Since we are paddling on moving river waters, including several more exciting rapids up to grade 2 competence steering the canoe is an essential skill from the beginning. We will be wild camping at strategic points along the river. Includes a description of the route from source to sea as well as practical information required. The river spey in northeast scotland is a fantastic touring river.
However the guides ensured we continued paddling and we circumnavigated loch insch instead, seeing osprey fishing and many goldeneye ducks. Gained canoeing confidence in a beautiful setting with a great group of people. I have canoed on the moray firth with dolphins providing a guard of honour but be aware conditions can change quickly. Film shows canoe duo setting new record for descent of river spey. It is the ninth longest river in the united kingdom, as well as the third longest and fastestflowing river in scotland. Youll get your first taste of some small rapids during the day, setting you up for a much more adventurous second day. One of the big 4 rivers that are a must for the touring canoeist in scotland, and which normally provides a fast current, great scenery and some interesting rapids. The spey descent is the classic scottish river descent, culminating in fantastic views out to sea at spey bay, possibly paddling alongside seals. Due to the outbreak of covid19, we have had to cancel our regional forums. A major hazard occurring above laggan bridge is the spey dam, which like the river roy steals the speys waters and takes them westward to help power an aluminium smelter. Took us about 9 hours of canoeing over two nights as the speed of the river was phenomenal. Paddling the river spey is top of many canoeists bucket list with formal. Guide to the river spey ballindalloch to tandhu distillery name of river.
A paddle journey through pristine forests on one of scotlands most iconic rivers, the spey. A true waterpath, this river is navigable for most of its length from source at loch spey where the spey shares its water shed with the turbulent river roy. River spey canoe guide by nancy chambers waterstones. This adventure involves camping each night by the riverside as river spey descent canoeing journey in scotland on vimeo. By the time we go to print i will be finishing another trip introducing novice paddlers to the river with canoe. A major hazard occurring just above laggan bridge is the spey dam, which like the river roy takes the spey s waters and takes them westward this time to help power an aluminium smelter. One of the classic scottish canoe trips, this threeday guided holiday descends the famous river spey in northeast scotland. Dave craig scottish canoe association adviser river spey 1981 to present for further information on canoeaccess matters relating to the river spey contact dave craig on. Film shows canoe duo setting new record for descent of. Led by a local guide, pass the vineyards, abbeys, and forests of the countryside as you learn about the areas rich history.
Our expedition covers over 70 miles of the river spey, travelling through a huge variety of environments and conditions. Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online. This adventure takes place on the river spey in the highlands, a beautiful river in the northeast of scotland, famous for its salmon fishing and whisky production. One of the big 4 rivers that is a must for the touring canoeist in scotland, and which normally provides a fast current, great scenery and some interesting rapids. Breakfasts, varied lunches and all in camp drinks are provided for you during the days as you journey along the river. A canoeist and kayakers guide to scotlands premier touring river 1st, august 2014 1st, august 2014 by nancy chambers isbn. Paddling the spey river a jewel in the crown of scottish rivers. The journey starts with gentle meanders and small rapids. Canoeing with the cree by eric sevareid, song of the paddle by bill mason, the river by peter heller, path of paddle by bill m.
It is enjoyable, yet not too daunting for the novice canoeist. Escape the rush of life and immerse yourself in nature. Our trip on the beautiful river spey really further cemented our. The moray firth is the largest in scotland, with 800 km of coastline. The river spey canoe guide, written by nancy chambers. Craggan outdoors, activity centre near aviemore, scotland offer river canoe trips for groups beginner, novice or occasional paddler guided by our experienced instructors from our own exclusive putin point on the spey.
Spey river descent achieved posted on september, 2012 by torridon munro guides and gairloch kayak and canoe centre amazing, beautiful, fun, invigorating were all used after the expedition down the river spey organised by walking and wildlife adventures. The river is navigable for most of its length almost from the source at loch spey where the spey shares a watershed with the turbulent river roy. Its meandering and occasionally tumbling waters, flowing through idyllic countryside and spectacular wooded valleys are a delight to explore by canoe. Since we are paddling on moving river waters, including several more exciting rapids up to grade 2 competence steering the canoe. Along the way there was some great paddling and an opportunity to apply a few bushcraft skills. This canoe expedition is a true source to sea journey if you choose to launch high up in the cairngorm mountains by. The river spey canoe expedition is one of the uks classic canoe descents that all canoeists have on their mustdo list. Guided canoe descent of the river tay visitscotland. Scottish canoe association is inviting members to attend consultation events, being held this may, to help us shape the next next strategic phase for paddle sport in scotland. Film shows canoe duo setting new record for descent of river.
River spey canoe expedition guided adventures river spey. Confirmed by the land reform scotland act 2003, on scottish rivers there is a statutory right of nonmotorised navigation and a. Eden outdoor adventures river spey canoe descent, guided. This blue graded canoeing trip is only suitable for people with some previous canoeing experience and a good level of fitness. Finish your journey at the rollers of spey bay where the fresh of the river meets the salt of sea. Your guides may have to alter the itinerary to ensure group safety. River spey service explore highland offers planned, bespoke and an emergency river spey canoe shuttle services for those taking on one of the uks best canoe trips. In case you dont know, each year we offer a guided canoe and bushcraft expedition along the beautiful river spey. For the river spey descent and the whisky trail previous canoeing experience is required as we will experience some sections of more challenging rapids, a good level of general fitness is also required for these trips. There is a fantastic guide book produced by the team at pesda press, this. One such film is spey in a day, in which english duo james reilly and ted simpson attempt to set a new record for the fastest canoe descent of scotlands fastest river, starting at kingussie and. After meeting for breakfast in aviemore we start our descent of the river spey.
If youre looking for a classic british paddling experience, then a descent of the spey is an absolute must. The river spey a scottish canoeing expedition way2go. Paddling the river spey is top of many canoeist s bucket list with formal campsites, wild camping on river islands and a. Guided canoe descent of the river spey visitscotland. Provided all required canoe equipment canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, etc. The longest river in the uk which has the biggest volume of water passing through annually makes for an exciting canoe trip on the river tay. The river spey descends almost 380 metres over its length, making it popular for canoeing. May 14, 2018 weve just got back from another fantastic canoeing expedition along the river spey in scotland. Guided canoe descent of the river tay killin to perth. These can be paddled as single day trips or combined into multiday adventures. River spey descent full film of the journey youtube. Today will largely consist of familiarising yourselves with the canoe and your paddling partner, with some coaching throughout the day. Award yourself the pleasure of being steeped in nature and history, whilst guiding your canoe through some of scotlands most beautiful countryside. Starting on loch inch in the heart of the cairngorm national park we spend the next five days travelling down stream to the north sea, our trip will take us through the iconic towns of aviemore, grantownupon spey and charlestown of aberlour.
River spey canoe expedition guided adventures river spey the river spey canoe expedition is one of the uks classic canoe descents that all canoeists have on their mustdo list. A must for all those who have mastered the basic skills of canoeing on rivers and want to use them to go on a journey. Paddling the spey river welcome to the paddler ezine. A 3day version of our longer 5day trip, journeying down the majestic river spey by canoe to the sea at spey bay. After a day of honing your skills, you will cover 70 miles of river over the course of four days, wild camping each night. Canoe trip down the river spey with spirit of the spey part. By their very nature journeys on the water can be affected by weather and other environmental factors. To paddle from newtonmore to spey bay can take up to 5 days depending on the fitness, age, size of the group, weather and the water levels.
The section described below runs from ballindalloch down to the tandhu distiller. Loch insh flows into the spey all the way to the sea. The spey is an excellent river for all standards of open canoeing providing an ideal 3 to 5 day expedition camp sites are few and far between and canoeists need to be very aware of the very large number of anglers, mostly friendly, who use the river. River spey ballindalloch to tandhu distillery north east. The land through which the bloodvein flows is a area of untamed boreal forest more than twice the size of wales called pimachiowin aki the land that gives life, which manitoba, ontario and five first nations are. Paddle from cairngorms to coast on a classic british river trip if you want to graduate to wilderness canoe touring there is no better way in. The bloodvein river carves its way through an area of northern coniferous forest twice the size of wales.
Where is it speyside, ne scotland, flowing out of the cairngorms. This paddling adventure runs the length of the iconic river spey right to the sea but not before winding your way through the heart of scotlands malt whisky. Canoe marathon orange descent orange river northern cape. Part of it is a protected wildlife area, and it is one of the best places in the uk to see whales and dolphins. Canoeing the river spey in 2018 dorset bushcraft courses. The river spey is one of scotlands greatest rivers and our 5day spey descent is the ultimate scottish canoeing experience. Dec 30, 2014 we started at grantown on spey and finished at spey bay on the moray firth. Grand danube canoe descent from vienna and discovery of. To help you plan your trip there are also eight suggested multiday itineraries. Spey descent david craig, river spey guide, coaching.
The wonderful river wye is part of british paddling heritage, and is possibly the most popular river for open canoe trips in the whole of the uk. Paddle from cairngorms to coast on a classic british river trip if you want to graduate to wilderness canoe touring there is no better way in britain than this classic scottish river journey. Guided canoe descent of the river spey aviemore to spey bay. Accommodation and dining for at one with nature spey descent. A canoeist and kayakers guide to scotlands premier touring river at. Truly a waterpath, this river is navigable for most of its length from source at loch spey where the spey shares its water shed with the turbulent river roy. Starting off in the cairngorms national park we start the classic canoe descent of the river spey, paddling all the way to the north sea. I also feel pretty luck to have the river spey run right past the school where i am principal and also right part my house in the next village along. Dave craig scottish canoe association adviser river spey 1981 to present for further information on canoe access matters relating to the river spey.
River spey descent this blue graded canoeing trip is only suitable for people with some previous canoeing experience and a good level of fitness. A major hazard occurring just above laggan bridge is the spey dam, which like the roy steals the spey s waters and takes them westward this time to help power an aluminium smelter. A major hazard requiring great careportage above laggan bridge is spey dam, which like the river roy steals the spey s waters and takes them westward to help power an aluminium. High water river spey canoe expedition with the staffies. Introductoryimprover open canoe day open pdf info venue river spey most likely kincraig to aviemore for anyone interested in learning more about handling these versatile craft maybe even confirm your thoughts about completing a full spey descent. Join us for an open canoeing expedition as we paddle through speyside in the scenic north east highlands.
Starting at loch insh, in the shadow of the cairngorm mountains, your descent of the river spey will lead you to the sea at spey bay. Kevin is the author of at least 15 books and is well known in canada, both. Along the way we develop your paddling skills and knowledge to maximise your enjoyment on this wonderful classic canoe journey. Spend a day discovering austrias unescolisted wachau valley on this trip along the danube river from vienna. Paddling the spey is always one of the highlights of my year. The river spey canoe expedition is a 5day journey down the majestic river spey from aviemore to the sea at spey bay. An exciting 4 day canoe and bushcraft trip down river spey in scotland. With its scenic, wooded shores and white water it is a journey to remember. The descent canoe expedition an adventure of a lifetime this is a classic canoeing adventure trip in the highlands of scotland the river spey descends through the cairngorms national park all the way to the north sea. Last week ben gray and i joined ray goodwin for a canoe trip down the river spey. Based out of inverness we offer a cost effective shuttle services for canoe and kayak groups of any size. Canoe hire explore highland offer open canoe hire throughout scotland including the scottish highlands for the likes of the great glen canoe trail, river spey descent and glen affric nature reserve. The descent canoe expedition x adventure activities.
River spey canoe trail one of the big 4 rivers that is a must for the touring canoeist in scotland, and which normally provides a fast current, great scenery and some interesting rapids. River spey descent canoeing journey in scotland youtube. Spey descent april 1999an sca production in glorious scottish sunshinethursday morning saw a group of paddlers driving up the a9 in torrential rain and leaden skies destination, a coffee shop in newtonmore. The river is navigable for most of its length almost from the source at loch spey where the spey shares a water shed with the turbulent river roy. In fact the river rose so high we literally had to abandon ship. Come and enjoy true northern cape hospitality and discover one of south africas most majestic rivers, the orange river. River spey canoe descent travel from kingussie down to spey bay via canoe over five days on the river. The variety in scenery, wildlife and river conditions is what makes the river spey such a delight to paddle. For the final pick up at spey bay a bus can be organised by participants. We have the local knowledge and contacts within the spey valley and can make this trip work for you. The longest river in the uk which has the biggest volume of water passing through annually makes for an exciting canoe trip on loch tay before starting the descent of the river tay.
Explore the whisky river and distilleries by canoe. Open canoeing river spey descent includes accommodation as. We certainly experienced a diverse range of river conditions. Starting at loch insh, in the shadow of the cairngorm mountains, your descent of the river spey will lead you to the. Most descent mall in the city the biggest and descent parking lot in bucharest, it has a lot branded stores, middle upper segment, check the second floor for bowling, billiard hall and children amusement corner, really crowded on weekends, get here before 12. Join us for a classic scottish canoeing trip down the river spey, as we paddle through. The river spey is one of scotlands classic whitewater trips. The river may be navigated from loch spey to spey bay, and here this is divided into seven sections. River spey descent canoeing journey in scotland on vimeo. Paul and ben join ray goodwin to canoe the river spey. A canoeing expedition on the river spey join way2go adventures on a magical journey canoeing the river spey, teaching you new skills andor developing the skills you already have, as well as your awareness of how to read the river and handle your canoe on a trip of a lifetime.
Canoeing and camping in scotland on the river spey. Scotlands finest canoeing river tour river spey descent starts in the cairngorms national park. Aug 18, 2014 if you cast off from the bank into a river in spate and mix up your pry with a draw as i did the very first time, it can cause problems. During practice there will be additional canoe and camp training designed around the needs of each group so the qualifier can be completed with minimal instructor intervention. Guided canoe descent of the river spey aviemore to spey. A canoeist and kayakers guide to scotlands premier touring river on. A canoeist and kayakers guide to scotlands premier. On the river we operate as two self supporting groups accompanied by an instructor.
Paddling from loch insch all the way down to spey bay and wild camping along the trail. Easily share your publications and get them in front of issuus. Instructors take you from novice to competent paddler over the course of 5 days make lasting friendships along the way. As you descend the river spey youll paddle past distilleries such as craigellachie, knockando and cragganmore. Over the 5 days, we will canoe the 70 miles from kincraig in the scottish highlands to spey bay on the moray firth. Paddling the river spey is top of many canoeist s bucket list with formal campsites, wild camping on river islands and a host of distillery towns along the route. The canoeing becomes more challenging as we travel. River spey canoe expedition 3 days in your element.
It is the fastest flowing river in scotland, and the 9th longest in the uk. This illustrated guide will help you plan your journey along the river spey, one of the uk s classic canoe and kayak touring rivers. It is important for salmon fishing and whisky production. Jul 03, 2014 this paddling adventure runs the length of the iconic river spey right to the sea but not before winding your way through the heart of scotlands malt whisky. For a detailed day to day itinerary please click here. For all blue graded canoe trips you can expect up to. This classic scottish river trip descends the famous river spey passing by pine forests, heathercovered hills and scotlands most celebrated whisky region. Open canoeing river spey descent view trip dates book now. Includes a description of the route from source to sea as well. Gooley once put it have found novel ways to punish themselves by. Canoeing river spey descent by mrs r c 18, 23 may 2018.
Starting near killin at the west side of loch tay we take in the views of the lawler mountain range to the north before we head on to the river where we navigate our way down through some white water all the way to the picturesque town of perth. Whats on things to do film shows canoe duo setting new record for descent of river spey the edinburgh mountain film festival kicks off next weekend, and as ever the programme contains something. Fantastic holiday, really well organised, superb guides. Aug 25, 2014 this illustrated guide will help you plan your journey along the river spey, one of the uk s classic canoe and kayak touring rivers. This illustrated guide will help you plan your journey along the river spey, one of the uks classic canoe and kayak touring rivers. Then theres all the interesting information about the spey, the spey valley, and the goings on at various parts of the river, that dave tells you about. Spey descent scotland reports the uk rivers guidebook. The river spey descent a classic canoe journey, with bushcraft skills. The orange descent canoe marathon is a 2 day stage race covering 69km of exquisite river. Starting at loch insh, in the shadow of the cairngorm mountains, we descended to the sea at spey bay over the course of threeandahalf days. While our trip takes a more usual 34 days to make this classic british river journey, for the impatient heres the descent from loch inch to spey bay in 11mins. Learn river paddling and bushcraft and campcraft skills on the spey descent. River spey descent 4 days one of the classic canoe journeys of the uk.
Was able to enjoy the challenges with the instruction given. Ardenbeg bunkhouse, grant road, grantown on spey 01479 872824. The river spey descent is a 5 day and 4 night river journey. Open canoeing river spey descent by wilderness scotland.