You Said...
Just arrived back home after our wonderful holiday in Scotland and it is raining!! Just wanted to thank you once again for your kindness to both my wife and I. You went over and above the call duty. We both thoroughly enjoyed the trip and hope to see you again in the not too distant future.
- David Ireland, Dublin
Homepage > Activities > River Spey
River Spey
Fun White Water Rafting for Families
What - Mild - Grade 2, Half Day, £50.00 per person
The River Spey is an excellent introduction to white water rafting that is particularly suited to young families, school and youth group outings or for people who enjoy the leisurely pleasure of a river journey and appreciate stunning scenery and wildlife. The Spey is the second longest river in Scotland fed by a catchment of 1300 square miles. Famously renown for its salmon fishing and a site of special scientific interest and special area of conservation.
NOTE: The middle section of the River Findhorn is a far better rafting trip than the River Spey, we will always try to run this trip on the River Findhorn as a consequence. The only times we go Rafting on the River Spey is in very dry conditions when there is not enough water in the Findhorn. Another better alternative activity in these conditions is our River Tube, Canyon, Cliff Jump Combo!
This Rafting trip is suited to anyone over the age of 3 years. There are a number of minor rapids that feature waves, eddies and converging currents to make the trip exciting for those new to whitewater rafting. We provide a wetsuit for those that want one (not compulsory) as we incorporate some fun games on the river that can result in falling overboard.
Where
The source of the River Spey is fed from the southern flanks of the Monadhliath Mountains west of Laggan. The River passes through the towns, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Charlestown of Aberlour, Craigellachie, Rothes and Fochabers on its 100 mile journey to reach the sea at Spey Bay and the Moray Firth.
There are many sections of the Spey suitable for rafting with the most commonly used section starting from Ballindalloch and ending at Knockando. 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.
When
Ace run trips on the River Spey all year round.
You can expect good water levels all year round. Getting in the water is a big part of getting the most out of this trip so outside winter months is best for that. For those that want to catch scenery and wildlife, anytime of year is good. Dippers are common in the winter along with mist and steam rising of the water. Spring brings an abundance of birdlife with chicks and ducklings a common sight. Herron, Salmon jumping and plenty more to thrill animal lovers.
How
Price is £50.00 per person.
Bookings can be made by Local Call 0330 555 0313 or Email.
Trips usually start each day by meeting at 10:00am at our river Base by the River Findhorn. 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.
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. Come and be a part of the Spey’s history.
Ace trips include interesting interpretation of local history, flora and fauna. We use smaller boats and try to run a maximum of four boat trips so 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 spice up a trip for older children or adults by providing inflatable canoes and kayaks to run alongside the rafting trip making a great day out for any family with difference of ages.
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.
