River Spey Canoe Adventure
The River Spey canoe adventure is one of the UK’s ‘Classic Canoe Descents’ that all canoeists have on their must-do list. This multiday canoe adventure is a true source to sea journey. Some people choose to launch high up in the Cairngorm Mountains by Newtonmore. Other groups choose to start slightly lower down the river at Loch Inch by Kincraig during Summer for guaranteed water, or even a shorter adventure beginning a Boat of Garten or Grantown of Spey. Where ever you start, most groups want to finish the adventure where the river meets the North Sea at Spey Bay on the east coast of Scotland.
The River Spey is one of Scotland’s most scenic rivers, famous for its salmon fishing, as well as its links to the Scottish Malt Whisky Trail. No matter if you start at Newtonmore, Kincraig or Aviemore, the improver paddler has plenty of opportunity to get to grips with their canoe before the river speeds up as you get closer to Grantown on Spey.
Be sure though to plan in some additional time to enjoy your journey by taking in some local hot spots including a visit into Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, Aberlour, Fochabers and at your finish point at Spey Bay where you might be lucky enough to spot the some of the famous Moray Firth Dolphins, local osprey, and seals from the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre.
All of Explore Highland’s canoe has paddled on the River Spey for over twenty years and know the associated rapids, wild camping options and locals. Donald regularly attends the Spey commercial provider user meeting held at Knockando bi-annually to help support and resolve issues for the better of both users.
All Explore Highland canoes are logo’d so all other paddlers and anglers know who we are when on the river as we wish to work and respect all other river users as a local provider.
Private River Spey Canoe Adventure
If you are interested in a bespoke River Spey canoe adventure, Explore Highland can offer you a tailor made package.
Depending on your groups paddling experience, available adventure length, and accommodation options will help make a plan.
Various accommodation options are available with wild camping being the best option. At some locations the use of commercial campsites, local bunkhouses, local B&B’s, local hotels or a combination could be possible but does limit the adventure.
Some of our River Spey canoe expedition options;
- Various options (2 days) – depending group experience and ability
- Aviemore to Spey Bay (3 days) – A shorter trip for those with more tandem canoe experience
- Loch Inch to Spey Bay (4 days) – The most popular trip which is useful for those with less tandem canoe experience
- Newtonmore to Spey Bay (5 days) – Only offered in Spring or Autumn when the river levels are higher
We have the local knowledge and contacts within the Spey Valley and can make this trip work for you no matter your paddle skills and timescale available.
Book Your Private River Spey Adventure
You can book your private River Spey canoe adventure by emailing Explore Highland!
Self Guided River Spey Canoe Adventures
Explore Highland offers a range of services specifically for those looking at canoeing the River Spey and help experienced canoeists take on this route. This includes competitively priced open canoe hire for small to medium sized groups, plus drop-off and uplift shuttle service.
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