Gorge Walking

Guided gorge adventures in the Cairngorms.

Check availability Plan a group gorge walk
Price

ÂŁ59 Adult
ÂŁ54 Children (over 10's only)

Dates

April - October / Winter on demand

Duration

3 hours

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Gorge Walking in the Cairngorms

Gorge walking with us is a guided journey through waterfalls, pools and rocky channels, just a short drive from Cairngorms Activities near Grantown-on-Spey. You’ll be fully briefed and kitted out with a 5 mm full-body wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet before you set off.

It’s best suited to confident older children (ages 10+), teens and adults who are happy getting wet and moving over uneven ground. It’s physical but achievable – more about confidence, movement and shared adventure than bravado or “extreme” stunts.

Gorge walking works brilliantly for families with teens, youth groups, schools, stag and hen groups and adult groups, as a standout morning or afternoon activity between April and October.

Jumping is always optional. There are easier and harder lines through the gorge, and your guide will talk you through every step so you can choose the level of challenge that feels right for you.


See gorge walking dates Group & school bookings

Your guide talks you through every step, with easier and harder options throughout.

What gorge walking with us is really like

A gorge walk is a guided exploration of a rocky river channel – scrambling over boulders, weaving through rocky steps, sliding down natural chutes and wading or swimming through pools.

We start at our centre near Grantown-on-Spey, where you’ll meet your instructor, get changed and kitted up in wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids. From there, it’s a short 15-minute drive in your own vehicle to the gorge.

Once at the gorge, your guide will give a clear safety brief, explain how the session works and then lead the group, choosing lines to match water levels, weather and group confidence. You’ll move as one group, with plenty of time to rest, watch others and decide which features you’d like to try.

After the session you’ll get changed by the riverside – simple and outdoorsy rather than fancy – and then head back to the centre. At weekends, our cafĂ© is open so you can warm up with a hot drink and something to eat, and there’s frisbee golf on-site if you’ve still got energy to burn.


Please note: At times you will need to drive from our centre to the gorge in your own vehicle.

A man taking part in a gorge walking session with Cairngorms Activities

What's included

  • Sessions led by experienced, qualified instructors
  • Around 3 hours on activity, including briefing, movement through the gorge and rests
  • 5 mm full-body wetsuit
  • Buoyancy aid and helmet
  • Use of our on-site facilities before and after your session
  • Please arrive at our centre 15 minutes before your start time so we can get you kitted up and to the gorge on time.


What to bring with you

  • Good-soled shoes you don’t mind getting wet (no slip-on wet shoes or sandals)
  • Shorts to wear over your wetsuit
  • Any personal medication that you need during the session
  • Base layer for under your wetsuit (rash vest, swimwear, etc.)
  • A full change of clothes and a towel for afterwards (changing robes are ideal)
  • Hat, gloves and a flask of hot drink if it’s cold
  • Water and some post-activity snacks (fruit, chocolate or similar)
Group enjoying gorge walking in the Cairngorms

Not sure if gorge walking is right for you?

Check scheduled dates to see what’s running, or talk to our team about suitability, group options or private sessions before you book.


View upcoming sessions Contact us about a group or private trip

Gorge Walking – Frequently Asked Questions

The key questions people ask before they book..


Do I have to jump?

No. Jumping is always optional. Your guide will show you different options so you can choose the level of challenge that feels right for you.

Is gorge walking safe?

Gorge walking always involves moving water and uneven ground, but when properly managed it’s a safe, well-controlled activity. Sessions are led by experienced instructors who choose routes based on water levels, weather and the ability and confidence of the group on the day.

What if I’m nervous about heights or cold water?

That’s very common. We use wetsuits and buoyancy aids to keep you warm and supported, and your guide will move at a pace that suits the group.

Do I need to be fit?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need a reasonable level and confidence on your feet. Expect uneven, slippery ground, some scrambling and moving in and out of pools. It’s not about speed or strength; it’s about steady movement and being happy in that environment.

What age is gorge walking suitable for?

Gorge walking is typically suitable for ages 10+, older children, teens and adults. It isn’t suitable for very young children or anyone looking for a dry, gentle stroll. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we can advise.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Gorge walking is weather and water-level dependent. Rain can sometimes make the gorge more fun, but high water can affect safety. We monitor conditions closely and adapt the route, change start times, reschedule or offer alternatives if it’s not suitable to run the session as planned.

What should we wear?

Under your wetsuit, wear swimwear or a close-fitting base layer, plus shorts over the top and sturdy shoes that can get wet. Bring a warm change of clothes, a towel and, if it’s chilly, a hat, gloves and a hot drink for after. All the specialist kit (wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid) is provided.


Video Library

Watch some handy videos about our gorge walking activity.



Gorge walking in action!

See what your gorge walking session could look like.

Your gorge walking questions, answered

In this video, we cover the key details to help you feel ready before you arrive.


How to prepare for your gorge walking activity

Give this handy video a watch to see how best to prepare for your gorge walk.


Ready to try gorge walking?

Join one of our guided gorge walking sessions, or get in touch to plan a private or group experience that suits your group and the conditions.


Check dates online Plan a group or private booking