River Spey canoe Descent

Four days. One river. Endless stories.


Join us for a guided descent of the River Spey — one of Scotland’s most iconic canoe journeys. From the quiet waters near Loch Insh to the vast estuary of Spey Bay, this 4-day expedition takes you through fast-flowing sections, wild camps, whisky country, and remote highland scenery.



You’ll paddle with an experienced guide, all your kit sorted, and a small team of fellow adventurers. No stress, no over-planning — just proper journeying on one of the UK’s best expedition rivers.

When & Where
📍 Start: Loch Insh / Newtonmore
📍 Finish: Spey Bay, Moray Firth
📆 Scheduled 4-day trips (May–September)
⏱ 4 days / 3 nights
💷 £440 per person (ages 16+)
👥 Max group: 6 paddlers
🛶 Early arrival/camp before Day 1 recommended


How to Book

✅ Book via our online calendar
💬 Got questions? Get in touch
🎒 Private group options available — just ask

Trip Overview


Day 1 – Loch Insh ➝ Aviemore area
Meet, kit up, and begin the journey with a gentle first day of flowing water, learning to trim the boats and paddle as a team. Camp near Aviemore. Option for a first-night takeaway or pub meal.


Day 2 – Aviemore ➝ Grantown-on-Spey
A mix of faster flow, fun rapids, and beautiful forested sections. Camp riverside near Grantown — dinner options nearby or group campfire vibes.


Day 3 – Grantown ➝ Aberlour area
This is whisky country — paddling through rich scenery, distilleries, and the famous Speyside region. Expect a steady day of moving water, bends, and banter.


Day 4 – Aberlour ➝ Spey Bay
The big finish: a classic descent down to the wide estuary and out to the sea. Highland hills fade into coastal views as you complete your journey. Return travel options arranged in advance.

Ideal For

  • Adults
  • Paddlers confident on moving water (Grade I–II)
  • Canoeists keen to build journeying skills
  • Anyone after a big adventure without the big fuss


What’s Included

  • 4 days of guided open canoeing
  • 3 nights of wild or basic camping
  • All paddling kit (boat, paddle, BA, drybags)
  • Group camp kit (stove, tarp, kettle)
  • 4x lunches
  • Route planning, river safety & logistics
  • A friendly, experienced guide who’s got your back


Need to Bring

  • Tent or bivvy, sleeping bag & mat
  • Personal clothes & camp kit
  • Breakfast & dinner (most nights near villages for pub/takeaway options)
  • Snacks, drinks, and a mug for hot drinks
  • Warm layers — the Cairngorms don’t mess about


Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our sea kayaking experiences? Check out our FAQs to find the answers you need!

  • Do I need to be an experienced paddler?

    You’ll need to be comfortable on moving water (Grade I–II) and able to spend a few hours paddling each day. We’ll support you throughout, but this isn’t a first-time paddling trip.

  • How far do we paddle?

    Around 100–110 km over four days, averaging 25–30 km/day with breaks, lunch stops, and campsite time.

  • Where do we sleep?

    Wild or informal camping — think riverside spots, beaches, woodland glades. You’ll need your own sleeping kit, or ask about hire.

  • What’s the food situation?

    We provide 4x lunches. You bring breakfast, dinner, and snacks. Most nights we’ll be near towns or villages with pubs and shops. We’ll have a group stove for morning coffees.

  • Can I hire a tent or sleeping bag?

    Yes! Tent hire is £20, and sleeping bag/mat kits are available too. Just ask when booking.

  • How do I get back to the start?

    We’ll help arrange return transport or car shuttles depending on group needs. If you’re not driving, let us know — we’ll help plan your travel.

  • Can I come on my own?

    Absolutely — solo paddlers are welcome. We’ll match you with another solo in a tandem canoe or give you a boat to paddle solo if you're confident.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us directly. We're here to help you embark on your sea kayaking adventure!

Two people kayaking in calm water, one giving thumbs up. Boats and shoreline in background.

Highlight was a very lucky seal sighting, and the trip was awesome too. Educational and fun - Steve coaches without it feeling like you're being trained. It was my first day sea kayaking and I built on techniques learnt around Beaulieu in the spectacular setting of Old Harry rocks. Looking forward to a summer of practise, less getting stuck on rocks, and longer expeditions!

Really enjoyed our sea kayaking trip. Amy was our coach and she did a great job of teaching and balancing that with enjoying the kayak. I'm glad we had a go at rolling over and getting out at the end of the session.

Absolutely amazing, if you are new to kayaking or need to brush up on your skills I would recommend these activities. Our instructor Leander made us feel safe & comfortable on the water, her teaching skills are second to none. If you are thinking of booking go ahead you will have a wonderful day.