River Spey
In Summary
£600.00
2 - 6 People
5 Days
Scotland's most famous river trip.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Loch Insh to Aviemore
We'll meet in Aviemore to discuss the plan before heading upstream to Loch Insh. We'll get on the water and explore the loch before dropping down the river towards Aviemore.
Day 2 - Aviemore to Boat of Balliefirth
From Aviemore, we shall enjoy a splendid day making our way to the Boat of Balliefirth along the Strath Spey valley.
Day 3 - Boat of Balliefirth to Blacksboat
After a night at the local basic campsite, we'll begin the first half of Spey's classic whitewater section, which includes the "Washing Machine" rapid.
Day 4 - Blacksboat to Rothes
Finishing the classic whitewater section through Knocando Rapids, we'll continue down the river with a stop at the picturesque village of Charlestown of Aberlour before heading onto Rothes Island for the night.
Day 5 - Rothes to Spey Bay
Our final day will involve a trip to Spey Bay and the sea, where we might see dolphins.
From Spey Bay, we'll connect with the transport and return to Aviemore, or we can drop you off at a train station if that suits you better.
*This is our ideal itinerary; however, it may change as we move forward. We will adjust to the weather and choose campsites that best meet our daily needs.
Trip Details
Starting on Loch Insh in the foothills of the Cairngorms and then snaking our way all the way to the north sea, this river is full of exciting rapids, amazing views and fabulous wildlife.
What's Included?
✓ Highly experienced & qualified coach
✓ Transport from and to the meeting point
✓ PFDs/buoyancy aids, helmets
✓ Canoes & paddles
✓ Waterproof storage, 60ltr barrels per person
✓ Group shelter
✓ First Aid kit
✓ Photos from your adventure
✓ Camping stoves, tea, coffee, etc
✓ Fresh food from first lunch till lunch on the last day
✓ Cutlery, bowls & plates
✓ Shared 2-person tents
What's not Included?
✗ Trip Insurance
✗ Personal Expenses
✗ Accommodation
What skill level should I have to join a Wilderness Journey trip?
Our Wilderness Journeys are primarily holiday trips designed for you to get out and enjoy the wilderness. However, depending on your trip, you should consider the following:
How comfortable are you living in the outdoors?
You should be at ease with spending long periods outside in the elements.
Scotland is renowned for experiencing all four seasons in a single day. However, more often than not, it tends to be cold and damp, so you will need to find contentment in that and consider anything else a bonus.
What about camping?
We use two-person tents to help minimise our environmental footprint. We aim to share tents only within booking parties; however, this is not always possible. If this presents an issue, please get in touch with us, and we can discuss options.
Padding skill?
The River Spey is an Intermediate "Blue" Trip, meaning we’ll be on the river, including some whitewater sections and some loch, which may include some exposure to the elements.
You don't need to have done much canoeing before, but we will spend up to 5 hours a day on the water, with plenty of breaks on land or afloat.
Given the nature of the more complex rivers (class/grade 1/2 with some sections of 3), we'll mostly be in our boats, but we may use traditional skills such as lining. We will be in and out of boats, so we need to be reasonably fit and balanced as we move over uneven terrain.
Remember, you'll want to cultivate mental space to enjoy the journey rather than merely survive. If you're uncertain about your skill level, please email us at hello@cagadventures.com so we can discuss your suitability for this Wilderness Journey.
Who do I paddle with?
Our Wilderness Journeys are designed as tandem trips. You can either paddle with the same person each day or swap partners daily.
What if I want to paddle solo?
Please let us know before your trip if you want to paddle solo. We may be able to accommodate you, but you might find that one of our Learning Journeys better suits you.