The River Spey
The Best-Known Scottish River, Deep in the Heart of Whisky Country
The river that should be on every paddler's tick list. Rising in the Scottish Highlands the river flows through the Cairngorms National Park and out to Spey Bay. Unlike most rivers the Spey is fast-flowing right up until the point it hits the sea!
World-famous for whisky and legendary salmon fishing, the Spey is the classic Scottish river adventure! Winding through endless pine forests, you’ll paddle through a thrilling blend of rapids and gentle flows, with breathtaking scenery waiting around every bend.
This five-day trip is suitable for novices and experienced canoeists alike. The following is a sample itinerary:
Day One:
Our adventure kicks off at 09:00 near Loch Insh, as we pack gear and rally the excitement! We will also shuttle vehicles, dropping most of them at the finish point before returning to the river after lunch. Next, we hit the water, starting easy on flatwater and a slow-flowing section of the river, so you can master the canoes with our guides’ expert tips. After approximately 10km, we’ll set up a wild camp on the riverbank.
Day Two:
After breakfast, we launch into the flow! Passing Aviemore and leaving the Cairngorm mountain range behind, you’ll get into the swing of the river, building skills and confidence with every rapid. Expect regular stops for brews, snacks, and stretches. Day two covers around 24km before a well-earned night camping on farmland with fresh water and a flushing toilet!
Day Three:
By day three, you’ll be fully in the swing of things and completely in adventure mode as the rapids ramp up as the day goes on! The faster flow lets us cover approximately 30km. There are still lots of breaks throughout the day, including a stop in Cragganmore for water and toilets. The day ends in style with the thrilling ‘Washing Machine’ rapid just before camping on a mid-river island!
Day Four
This day is full of whitewater excitement! After a big breakfast, we’ll tackle longer, more complex rapids, including the stunning Knockando section. We’ll then stop for lunch in the small town of Aberlour, where we can visit local shops and cafes. There is even the possibility of a distillery tour here or a visit to the Walkers Shortbread Bakery.
Continuing downriver, we can either camp at Craigellechie and go to the pub for dinner, or continue a little further to another wild camp on an island.
Day Five
The final day involves paddling the Spey as it races towards the sea. Unlike most rivers, the Spey loses most of its height in its final sections, creating a thrilling, fast-paced end to the trip. We'll probably be off the river shortly after lunch, where we’ll unpack, load up and head back to the start point of Aviemore for a well-earned rest. Here, we’ll do our final unpacking, celebrate together, and start planning your next epic adventure!
19th - 23rd October 2026
12th - 16th May 2027
20th - 24th September 2027
To try and appeal to all tastes and budgets I have a range of options
depending on what equipment and/or food requirements you have
£499 per person
Optional Extras:
Paddling Equipment Hire: +£150 per boat (solo or tandem)
Canoe, Paddles, Buoyancy Aids, Helmets, Bailer, Drybags
All meals provided: +£100 per person
From Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 5. Most dietary requirements can be catered for.
Camping Equipment Hire: +£40 per person
Tents & Sleeping Mats
Scroll down for more info below in the FAQs
FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We'll meet on the Shores of Loch Insh near Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park
How long are the days?
That all depends on the conditions and how much progress we make as a group but we can expect to be journeying for around 8 hours per day with regular stops for drinks, snacks and to stretch our legs. Longer days may be required if conditions are not favourable but will always be by mutual agreement. It's a challenge yes but it should still be enjoyable.
What Do You Provide?
A comprehensive information pack to help you prepare for the expedition will be sent to you upon booking. On the trip you'll get expert guiding tailored to the group and with emphasis on fun!. Along the way you'll get coaching tips designed to boost both your skills, confidence and enjoyment.
I Don't Have All Of My Own Equipment...
Dependening on your requirements you can rent some or all of the required equipment or you can bring your own and just take advantage of our expert knowledge and guidance. Hopefully this allows you complete flexibility regarding cost.
How Much Experience Do I Need / Is This Suitable for Me?
The rapids are a maximum of grade 2 so although some canoeing experience is desirable with the right attitude this can be done by people with no prior canoeing or camping experience. There is a degree of physicality required.
Where Will We Stay?
This trip has a mixture of wild camping by the side of the water and trailblazer sites which have rudimentary facilities.
What Sort of Facilities Are There?
One of the campsites has toilets but the majority are wild camps we'll need to be prepared for wild toileting. There is access to fresh water and a flushing toilet everyday.
What if the Weather is Bad?
The river is generally pretty sheltered from the wind and rain is a definite possibility. If we have any concerns about rising river levels we do have options to change location. A large group shelter will be provided for camp to keep everyone out of the worst of the weather.
What About Getting Back to the Start Point?
We'll work together to make sure we have vehicles at both ends of the trip so everyone can get a lift back. This will be done in the morning of the first day.
Tell me About the Portages?
There aren't any! If there is a rapid you don't fancy paddling then you can walk down and the guide will paddle your boat. the only carrying of kit will be when we get into camp each night.
Will I be sharing a canoe?
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How many people are on the trip?
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Tell me more about the food...
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What wildlife might I see?
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