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    Open Canoeing

    The Scottish Highlands

    44 reviews

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Stevie Christie
    View Stevie's Profile

    Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
    Trip Type: Canoeing
    Accommodation: Classic
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 118kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Canoe on silver lochs and flowing rivers, relax at charming Highland accommodation and learn new canoe skills in the company of an expert wilderness guide on this fantastic Scottish canoe adventure.

    Suitable for both beginners and intermediate canoeists, you will learn new skills and develop good technique while enjoying classic day trips on Scottish rivers and lochs. Whether it is your first time in a boat or you already know your J-stroke from your Pry, your guides will equip you with all you need to explore some of Scotland’s most beautiful paddling locations. This is a superb way to experience the landscape.

    During the first half of the trip, we will be based in the Cairngorms National Park; we then transfer south and spend the second half in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park.

    Trip Highlights

    • Enjoy the best canoe trips in Scotland, returning to a cosy hotel each night.
    • Start on flat water, and paddle up to Grade 2 on classic rivers such as the Spey.
    • Enjoy warm hospitality and great meals in carefully chosen small hotels.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    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)

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    Open Canoeing
    The Scottish Highlands

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Price from: £0
    Duration: 1 Days 0 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This trip is based at a two comfortable small hotels, where you can be sure of a warm Highland welcome. We will spend the first 3 nights based in the village of Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and then 3 nights in Stathyre in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite bathroom.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £375 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout the trip.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, simply let us know in advance.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in small hotels and guest houses.
    • All meals, as detailed above. (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • All transport, starting in Aviemore and finishing in Stirling.
    • The services of at least one experienced and knowledgeable canoe guide / driver throughout your trip.
    • All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 3

    This Green graded canoeing trip is suitable for those with little or no previous canoeing experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip.

    You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of canoeing each day, with breaks to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 10:30am on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will finish and you will be dropped off at Stirling Railway Station for 2:00pm on the final day of the trip.

    For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/

    If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Graded Open Canoeing Holidays 1-3

    This Green graded canoeing trip is suitable for those with little or no previous canoeing experience. There is an emphasis on instruction and developing your skills while enjoying the surroundings of some superb locations. You will be able to progress your skills and experience throughout the trip.

    You should have a reasonable level of fitness and you can expect up to 6 hours of canoeing each day, with breaks to stretch your legs. You will also be asked to assist with carrying the boats to and from the water, working as a team.

    Compare open canoeing grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 44 reviews of Open Canoeing – The Scottish Highlands

     

    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.

    IR

    Iain Robertson

    Reviewed on 01/08/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 22/07/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Fantastic trip. WS organized it well and I would not hesitate to book with them again.

    IR

    Iain Robertson

    Reviewed on 01/08/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 22/07/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Hands down a great experience. I am already thinking about what my next trip might look like.

    NP

    Nicole Pauquet

    Reviewed on 31/07/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Belgium
    Trip Date: 22/07/2023
    Trips Taken: 4

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Fantastic ! Outstanding organisation, everything was perfect. It was my 4th trip with Wilderness Scotland, and almost certainly not the last one.

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