Spey Descent with Explore Highland

Posted on June 27, 2011 in Trip Reports by Dàibhidh

Well, not quite kayaking, but I have just returned from a fantastic open boat trip down the River Spey with Explore Highland.

The trip, lead by Explore Highland owner Donald Macpherson and assisted by Malcolm Wield, took place over four days and included 3 nights under canvas; thankfully the weather was, on the whole, sunny and nice!

The Spey is a beautiful river – one of Scotland’s best – and a trip from (almost) source to sea is a must-do for anyone who’s into paddling in some for or another; passing through the Cairngorm mountains, Strathspey (whisky territory) and finally following the old railway through the winding shingle banks towards Spey Bay…doesn’t get much better!

We put-in at Loch Insh by Kincraig, camped night one near Aviemore, night two just passed Granton-on-Spey and night three by Aberlour. Paddled the river in tandem with out boats fully-loaded with food, boating equipment, tents and whisky. En route, Donald and Malc guided, taught and shared their backwoods skills with the entire group. It was an excellent learning experience.

Apart from a wee bit of sunburn and some blisters on my hands, it was a truly memorable experience; mountains, rivers, rapids, old bridges, steam railways, distilleries, outstanding sandstone cliffs, Red Kites, Osprey, birch and pine forests…and the odd riverside pub!