River Spey Canoe, Kayak & SUP Hire
A fantastic adventure in the Cairngorms!
Plan your adventure! Request winter session! Outfitting ServiceÂŁ42 Per Person
Over 12's Only
May â September / Winter on demand
2.5 hours
Choose the craft that suits your adventure
All three options follow the same beautiful stretch of the River Spey back to our centre. Pick the craft that best matches your experience and how you like to paddle.
Open Canoes
Best for: pairs or small groups who want a stable, roomy boat.
Classic river craft with plenty of space for kit, spare layers and snacks. Ideal if youâve paddled canoes before and want a relaxed journey with time to stop along the way.
- 2â3 paddlers per boat
- Most space for bags and packed lunches
- Generally drier than other craft
Sit-on-top Kayaks
Best for: confident paddlers who like a bit more independence.
Easy to get on and off with a more playful feel on the water. Expect splashes, a wet bum and feet, especially when launching and landing.
- Double sit-on-top kayaks
- More responsive and manoeuvrable
- You will get at least a bit wet
SUPs
Best for: experienced paddlers looking for a challenge.
A fun and immersive way to experience the river â but be warned, you should expect to get wet. Falling in is part of the experience, especially on the gentle flows.
- Most physically engaging option
- Requires good balance and river awareness
- You will get wet â dress accordingly
Canoe, Kayak & SUP Hire on The River Spey
Whether youâre seeking the tranquility of a calm river paddle or the thrill of navigating the gentle flowing currents, our hire service offers an unforgettable experience. This is a self-guided trip, so itâs best suited to paddlers with some previous experience in a canoe, kayak or on a SUP.
Suitable for adults in groups of at least 4 people, youâll be provided with all the kit you need for a safe and enjoyable paddle. A member of our team will drop you at the banks of the river and help get you underway. After a few hours youâll arrive back at the centre.
Over 12s only, who must take part under parental supervision.
We can run extra sessions at a time to suit you. If you canât easily find the date youâre after please contact us and we will be happy to help.
If youâd prefer an instructor on the water with you, take a look at our guided River Spey canoe trips.
What's Included?
- Introduction to the equipment and initial kitting up
- Approx. 2.5 hour rental to complete your journey along the River Spey back to the Cairngorms Activities centre
- Use of easy-to-paddle 2 seater canoes, double sit-on-top kayaks or SUPs
- Dry bags & equipment for you to carry your snacks, phones & cameras
- Map of the river to follow
- Toilets, changing facilities and parking available on-site for arrivals and return
We also offer an Open Canoe Outfitting service for groups in the Highlands. If youâre visiting with paddlers, we can help with equipment.
Ready to hire your craft on the River Spey?
Confident paddler and happy to go self-guided? Hire a canoe, kayak or SUP and float back to our centre along a stunning stretch of the River Spey.
Book River Spey hire Prefer a guided trip? Plan a bespoke adventure
River Spey Hire â FAQs
Everything you need to know before heading out on a self-guided paddle.
Where are you based and where do we paddle?
Weâre based near Grantown-on-Spey at the Cairngorms Activities centre. Your hire starts upstream and finishes back at our site, so thereâs no need to organise your own shuttle or transport.
What is the River Spey like?
This stretch of the River Spey is classed as Grade 1. That means itâs generally straightforward, but it is still a moving river rather than flat water.
Youâll encounter gentle flowing sections, small ripples and easy rapids, along with natural features such as branches, gravel banks and river edges. Active steering and good awareness are important throughout the journey.
What do I need to bring?
Wear quick-drying clothing you donât mind getting wet, along with warm layers and a waterproof if the weather is changeable. Bring a full change of clothes, a towel, and any personal medication you may need.
Can we take food and stop along the way?
Yes â youâre very welcome to bring a packed lunch or snacks. We provide dry bags so you can keep everything safe and dry.
There are plenty of suitable riverbank spots where you can pull in, take a break and enjoy the surroundings before continuing downstream.
Do I need previous paddling experience?
Yes â this is a self-guided hire, so itâs best that at least some members of your group have previous paddling experience and are comfortable controlling a craft on moving water.
If youâre unsure or new to paddling, weâd recommend our guided River Spey canoe trips, where an instructor is on the water with you.
What happens if river levels are too high?
We closely monitor river levels on the Spey. If levels rise beyond what we consider suitable for safe hire, we wonât run the session.
In this case, weâll contact you as early as possible to offer an alternative date, a guided option, or a refund.
What if the weather is too bad?
Typical Highland weather such as light rain or cooler temperatures usually isnât a problem. However, strong winds, poor visibility or more extreme conditions can affect safety.
If conditions arenât suitable, weâll be in touch to discuss rescheduling, switching activities, or issuing a refund.
Can we combine River Spey hire with another activity?
Yes â many groups combine a River Spey hire with another activity on site, such as archery, bushcraft or time relaxing by the water.
If youâd like to build a full day or multi-day visit, get in touch and weâll help you plan something that works well together.
Video Library
Watch some handy videos about our River Spey Canoeing activity.
Your River Spey Canoeing questions, answered
In this video, we'll answer all of your burning River Spey Canoeing questions.
How to prepare for your water activity
Want to know what to wear and what to bring? Watch this video!