Cairngorms Canoe Rental and Outfitting Service
Explore the majestic River Spey with Cairngorms Activities.
At Cairngorms Activities, we provide everything you need for an unforgettable canoe trip down the stunning River Spey. Whether you're planning a multi-day expedition or a relaxed journey through scenic sections of the river, our canoe hire and outfitting services are designed to make your adventure as smooth as possible.
This service is for paddlers who are confident and competent in a canoe. It’s generally not suitable for complete beginners unless they are accompanied by experienced paddlers within their group.
Canoe Rental & Outfitting
For adventurers who don’t need a guide – just the right kit, clear logistics, and the freedom to explore.
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Canoe Hire & Pricing
Canoe Hire (per canoe, per day)
Our 16ft open canoes are ideal for multi-day journeys on the River Spey. Pricing is based on the number of canoes you hire:
- 1 canoe: £100 per day
- 2 canoes: £80 per canoe, per day
- 3 or more canoes: £60 per canoe, per day
All prices include VAT. Multi-day expeditions are welcome – just tell us your dates and group size on the request form and we’ll put together a quote.
Hire included
- 16ft open canoes suitable for river journeys
- Paddles (with spares)
- Buoyancy aids (must be worn on or near the water)
- Helmets
- Water bailer
- Painter lines and fitted buoyancy
- 60-litre barrel per person (for your kit)
Additional equipment (such as dry bags or portage trolleys) can be added to your package – just ask when you complete the enquiry form.
Tailored Logistics
We understand that a great trip starts and ends with stress-free logistics. Our team can help with:
- Transport to your starting point: We’ll take you, your group and the boats from our centre to your chosen drop-off location along the River Spey.
- Pick-up at your finish point: Once you’ve completed your trip, we’ll collect you and your gear and bring you back to our centre.
- Equipment & luggage storage: Any personal belongings or kit you don’t need on the river can be safely stored with us at our centre.
Transport Pricing: Shuttle services are charged at £2 per mile, calculated from our centre in Grantown-on-Spey and back again (round trip). We’ll confirm the total mileage and cost in your quote once we know your preferred start and finish points.
Plan your adventure
Canoe Rental FAQs
The questions we’re most often asked about unguided canoe rental on the River Spey.
Who is this service for?
Our canoe rental and outfitting service is designed for self-led groups with canoeing experience who want to run their own River Spey journey. It’s ideal for clubs, groups of friends and expeditions who don’t need a guide, just the right kit and logistics.
Do I need previous canoeing experience?
Yes. At least one member of your group should be confident paddling and managing a canoe journey on moving water (up to Grade 2), including basic river safety and decision-making. This is not a lesson or guided trip.
What’s included in the hire price?
Your hire includes the canoes, paddles (with spares), buoyancy aids, helmets, bailer, painter lines and 60-litre barrels for your kit. Additional items such as dry bags or portage trolleys can be added to your quote on request.
How long can we hire canoes for?
Most groups book for multi-day journeys, but shorter or longer hires are possible. Let us know your preferred dates and we’ll confirm availability and pricing based on the number of canoes and days.
How is transport priced?
Transport and shuttles are charged at £2 per mile, calculated from our centre in Grantown-on-Spey, out to your pick-up/drop-off location and back again (round trip). Once we know your start and finish points, we’ll confirm the total mileage and cost in your quote.
What happens if equipment is lost or damaged?
You are responsible for returning all equipment in the condition it was issued. Lost or damaged items are charged at their replacement value. As a guide:
Canoe – £800 | Kayak – £550 | Paddle – £40 | Buoyancy aid – £50 | Helmet – £40 | 60L barrel – £20 | Dry bag – £20 | Portage trolley – £70
Late returns may also incur additional charges. Full details are set out in our rental agreement, which you’ll review and sign before your trip.
Is insurance included?
No. We don’t provide personal or third-party liability insurance for unguided trips. We strongly recommend that you arrange appropriate personal and liability cover before your journey.
How do we request a quote or book?
Simply complete the enquiry form using the button on this page. We’ll come back to you with a detailed quote, outline of logistics, and next steps for confirming your booking, including deposit and balance payment timings.
Ready to Plan Your River Spey Journey?
Tell us your dates, group size and preferred start and finish points, and we’ll build a clear, no-obligation quote for your canoe hire, outfitting and transport.
Request your canoe hire quote
"A great range of fun activities!"
While on holiday in the Cairngorms we visited the award-winning Cairngorms Activities again and booked ourselves in for a number of activities across the week: canoeing, laser clays, archery, gorge walking and footgolf. The staff are really friendly and provide you with a clear safety brief and instruction to ensure you get the most from the activities. Our favourite activities have to be canoeing down the beautiful River Spey and gorge walking at Bridge of Brown although all were really great fun. Thanks to all the staff, in particular, Rachel, Dan and Ashley for making all the activities so enjoyable!
"What a fantastic place!"
We loved all of the activities and will be back again. The staff are very professional and friendly. Many thanks to Ash, James and Dan for a couple of fun days. Our boys (9 and 10) voted Cairngorms Activities the highlight of our holiday!
"Wonderful day!"
A few days ago, my family and I went to Cairngorms Activities for a day of archery and gorge walking. It was absolutely incredible! Great staff, wonderful facilities. Cairngorms Activities' crew didn't miss a beat and they went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great experience. Absolutely recommend.