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.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

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

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

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

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

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

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.

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.

À partir de £495 par adulte


Dates de départ

  • Lundi
  • Mardi
  • Mercredi
  • Jeudi
  • Vendredi
  • Samedi
  • Dimanche

Mai — Septembre

Coordonnées

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Craigower Lodge
Golf Course Road
Newtonmore
Inverness-shire
Scotland
PH20 1AT

Services

  • Parking pour personnes handicapées

Tour information

Point de départ

  • Aviemore
  • Newtonmore

Durée

5 Days

Transport

  • Kayak
  • Minibus

Type de circuit

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

Langues

  • English

Thèmes

  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Outdoor Activities

Prix


À partir de £495 Par adulte

Réserver maintenant

Les prix peuvent varier selon la saison

Étapes de l’excursion

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Information sur le prestataire

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!

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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.

Plan an epic trip to Scotland

Come and experience Scotland’s warm welcome for yourself with an unforgettable holiday packed with beautiful landscapes, unmissable events and, of course, our friendly Scots.

Highland games in Scotland

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

The Northern Lights in Scotland

Nature's most dramatic winter light display. Discover more about this otherworldly natural phenomenon.

Dark sky parks & stargazing in Scotland

Discover spectacular dark sky parks for stargazing in Scotland. Including a stargazing toolkit, best time of year for stargazing, and more.

Scottish whisky

Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

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

Experience Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

Get your toes tapping, experience something new, cheer on Scotland at a sporting event, uncover traditions, rich history and more at events and festivals across the country.

Scottish music festivals

See your favourite artists at this year's lineup of Scottish music festivals.

Halloween in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s Halloween happenings and connect with the Celtic roots of this spooky tradition.

Events and festivals in Scotland

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

Autumn in Scotland

Scotland in autumn is a feast for the senses. Experience golden forests, crisp countryside walks, atmospheric festivals, and magical evenings beneath dark skies.

Autumn breaks

There's lots to do during autumn in Scotland. Find inspiration for half-term breaks and autumn holidays from family days out to walks and activities.

Scottish forests and woodlands

Explore Scotland’s most beautiful forests and woodlands, from ancient trees and peaceful trails to spectacular landscapes and wildlife.

Walking in Scotland

Find out about walking in Scotland including route guides, walking tours, mountains and hills, forests and woodlands, lochs and coastlines, and more.

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

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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive stories and soul‑stirring ideas from those who know Scotland best – the experts. With unforgettable journeys, trip ideas and bucket list destinations, your next adventure begins the moment our inspiration arrives in your inbox.