Canoe and Kayak

You Said...

Many thanks for a wonderful time on and in the water, on the 15th of March

Matthew Stransom

The River Spey

What - Mild - Grade 2, 1/2 Day, £45.00 per person, Trip Fact Sheet
The River Spey is one of the most popular Canoeing rivers in the UK with many people coming from all walks of life and countries to partake in the pilgrimage that is the Spey Descent.

We take you down a section of the River better known for its mild rapids that are perfect for entry level canoeing and kayaking on moving water. The river winds lazily along the most densely populated whisky distillery area in the world, through rolling hills and stunning scenery. This is an area with diverse and rare wildlife, which is best seen from the river.

Our fleet of inflatable boats are safe and forgiving which allows us to give you a taste of excitement by running some rapids which would otherwise take considerable time to learn in the conventional hard shell kayaks and canoes.

Where
The section starts near the Cragganmore Distillery at Balindalloch located in Moray in the Scottish Highlands and finishes at yet another distillery at Knockando just a little to the west of Charlestown of Aberlour.

Travelling Distances from; Nairn – 33 miles, Elgin – 27 miles , Aviemore – 23 miles, Inverness – 43 miles, Fort William – 84 miles, Aberdeen – 75 miles, Perth – 105 miles, Edinburgh – 148 miles and Glasgow – 162miles.

Just after canoeing through the washing machine

When
Ace run trips on the Spey all year round.

The best time of year is during summer as this is an activity where you will at least get wet if not fall in! Spring and Autumn are also great times to go, traditionally with higher water flows and hence bigger rapids. For the hardy types we will take you in winter.

How
Price is £45.00 per person. Group discount for bookings of 10 or more £40.00.

Bookings can be made by calling 01479 810 510, Book Online, Enquire by Email or Drop into the Booking Office.

Trips usually start each day by meeting at 10:00am at our office in Aviemore or you can meet at the River at 10:45am. You will usually be back to Aviemore by around 2:00pm. Limited transport is available to the river. Please let us know if you require transport. For larger groups requiring transport we recommend; local coach service Bremners and for self drive Focus Vehicle Rentals.

Fun for all ages on the River Spey near Aviemore

Why
The river Spey is steeped in history from the days when ancient Picts settled by the banks leaving mysterious glimpses of the past in the form of Standing stones and fortification sites. The river provided the method of transport of timber from the felling of the extensive Caledonian Pine forests of Rothimurchus, Glenmore and Strathspey during the 18th and 19th centuries. Water from the Spey fills the stills of many distilleries and is the heart of Scotland’s Malt Whiskey production. It is the home of rare and endangered species such as the Freshwater Peal Mussel, Otter, Sea Lamprey and Atlantic Salmon.

Our trips include interesting interpretation of local history, flora and fauna. We are committed to ensure that your experience is a personalised adventure and not a commercial cattle market. We are committed to provide the best possible service and experience in an exciting friendly safe environment.

We are flexible and can combine the trip with rafts so that young children or those who would prefer a gentle river cruise and to admire the scenery can come along.

We are mindful of other river users and work in conjunction with anglers who are enjoying the river for its serenity and the challenge of hooking one of the massive Salmon that we often see landed by the patient fishers.