Starting off in the Cairngorms National Park we start the classic canoe descent of the river Spey, paddling all the way to the North Sea! Along the way we develop your paddling skills and knowledge to maximise your enjoyment on this wonderful classic canoe journey. We also have various options from wild camping to staying in B&B's with cooked breakfast and dinner every night. There are also options to check out some of the local Speyside whisky distilleries along the way if people are keen to sample some of the local tipple!
Learn how to paddle the traditional style open canoe
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Paddle from Cairngorms mountain range all the way to the North Sea
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Paddle some exciting white water, with easier meanders between the exiting sections!
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Sleep under canvas or B&B options available
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Options to experience the famous Spey-side whiskeys
Day 1
Aviemore - Boat of Balliefurth
You'll meet your guide in Aviemore where we will get our kit checked and packed. Then we chat through emergency procedures before we get on the water and run through some basic skills to get our confidence up then get on our way through the upper reaches of the river and cruise on down to Boat of Balliefurth to get our camp setup.
Day 2
Boat of Balliefurth - Ballindalloch
We get packed up and get on the water to flow down through Grantown on Spey taking in some faster-moving water where we will help to develop our moving water skills, paddling through fantastic scenery all the way to the next camp at Ballindalloch.
Day 3
Ballindalloch - Craigellachie
Today is the most exciting day, with some of the best rapids along the way, the Washing machine and Knockando being the two of most memorable. After the action, we head down to Craigellachie where we can get some food and visit the whisky bar if you desire!
Day 4
Craigellachie - Spey Bay
The last day where we head out towards The North Sea over the course of the day with the scenery changing from the mountains at the start to now the expanse of the open sea salt air as we head towards Spey Bay where we can get some photos and coffee!
InclusionsWhat's Included🚆
Transportation - On-course transport
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Food🥤
Drink🧰
Equipment - > Equipment supplied by SRW > Buoyancy aids > Helmets > Canoes & paddles > Waterproof storage > Camping food if staying under canvas > Camping stoves (trangia style) inc fuel > Camping mats > Cutlery > Tents 2 or 3 man > Group shelter > First Aid kit
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Other - Highly experienced & qualified guide
What you'll need🧤
Warm Clothing☂️
Waterproofs - > Waterproofs, top and bottoms > Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
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Food🥤
Drink📋
Other - > Spare shoes to get wet plus dry shoes for camp
Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. We recommend Gore-tex or similar
Spare insulating layer
Hat & gloves
Warm socks
Sleeping bag, 3 season
Spare set of clothes x 2
Some large zip-lock bags to keep your clothes and equipment organised
Head torch, plus spare batteries
Water bottle or flask
Sunglasses and sun cream (you just never know!)
Personal medications