Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

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Spey Descent

© Active Outdoor Pursuits

River Spey

River Spey Canoe Descent

Scotland’s finest canoeing river tour (River Spey Descent) starts in the Cairngorms National Park. The River Spey is one of the most beautiful rivers in Britain, flowing through beautifully forested country and passing many famous distilleries.

With time on our side, we will pay a visit to at least one of them for a “wee dram” of Speyside malt. Premier salmon fishing and an abundance of wildlife around its banks makes the River Spey one of the best in Britain. The highlight however will surely be its many fun & exciting Grade II rapids and it’s spectacular end at Spey Bay.

Important Information / Grade & Experience

The River Spey descent is a 5 day and 4 night river journey. By their very nature journeys on the water can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety. 

The Spey Descent is moderately challenging on mainly easy but fast flowing water. There are normally no portages required on this trip. It is suitable for water-confident people with little or no experience. We can offer 1 or 2 day canoe skills courses prior to your trip is you wish.

Day1:

Kingussie to Aviemore

As we begin our journey we will take a little time to look at basic paddle strokes and provide some coaching if required. The upper section of the Spey meanders its way through The Insh marshes nature reserve and here you may spot red shanks, curlews and lapwings. We will also pass by Ruthven Barracks, an old military post used by English troops to suppress the Jacobite rebellion. Further down we reach Loch Insh where we may get a chance to put our the sails up. The River from here to Aviemore provides lots of easy and entertaining rapids, perfect for developing your river paddling skills.

Day2:

Aviemore to Grantown on Spey

Along this section the river eases and meanders under the magnificent Cairngorm Mountains with fabulous views of distant Ben Macdui – Scotland’s second highest mountain. Also along this stretch we often catch sightings of various wildlife such as ospreys and otters and we may even see the old steam train that runs beside the river for a few miles.

Day3:

Grantown on Spey to Ballindalloch

From here the pace of the river increases considerably and provides many enjoyable class II rapids. We journey ever seaward through native forests and woodlands, passing the old church at Cromdale through some fine salmon fishing beats onto our next overnight stop at Ballindalloch with its nearby castle and a number of distilleries.

Day4:

Ballindalloch to Craigellachie

For lovers of white water this could be the highlight of your trip with many fun grade II rapids. This is also the heart of malt whisky country. We will pass famous names such as Knockando and Tamdhu and later we come to Aberlour – another fine whisky – and also home to the famous Walkers Shortbread Company. A few miles further and we reach camp at Craigellachie just above where Glen Fiddich meets the Spey. As a reward for all your efforts why not treat yourself to a tasty bar meal and a glass of this famous malt at the Highlander Inn.

Day5:

Craigellachie to Spey Bay

After passing the village of Rothes the river takes us on to Fochabers, where the Baxter family business sits above the road bridge, heralding our approach to the coast. From here on you can smell the sea air and perhaps witness otters at play as we thread our way through the delta. Finally we paddle towards the rolling waves of Spey Bay where we are often greeted by sightings of dolphins. What better to cap it all off than a wee dram of Speyside Malt.

Note – By their very nature journeys in remote or mountainous country can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. Your guide/s may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety.

Desde £495 por adulto

Día de salida

  • Lunes
  • Martes
  • Miércoles
  • Jueves
  • Viernes
  • Sábado
  • Domingo

Mayo — Septiembre

Reservar ahora

Datos de contacto

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Craigower Lodge
Golf Course Road
Newtonmore
Inverness-shire
Scotland
PH20 1AT
Ver detalles del proveedor

Servicios destacados

  • Aparcamiento para minusválidos

Tour information

Salida

  • Aviemore
  • Newtonmore

Duración

5 Days

Transporte

  • Kayak
  • Minibus

Tipología

  • Bespoke
  • Medium Group (17-30)
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Idiomas

  • English

Temática

  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Outdoor Activities

Precio

Desde £495 Por adulto

Reservar ahora

Precios pueden variar según la temporada

Paradas del viaje

Galería

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Información sobre la empresa

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Active Outdoor Pursuits, born in 1999, is one of the most established providers of outdoor activities, education and training in Scotland. We have developed our facilities & services to provide a comprehensive and dynamic approach to supporting people of all ages and experience to realise their outdoor adventure dreams and ambitions. We offer a wide range of outdoor activities and, we can offer packages and holidays to suit all outdoor tastes. Looking for an outdoor adventure or holiday? Then you've come to the right place!

Redes sociales

Visitar Active Outdoor Pursuits

Horario de apertura

9-6pm

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El contenido de esta lista web es proporcionado por el operador externo correspondiente y no por VisitScotland. VisitScotland no se responsabiliza por (1) cualquier error o tergiversación en esta lista web, y (2) el contenido de cualquier enlace externo dentro de esta lista web ((1) y (2) juntos en lo sucesivo denominados "Contenido") . VisitScotland excluye toda responsabilidad por pérdidas o daños causados por la confianza depositada en el Contenido. El Contenido se proporciona únicamente para su información y no está respaldado por VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Places to go

Things to do

Accommodation

Travel & planning

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter