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Best of Scotland Canoe Expedition

A multi-day Canoe expedition, starting at the base of the Scottish highlands and taking in some of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic locations, this trip is not to be missed. We welcome all abi…
Level: Grade 1-2 river journey and open water such as Loch Ness
  • Join our published dates or contact us for a private group booking
  • £899
  • Duration: 6 days

Our Best of Scotland canoe expedition is simply the best taking in plenty of picture perfect locations including Loch Ness, River Ness, The River Spey and other gorgeous destinations. Led by our professional coaching team we help improve white water and open water skills. We featured in the Times for some of our Scottish Canoe Expeditions.

What's Included

  • Craft
  • Buoyancy Aid
  • Basic Map
  • Dry Bag

What else we can provide on request

A multi-day Canoe expedition, starting at the base of the Scottish highlands and taking in some of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic locations, this trip is not to be missed.


We welcome all abilities, however, you need to have some experience of paddling a canoe. Feel free to contact us to discuss further as we can help bring your skills up to speed. This trip has featured in national press and magazines.

If you are not able to book this trip then it is at full capacity. Please do contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list or have  group of friends, family or workmates that you wish to book on and we can look at booking a bespoke trip for your group.

Trip Description


Given the huge success of our original Best of Scotland Expedition, we are very excited to present our new and improved itinerary. As we all know the pandemic has created huge problems for everyone, from individuals to businesses, and sadly our great friends from Crubenmore Lodge were unable to sustain the impact that it took on their business and sadly had to close.

We have used this to re-evaluate the trip and considerably reduce the logistics, allowing more time to be spent on the water…which is what we all want! The itinerary still holds iconic paddling locations based around Loch Tay with our popular island canoe and camp night being on Luss island and let's not forget one of the team's favourite river trips on the river Teith!

We have paired up with Loch Tay Highland Lodges to provide stunning accommodation and our super friendly team (Ash, Rich, and Calum) will accompany you throughout the trip using top-of-the-range kit and equipment ensuring you get the best experience possible. As those of you who have booked with us before will already know, food is a big deal for us and we shall provide you with all you need for delicious hearty meals during the trip, it is your holiday after all. We shall paddle across beautiful Highland Lochs and rivers as well as having fun on the whitewater days. We would love for you to join us on this beautiful expedition so we can share these paddling treasures with you.

Included
  • Transportation during the trip (including a stay at Loch Tay Highland Lodges)
  • Breakfast and evening meals (you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stock up on snacks and lunches throughout the week)
  • BBQ evening at the stunning Loch Tay Highland Lodge (self-catering accommodation)
  • Expert tuition from professional experienced guides
  • Whiskey tasting on Luss Island around the campfire
  • Hire of drysuits is available for the week on a first come first served basis
  • Canoes, BA’s, Cags, Trousers, Helmets, Drybags, Paddles, Maps, Tents and safety equipment
What you will need to bring
  • Sleeping Bag & Roll Mat
  • Cutlery, Cup, Bowl, Knife & Fork
  • Personal Kit
  • A Sense of Humour!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Meet at Loch Tay Highland Lodges (bottom carpark) Introductions
Accommodation – Loch Tay Highland Lodges Paddle on Loch Tay
Day 2
Loch Tay Location: Killin to Kenmore Description – Paddle from point to point on Loch Tay (full day)
Accommodation – Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Day 3
River Teith Location: Callander Description – river day (full day) Skills – Running the river from Callander to Torry Rapids
Accommodation – Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Day 4
River Tay Location – Kenmore – Aberfeldy Grade 1,2 Rapids, river skills
Accommodation – Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Day 5
Luss Islands Paddle to Wallaby Island and make camp- eyes peeled for the Wallaby’s Practice solo skills/ trad skills/ or just relax with a book
Accommodation – Camping
Day 6
Paddle back from Luss Island Drive to River Tay, Stanley Description – two options: Option 1 – play at Stanley* Option 2 – run short section of the river to nearby Thistle Brig (Thistlebrig). Travel back to Perth for Bus/ Train connection

Note: Itinerary subject to change at any time if deemed necessary by Canoe Trail


MEET OUR GUIDES

Ashley Kenlock

Ash has led expeditions in Canada in Ontario and Manitoba and has over 10 years of paddling experience.

She is is a qualified Level 2 coach UKCC and is also a qualified SUP coach. She has also an experienced canoe leader and expedition leader.

Experience includes leading trips on iconic rivers and Lochs including Loch Ness, River Wye, Norfolk Broads, and numerous Scottish Rivers. She has led many overseas expeditions in Canada including Manitoba, Algonquin Park and Temagami wilderness areas.

Calum Steel

Calum is a White Water Kayak Leader, Canoe Leader, Expedition Leader with 16 Years of Experience in the Outdoors.

He has paddled all over the world, BASI Level 3 Ski & Snowboard. Scottish born and bred, he has led many canoe and kayak expeditions across Scotland. Calum is an advanced canoe leader, kayak leader and moderate water endorsed coach as well as British Canoeing tutor for safety courses.

Richard Harpham

Richard has completed over 12,00 miles of human-powered adventures all over the world including sea kayaking the channel, 1000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska, canoeing the Yukon River as well as many iconic trips and expeditions closer to home.

Richard has over 30 years experience of in paddling and is a UKCC Level 2 coach, advanced canoe leader, sea kayak leader, moderate water coach, British canoeing tutor for instructor and leadership courses and an endorsed guide / trainer.

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?
There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.
What if it rains?
Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.
How does the booking process work?
We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

Best of Scotland, Loch Ness

We Value Relationships

Sophie (Fun 4 Young People)
5 stars

We have used Canoe Trail for many years. Run by fantastic people with some great activities on offer. Highly recommend.

Michael (Goldington Academy)
5 stars

Regularly use Canoe Trail for DofE and our School outdoor adventure trips. Professional to deal with and an amazing team of instructors.

Gemma
5 stars

Highly recommend Canoe Trail whether you’re looking to improve your paddling or just a fun family day out on one of the river trails.

Matthew
5 stars

Just returned from a week in Scotland with Canoe Trail. It was one of the best organised trips I have done. The team were awesome, great instruction with loads of patience for those new to paddling.