Intro to Canoe - Day 1, River Spey
Intro to Canoe - Day 1, Loch Insh
We usually head to one of the local lochs to maximise the time on the water. Here we will look at the relationship between ourselves the paddle and the boat and how we can make adjustments to be more efficient with our paddling and different ways to achieve the same outcome, this builds a broader experience and we have more 'tools in the box' This day is individualised to the learners to maximise your skills and experience.
Today we will build upon the skills learned on day 1, challenging these on a journey, again around some of the local lochs or rivers. If we use one of the sections of moving water this will be generally an easier section of the river spey. Some skills that we generally cover include, recognising basic river features, how to use these to maximise safety and inspect areas that are around the corner. We will also cover some basic leadership i.e. signals decision making and what to do if we have an incident. This is all covered as we make our way down a classic stretch of the spey, taking in the abundance of wildlife and history of the Cairngorms National Park has on offer.
All of our staff hold the relevant qualifications and substantial experience for any courses that you book with us here at Scottish Rock & Water. We can provide any relevant certifications upon request.
Yes, you can secure your course/trip with a deposit. We only require a 25% deposit to reserve your position, with the full payment due 30 days prior to the start date.
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
Yes! You can use our fast checkout option to secure your spot without adding participant details. All we need is your name and email to send the confirmation.
While it's not legally required, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel/activity insurance before your trip to Scotland. Our courses involve outdoor adventures where weather conditions or unforeseen events could cause cancellations or prevent attendance. Having insurance ensures that you're financially protected if these situations arise. For example, many adventurers opt for specialized coverage such as Sports Cover Direct's offerings for canoe holidays or winter climbing, and the British Mountaineering Council also provides tailored policies for mountaineering activities. We encourage you to review these options and choose a policy that best suits your needs for peace of mind during your adventure.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on intro to canoe? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
Canoes, camping kit, and dry barrels are included. The guide handles the route, the food stops, and the pace.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
We’re committed to protecting the landscapes we love. Unlike providers who put profit first, we focus on responsible guiding, conservation, and a leave-no-trace ethos. When you book with us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve Scotland’s wild places for future generations.
We keep our group sizes small to provide a personal and tailored experience. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we take the time to understand your goals and adapt each course to suit your needs.
Sure, you can find the well-trodden routes in a book—but we take you beyond the usual paths. With our deep local knowledge, we’ll guide you to hidden ridges, quiet valleys, and secret spots that make every adventure feel truly unique.
What other groups say about the rivers, the camps, and the days in the canoe.
Packing, rivers, and how a multi-day paddle in Scotland actually runs.
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Not sure which river suits the group, or what a wild camp on the bank involves? Talk to the guides who paddle these trips.
Gift vouchers
A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.
