it again! Perfect trip with a great group of people, so well organised, even had plentiful sunshine and Ospreys in Spey Bay!
Pre-Trip Service
(Sebastian sent this link, I didn't get an evaluation feedback form???) This trip was perfect for me and Sebastian, rapids great fun, and we really enjoyed the pictures and the personal attention for everyone consistent with their skills and experience. The hotel accommodation was just fine, food and beverages, and choice of restaurants appealed to us. I would also commend Myles and Howard for their flexibility in taking us all to Culloden for the last 1/2 day as I think we all very much preferred not to miss it. One suggestion, I wonder if the trip might be better classified as beginner rapids for people with at least some experience with basic canoe paddling strokes.
Neil Oliver
Trip Comments
Highlights had to include tipping the canoe in a nasty left turn, a real learning experience, getting through Washing Machine, and Myles documentation of the trip - all my family, other kids, friends were blown away by this unexpected visual and (Washing Machine) AudioVisual record provided - priceless.
Accommodation and Food
Fine accommodation, food and adult beverages.
Your Guide
Myles and Howard - I really appreciated their accepting of a 72 year old anomaly in the group - not all river runners are as free from ageism attitudes. I really appreciated them. As mentioned all of us seemed managed on the basis of skill and experience, the perfect approach, I think.
The Bottom Line
I'm likely never to be in Scotland again, and North America is not likely to be a big resource for you, but I'd recommend this to anyone - and have. Now the free advertising you could get if you gave a branded t-shirt woven included in the price.....or even had branded product available to participants might help (Black Feather in Canada gets lots of publicity from my wearing their "free" branded T shirt everywhere)
Pre-Trip Service
It was all fine, maybe two points to note - 1) I phoned up with a query about distribution of kit between my rucksack and the canoe barrel, and I didn't feel the person really understood the point I was asking.
2) This is a bit more tangential - in checking that I was aware of the fitness level required, the advisor came back to me so many times that in the end I genuinely thought she was doubting me. I'm completely on board with making sure, but it almost went over the top.
Trip Comments
Grant & Tom made a great duo: full of enthusiasm and banter. They were flexible in their approach, and brought sunshine even when the rain poured!
Accommodation and Food
One of the most impressive parts of the trip was the flexibility needed to adapt to the changing weather conditions. This meant we spent some time camping on a loch island, and other days on coastal camping sites.
Your Guide
Please see previous comments
The Bottom Line
The Assynt is truly awe-inspiring, and seeing from a canoe on Loch Sionascaig is something I will never forget.
Trip Comments
wonderful trip guided by Moose and Grant ...always on hand to guide us down with great instruction given together with insights of how to read the river drawn from their years of knowledge. Evenings were great..convivial, great food and good company.
Accommodation and Food
great
Your Guide
Grant and Moose were excellent guides and very willing to share their knowledge and insights of canoeing and how to read the water and river
Your Guide
Mark and Grant were really patient, encouraging and gave great instruction.
The Bottom Line
Accessible wild adventures in outstanding landscapes that challenge your skills and fitness enough to give you a sense of achievement - but not so much that it's in any way a slog.
Pre-Trip Service
I appreciated information about train service. More information on how to use train system and how to get from airport to train station in Glasgow would be helpful. In U.S. Taking a train is extremely unusual for most.
Trip Comments
Moose and Frenchie were outstanding
Accommodation and Food
Very efficient camping with good food and equipment
Your Guide
The guides did an outstanding job of organization and leadership. Could not have been better
The Bottom Line
The canoe trip was beginner in the sense of requiring minimal skills but very strenuous. I had a great time and loved the challenge but I would suggest being clear about this. Most people have better lower extremity than upper extremity fitness A person must be in good physical shape and pursuing a fitness program to enjoy this trip canoeing is much more strenuous than walking or biking
Pre-Trip Service
We were given all the information we needed to prepare for the trip. They were able to answer our questions when we called
Trip Comments
Our guides provided us information on what to expect and involved us in discussions on plans for next day. They were very knowledgable about the area and made the trip fun. Had a great time.
Accommodation and Food
The tents were good for size and in good condition. The new Teepee tent was very good it accommodated everyone easily. Dinner meals were very good but breakfast could be a little better.
Your Guide
They were very knowledgeable and helpful. They kept the group together. Made the trip enjoyable.
The Bottom Line
I would absolutely recommend this trip to others
Trip Comments
Overall, very enjoyable. I will look back on this with fond memories and having learned more than I expected.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation : The tents were great, particularly happy to get one for myself. With hindsight though, I'd like to have brought my own and I did feel a little sorry for the 2 in the group who received the one man tents. Life was a bit cramped for them at times. Food : Outstanding, at times I was eating better than at home. I don't know how they managed to rustle up the variety, fresh ingredients and flavours that they did. The cooking ingenuity with the stove and pans was impressive. Even a birthday cake (shop bought of course) made an appearance.
Your Guide
Craig and Will were excellent. We were well taken care of (spoiled at times!) and learned lots from them. Felt lucky to have these guys leading the way.
The Bottom Line
The whole trip is a fantastic package with a great balance of elements. Physically challenging at times, but rewarded with great food, excellent guides, group camaraderie and ample time to experience and enjoy a pristine remote environment. A very welcome escape.
Pre-Trip Service
Great communications between prospective clients and your staff. And your great service continued once we signed up with you. Very quick responses that answered our every question
Trip Comments
Extremely knowledgeable and helpful guides. They made a point of making sure each and every clients needs were met
Your Guide
Very knowledgeable in all aspects of canoeing, the outdoors and many interesting subjects surrounding their ecperiences. They loaned out their personal gear to make sure we had everything we needed if we forgot our own.
The Bottom Line
Kathy and I agreed that your guides were the best we’ve ever had, and we have been on many trips with other companies. Your office staff and company far exceeds all the others in the business
Pre-Trip Service
Very responsive and helpful team who coped well with me cancelling due to injury and then rebooking.
Trip Comments
Rarely has so much experience been had in so little time. I am usually a hotel + activity user so 'wild camping' plus rapids was a paddle into the unknown even given my undertaking of the beginners activity in the Autumn. A lovely group of tolerant, easy going people much helped by superb leadership from two guides . The guides allowed us to safely navigate waters that would be far beyond my skill set (although I was much supported by being paired with a more experienced paddler) The tent I was given was easy to put up single handed. The guides have clearly thought through the difficulties of providing varied food with limited cooking equipment. Lots of exercise and fresh air and I would certainly be interested in similar activities , this long weekend trip was the perfect length .
Accommodation and Food
I have camped before so was pleased with the tent given to me.The shared group tent provided a place to warm up.
Your Guide
I have an educational background and as said before thought their teaching style was spot on. Always positive and firm enough to protect us.
The Bottom Line
Thank you so much, really feel I had a complete break from my normal life after only three nights.
Accommodation and Food
The single man tent was very small. The one piece tarp did not fit well over the tent. Luckily is only rained one day. However, if this is my only complaint, I consider myself to be very lucky. I give the overall experience a 10 hands down!
Your Guide
The itinerary changed somewhat. But we worked well with the guides to create a once in a lifetime experience.
The Bottom Line
I am only giving this a four and not a five because one cannot predict the weather. But, if the conditions we experienced were guaranteed, I could put my name on an absolute recommendation.
