River Spey Canoe Adventure

Our next guided Great Glen Canoe Trail adventures are;

By Canoe

Guided Adventures – River Spey

The River Spey Canoe adventure is one of the UK’s ‘Classic Canoe Descents’ that all canoeists have on their must-do list. This canoe expedition is a true source to sea journey if you choose to launch high up in the Cairngorm Mountains by Newtonmore or do what most groups do by starting at Loch Inch by Kincraig during Summer for a guaranteed trip, following the river down to Spey Bay on the east coast of Scotland where it flows into the North Sea.

The River Spey is one of Scotland’s most scenic rivers, famous for its salmon fishing, as well as its links to the Scottish Malt Whisky Trail. No matter if you start at Newtonmore, Kincraig or Aviemore, the improver paddler has plenty of opportunity to get to grips with their canoe before the river speeds up as you get closer to Grantown on Spey.

Be sure though to plan in some additional time to enjoy your journey by taking in some local hot spots including a visit into Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Grantown on Spey, Aberlour, Fochabers and at your finish point at Spey Bay where you might be lucky enough to spot the some of the famous Moray Firth Dolphins, local osprey, and seals from the Whale & Dolphin Wildlife Centre.

All of Explore Highland’s canoe guides have paddled on the River Spey for over ten years and are well known and highly respected by other paddlers, anglers and local business through their support to the local economy.

For more details on these bookings, please see our diary page or email us

Bespoke River Spey Canoe Expeditions

If you are interested in a bespoke River Spey canoe expedition, Explore Highland can offer you a tailor made package. This would include guiding services by a top canoe coach ranging from one to five days. Depending on your groups needs, various accommodation options are available including wild camping, use of commercial camp sites, local bunkhouses, local B&B’s, local hotels or a combination.

Some of our River Spey canoe expedition options;

  • Newtonmore to Spey Bay (5 days/4 nights wild camping)
  • Kincraig by Loch Inch to Spey Bay (4 days/3 nights wild camping)
  • Aviemore to Spey Bay (3 days/2 nights wild camping)
  • Grantown to Aberlour (2 days/1 night wild camping)

We have the local knowledge and contacts within the Spey Valley and can make this trip work for you.

Book Your Private River Spey Adventure

You can book your private guided adventure in two easy steps.

Step 1 – Please complete the provisional private group booking request form below.

    Full Name (group organiser)

    Email Address

    UK Mobile Number or Whatsapp no. if outwith UK

    Paddlesports service required

    Paddling Activity/Adventure/Location

    Preferred paddlesport craft for booking

    Requested date of booking (or day 1 of a multiday trip)

    Duration of requested paddlesport activity

    No. of Adults in group (18+)

    No. of teenagers in group (12-18yo)

    No. of children in group (6-11yo)

    Any additional Comments regarding group booking

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    Once the form has been received and reviewed, Donald will get back in touch by email to accept or decline the provisional booking request.

    Step 2 – If your provisional booking is accepted, additional information (Private Group Booking Form) is needed, with the completed forms returned within 48 hours.

    Please Note – A minimum of two weeks notice is required to turn around emails, forms, create booking/invoice and allocate resources around other prebooked coached/guided activities. Four to six weeks notice is required for multiday guided activities.

    Self Guided River Spey Canoe Adventures

    River Spey canoe adventure

    Explore Highland offer River Spey hire & shuttle services.

    Please see;

    Canoe Hire

    River Spey Shuttle Service

    Further River Spey Information

    Below are a few additional links to help point paddlers to a range of resources to help experienced paddlers plan their trip if not familiar with the area, landscape, and river features.

    River Spey Guidebook

    River Spey Map

    River Spey – Additional Paddler Resources