White Water Kayaking
White water kayaking in the Scottish Highlands is very popular due to the wide range of technical rivers we have on our doorstep.
Based in Inverness our numerous local rivers offer everything from easy grade 1/2 for the beginner, plenty of choices for grade 2-3 for the improver river kayakers, grade 3 for intermediate kayakers, and grade 4 for the advanced white water kayakers.
Full-day guided/coached river trips are offered for paddlers who have all their own equipment.
Coaching/Guiding only – 1-2-1 £150, two adults £200, or three adults £270.
See below for more details on how to book a private full-day white water kayaking experience.
Beginner WW Kayaking
Local rivers suitable for beginner kayakers
- River Conon
- River Ness
- River Oich
Improver WW Kayaking
Some of our local rivers suitable for improver kayakers
- River Spey
- River Findhorn (Middle or Mains of Sluie to Mundole section)
- River Spean
Intermediate WW Kayaking
Some of our local rivers suitable for intermediate kayakers
- River Arkaig
- River Garry
- River Pattack
- River Averon
- River Findhorn (Top & Upper Section)
Advanced WW Kayaking
Some of our local rivers suitable for intermediate kayakers
- River Etive
- River Findhorn (Lower Gorge Section)
- River Feshie
- River Moriston
- River Meig
- River Spean (Spean Gorge)
- River Roy (Roy Gorge)
What you need to bring/wear
When paddling, you should expect some splashing and drips from the paddle. You’ll also get wet feet when launching and landing the sea kayak from the beach landings. The weather can also change rapidly out on the water so its best to be prepared for the worst. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing to keep you warm for your time outdoors in the Scottish Highlands. As we are going on a wee journey, we will be outdoors for the full duration and not able to just nip back to the start for shelter if it starts to rain.
Essential Items:
- Suitable white water kayak with airbags fitted bow & stern
- Paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet
- Wetsuit, dry suit or dry separate for paddling in
- Small dry bag with beanie/gloves to keep you warm when at side of the river
- Footwear with good soles suitable for kayaking and able to get in/out of kayak no issue
- Flask with hot drink and a packed lunch
- Any medication you may require
- Towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be left at the start/finish point/vehicle
What Equipment do we supply
For a full-day whitewater kayaking day we supply the following support with all bookings if needed:
- Transport from Inverness to/back from the paddling location if required
- All safety and support equipment
- Spares bag of kit to support paddlers if forgotten something
- Full day coaching/guiding
- Copies of photos & video taken during the day
- Feedback at the end of the day
Booking a Private Full-Day White Water Kayak Experience
For further information or to enquire about availability, please email Explore Highland!
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