Speyside: Explore the Whisky River by Canoe

This journey by open canoe along the lifeblood of Scotland’s most celebrated whisky region will take you among the pine forests and heather-covered hills and you’ll notice nearly every village boasts its own distillery. As you descend the River Spey you’ll paddle past distilleries such as Craigellachie, Knockando and Cragganmore. Of course, the journey includes dropping in for a tasting too. When compared with other regions Speyside malts are said to be sweeter, lighter and more honeyed. Generally, they aren’t as peaty as Islay or Highlands drams and have less salinity than the islands. But the best way to decide your favourite is to try a few yourself.

On day three you might want to hold off on the dram until you have negotiated the rapids at Station Pool near Knockando. After a bit of fun and excitement in white water what better way to celebrate your newly honed canoeing skills than with a dram?