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.

River Tay Descent

© Active Outdoor Pursuits

Grantully - River Tay

Loch Tay & River Tay Descent

The Loch & River Tay canoe descent journeys from the central highlands of Killin down to Perth, Lowland Scotland. Passing through Perthshire’s most beautiful countryside the River Tay is Scotland’s largest volume river.

It’s a diverse journey crossing the 23 kilometres of Loch Tay under the shadow of Ben Lawers and entering the River Tay at Kenmore. In addition to the river journey you can visit historic sites of interest, Crannog centre and the Cathedral at Dunkeld.

Important Information / Grade & Experience

The river Tay canoe descent is a 5 day and 4 night paddling 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.

This trip is moderately challenging. The open waters of Loch Tay can be tough in windy conditions but can be sailed making it relatively relaxing. The white water sections are mainly fun and straight-forward. River skills can be picked up as the journey progresses downstream and gets progressively more challenging. There are a couple of grade 2 or 2/3 rapids, however these can be inspected and portaged easily. No previous experience is required for the river tay canoe descent however we do recommend some previous paddling or white water experience. We can offer 1 or 2 day canoe skills courses prior to your trip is you wish.

Day1:

Killin to Eilean nam Ban-naomh

Our journey begins at the east end of Loch Tay at the picturesque village of Killin, famous for the Falls of Dochart which flow through the village into Loch Tay. We hope to take advantage of Scotland’s dominant westerly winds to enable us to sail down the loch beneath the mighty Ben Lawers, towering some 1200 meters above us. As we approach Kenmore we will visit the Crannog – an ancient dwelling built over the loch dating back some 5,000 years. We will make camp on the lovely island, opposite the Crannog, of Eilean nam Ban-naomh, ‘Isle of Holy Women’ with its 12th century remains of a nunnery and castle.

Day2:

Eilean nam Ban-naomh to Grandtully

A day steeped in history. We take a short paddle to the mainland and take time to stroll through the village of Kenmore with its old buildings and Scotland’s oldest Inn built in 1572. Here you can still see a poem written and inscribed in pencil on the fireplace by Robert Burns himself during a visit to Kenmore in 1787. Continuing down river we soon come to the Chinese falls – a fun grade 2 rapid. Beyond here we pass Taymouth castle built in 1862. The next few miles contain some fun minor rapids before reaching Aberfeldy. Here we paddle under Wade’s bridge, built by General Wade in 1733, to help connect his military road network used to suppress the Scots. Beyond Aberfeldy we come to the best section of the river for white water; there are many grade 2 rapids before reaching the grade 3 Grandtully rapid which can be easily portaged if preferred. We will camp here for the night.

Day3:

Grandtully to Dunkeld

You will have the chance this morning to run the Grandtully rapid one more time before heading off towards Dunkeld. The next section is quieter with occasional gentle rapids as the valley floor widens and the river merges with the River Tummel. We soon reach the historic town of Dunkeld where we will camp tonight and take some time to see the Cathedral built between 1260 and 1501. The streets around the cathedral is where the battle of Dunkeld took place in 1689 between the Jacobites and a government regiment of Covenanters.

Day4:

Dunkeld to Inchtuthill

Today we travel through the farmlands and forests of the Tay valley but before heading off we will take a short walk to the Hermitage and the Falls of Braan. This forest is home to Britain’s tallest trees – these mighty Douglas Firs stand over 200 feet high and are protected by the National Trust for Scotland. Further down river the scenery changes dramatically – as we pass Caputh the scenery becomes more like a sea estuary for a while. This area is home to thousands of nesting birds. At Inchtuthill we can see the remains of an ancient roman fortress built by Agricola in 82AD as an advance base in his campaign against the Caledonian tribes. We will make camp at a convenient site in this area.

Day5:

Inchtuthill to Perth

Our final day and another day of diversity. This section flows through stretches of steep tree-lined banks. where it meanders for a couple of miles until we reach its confluence with the River Isla, flowing down from the Angus Glens. For those of us who enjoy white water paddling, the next 8 miles contains a succession of fun grade 2 rapids – a great experience on our last day. The final few miles to Perth are more gentle; our routes passes Scone Palace – once the crowning place of Scottish Kings and home to the Stone of Destiny. The final few miles flow gently into Perth where this mighty river system meets the North Sea.

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 River & Loch Tay Canoe Descent Itinerary to ensure group safety.

Depart Craigower Lodge on day one at 8am

Return to Craigower 5pm

From £595 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

May — September

Contact details

Active Outdoor Pursuits

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

Key facilities

  • Disabled Parking

Tour information

Starting

  • Aberfeldy, Loch Tay and Glen Lyon
  • Aviemore
  • Newtonmore

Length

5 Days

Transport

  • Kayak
  • Minibus

Type

  • Bespoke
  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Outdoor Activities

Tour prices


From £595 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Active Outdoor Pursuits

Tour company information

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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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by 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.

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.