Keen for a wet and wild challenge? Good - you've come to the right place. With awesome rivers, drops and rapids, Scotland is where it's at if you want to try the most thrilling white water rafting in Britain.
What is white water rafting?
Simply, it's a brilliant river-based activity which involves paddling downstream in large inflatable rafts for up to eight adrenaline-seekers. The rivers are usually categorised based on difficulty, from the gentle grade 1 to the extreme white water of grade 6.
When can I try it?
Rafting can be experienced all year round in Scotland, with opportunities for both first time rafters and adrenaline junkies. If you're looking for something gentler to start off with, then try rafting in the height of summer when many rivers are graded 2 and 3, with slower flowing and lower water levels.
For thrill seekers, try rafting just after the snow melts in early spring or after heavy rainfall when many Scottish rivers offer challenging grade 4 and 5 rafting. With fast-moving, surging white waters, you literally have to go with the flow!
Where can I try it?
In the Cairngorms National Park, try the wild side of white water rafting on the mighty River Findhorn and River Tummel. The River Findhorn offers unparalleled scenery and thrilling rafting which sees you drop 500 ft over 18 miles. This is one of Scotland's last wild rivers and as a consequence rainfall and snow melt determine which sections can be run.
Further south, head to the River Tay and raft the largest volume river in Scotland. The high water volume provides an exhilarating thrill and some fantastic fast flowing rapids. Grasp the fundamentals of paddling before you take on white water rapids at Grandtully.
Close to Fort William, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, you can take to the waters of the River Garry where scheduled dam releases mean that you can enjoy grade 3 and 4 white water rafting from April to October. You might also get to try rafting on other rivers in the beautiful west Highlands, including the River Lochy, the River Orchy and the River Moriston.