The Scottish Highlands

Day 1 – Arrive and Welcome to the Water

On our first day we meet at the train station in Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. Your guide will give everyone a welcome brief over a coffee before you transfer a short distance to the stunning Loch Morlich, overlooked by the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains. This is the perfect place for an introductory warm up paddle. Afterwards, transfer back to Aviemore and settle in at your accommodation for the next few nights. (L, D)

Day 2 – The River Spey

Today we will enjoy a journey on an easy section of the River Spey. Starting from Boat of Garten we take to the river as it meanders gently through the woods and fields of the national park – a relaxing paddle during which we can continue to work on our skills. We will journey as far as the town of Grantown on Spey where we’ll then have the option of doing some coaching on a slightly faster easy rapid to learn the skills to master these enjoyable sections of water. (B, L, D)

Distance: 13km/ 8 miles

Day 3 – Loch Insh to Aviemore

This morning a short drive takes us to beautiful Loch Insh. Here we launch onto a woody section of flat river overlooked by an impressive Osprey nest – keep your eyes peeled for the birds! We’ll first make a circuit of Loch Insh, looking out for some of the many rare bird species that live here such as goldeneye ducks. Then we return to our launch point and continue down the river, paddling all the way back to Aviemore. The river is an easy paddle but there are a couple of very small rapids that will put our steering skills to the test! We arrive back at Aviemore conveniently outside one of the best pubs in the Highlands. (B, L, D)

Distance: 14km/ 8.5 miles

Day 4 – Loch Rannoch

This morning we depart the Cairngorms and transfer south for the second half of our trip. We’ll break up the journey with a paddle on Loch Rannoch – a quiet loch in the heart of the Highlands surrounded by hills and woods. Afterwards we continue south enjoying the great views of lochs and mountains before arriving at our accommodation in the valley of Stathyre. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Loch Tay to Aberfeldy

A true classic river journey for today’s outing. Starting in the stunning bay of Kenmore with views of Ben Lawers we paddle into the entrance of the River Tay and head downstream. There are several bouncy fun and bouncy rapids between here and our destination for the day – the village of Aberfeldy. On arrival, we can look forward to tucking into some great cake in one of central Scotland’s best cafes before heading back to Strathyre. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – The River Teith

Today a short transfer takes us to the town of Callander, and along the way we’ll maybe stop to have a look at the impressive Falls of Leny – but we won’t be paddling it! In Callander we set out on the River Teith and paddle to the village of Doune, where we will have a late lunch and then spend the afternoon exploring Doune Castle. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Loch Voil and Depart

On our last morning we will enjoy a last paddle together with an easy journey on Loch Voil, surrounded by hills and finishing in the village of Balquhidder. Here we also find the grave of the famous Rob Roy MacGregor which we’ll visit before finishing the trip. After loading the boats one last time we transfer to the town of Stirling where the trip will finish at the train station. (B, L)