River Spey Tours

Join your guide for a fantastic adventure in the Cairngorms

Choose your River Spey journey

Both trips are guided, confidence-building experiences on the River Spey from our base near Grantown-on-Spey. Pick the level that best matches your group, or contact us if you’re not sure which to choose.


River Spey Canoeing (G1 Easy)

Broomhill Bridge to Centre · Approx. 2 hours on the water

A relaxed, beginner-friendly journey on a gentle section of the Spey. You’ll start just a short 5-minute drive from our centre and paddle back downstream, finishing on our own riverside beach.

Perfect if you’re new to paddling, visiting as a family, or simply want to enjoy the scenery at an easy pace while learning the basics of canoe control.

Price: ÂŁ45 per adult · ÂŁ35 per child

These G1 trips run regularly at weekends and during school holidays, with live availability shown on our online calendar.


Check dates & book (G1 Easy)

River Spey Canoeing WW (G2 Mod)

Centre to Cromdale Church · Approx. 3 hours on the water

A step up in excitement, this trip includes some Grade 2 moving water as you paddle from our centre downstream to Cromdale Church. It’s ideal if you’ve paddled before, or if you’ve enjoyed the easier trip and want to make a fuller, more challenging day of it.

Expect more features, more decision-making and a stronger sense of journey, with your guide on hand to support and coach you along the way.

Price: ÂŁ57 per adult · ÂŁ40 per child

G2 white water trips usually run on Thursday afternoons in spring and summer, subject to river levels and demand.


Check dates & book (G2 Mod)

Both trips can also be arranged as group bookings for families, schools, youth groups or adult groups. If you’d like a private date or a specific time, please get in touch.

Journeys on the River Spey

Our River Spey trips are all about enjoying a guided journey in good company. You’ll meet at our centre near Grantown-on-Spey to get kitted up, before heading to the appropriate start point with your guide.

On the water, we build skills gradually – starting with simple steering and control, then adding more techniques and river awareness as your confidence grows. Along the way there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, spot wildlife and take in the Cairngorms from a fresh perspective.

Depending on your chosen trip, you’ll either finish back at our riverside base or at Cromdale Church, where transport is arranged. Afterwards, you can get changed, warm up and relax at the clubhouse.


We also offer an Outfitting Service for groups in the Highlands. If you’re visiting with experienced paddlers and need equipment, we can help.

A family enjoying a river canoeing session with Cairngorms Activities

What's Included?

  • Introductions to the equipment and initial kitting up at our centre
  • 2–3 hours on the water (depending on whether you choose the G1 Easy or G2 Moderate trip) with plenty of guidance and instruction
  • Use of easy-to-paddle canoes (and other craft where appropriate) with modern safety equipment
  • Paddle tops and waterproofs as required, plus buoyancy aids for all participants
  • Instruction and river leadership from a qualified guide
  • A guided journey along a beautiful section of the River Spey
  • Toilets and changing facilities available on-site at our centre
  • Please note: Booking availability is on a per-person basis, not per boat
  • You do need footwear that can get wet

We can run extra sessions at times to suit groups. If you can’t easily find the date or time you’re after, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

A guided River Spey canoe trip with Cairngorms Activities

Ready to get out on the River Spey?

Choose an easy family canoe trip, a moderate white water adventure, or talk to us about a bespoke group experience.


Easy family canoe trips Moderate white water trips Group bookings

Video Library

Watch some handy videos about our River Spey Canoeing activity.



Your River Spey Canoeing questions, answered

In this video, we'll answer many of your River Spey canoeing questions.

How to prepare for your water activity

Want to know what to wear and what to bring? Watch this video!


River Spey Canoe Trips FAQs

General questions about our G1 Easy and G2 Moderate journeys.


What’s the difference between the G1 Easy and G2 Moderate trips?

The G1 Easy trip runs on a gentler stretch of the Spey and is ideal for beginners, families and those wanting a relaxed introduction. The G2 Moderate trip includes Grade 2 white water and is better for those with some experience or ready for more of a challenge. Both are guided, but G2 has more features, decision-making and a stronger sense of adventure.

Do I need to have paddled before?

For the G1 Easy trip, no previous experience is required – most guests are complete beginners. For the G2 Moderate trip, some paddling experience and confidence on the water are strongly recommended. If you’re unsure, start with the G1 Easy trip or ask us for advice.

What should we wear and bring?

Dress for the outdoors in comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear that can get wet. Bring a towel and full change of clothes for afterwards, plus a hat, suncream and water. We provide buoyancy aids and additional waterproofs as needed.

Do we need to be able to swim?

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be water-confident and happy wearing a buoyancy aid. Everyone wears a buoyancy aid at all times on the water. If you have concerns about swimming ability, please mention this when you book so we can advise on the most suitable option.

What happens if the weather or river levels are poor?

We monitor weather and river levels closely. We can often adapt the plan to keep things safe and enjoyable, for example by choosing different sections or timings. If conditions make a trip unsuitable, we’ll contact you to discuss alternatives, such as moving to another time or switching to a different activity where possible.

Is it suitable for children and families?

Many families choose the G1 Easy trip as a first river journey, and it’s suitable for a wide range of ages. The G2 Moderate trip is more demanding and generally better for older children, teens and adults. Please check the age guidance on the individual trip pages and ask us if you’re unsure which is best for your family.

Can you run these trips for private groups?

Yes. Both G1 Easy and G2 Moderate journeys can be run as private group trips for families, schools, youth groups, adult groups and clubs. If you’d like a dedicated date, different time or a specific mix of participants, please get in touch with your group size and preferred dates.

Can we combine a river trip with other activities?

Absolutely. Many visitors combine a River Spey journey with other activities on site or time in the clubhouse. If you’re planning a fuller day or short break, let us know when you contact us and we can suggest options that work well together.

Paddle the River Spey

Relaxed family paddles, flowing white water, or a fully tailored canoe trip for your group.


Family canoe trips White water canoe trips Plan a group trip