River Spey SUP Descent

Here follows a four day itinerary broken down day by day for your River Spey Sup Descent.

Day 1 – Here we meet at 10:00 in the morning and check through all the kit – if people need to pick up any food supplies there is a co-op in the village. We put on the water at Newtonmore Bridge and work our way along the upper reaches of the Spey taking in some gentle introductory moving water paddling past Kingussie and down onto Loch Insh where we make camp on the side of the Loch.

Day2 – For those who like coffee, there is a cafe on the shore of Loch Insh which we can easily stop at in the morning before getting back into our wetsuits and heading on down river all the way to Aviemore where we may be able to stop for a quick refreshment in the Old Bridge Inn. From Aviemore, we will head down the river again taking in the tranquil water between here and Grantown where we may see Ospreys flying overhead and have a great opportunity to camp up just before or after Grantown where we can easily nip into town if anyone wants a beer, curry or chippy.

Day3 – Here we navigate the most commonly paddled section of the Spey from Grantown to Craigellachie. this is often the favourite day of our River Spey Sup Descent. We take in the famous washing machine and Tamdhu rapids at grade 2+ which are an exhilarating experience before paddling down past Aberlour and underneath the Spey bridge which is a stunning architectural creation. Craigellachie is home to some great bars, including the Fiddichside inn which has an excellent selection of whisky for those who wish to try some true Scottish delicacies.

Day4 – Paddle from Craigellachie down past Rothes following some of the best flowing sections of the Spey all the way down to Spey Bay where we terminate this trip at the Dolphin Centre right on the coastline. Here we will look back on the five days and part our ways. We will have arranged a taxi for the end to bring you back to Newtonmore and will also organise it so any kit you didn’t bring with you is at the end waiting for you. Hopefully, you will be able to look back on the trip with fond memories of a true Scottish adventure expedition.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options that you may wish to stay at pre or post course within the area when you are up for your River Spey Sup Descent:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

A 4 day River Spey Sup Descent (stand-up paddleboard) is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of white water rapids with the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Here are a few reasons why you should consider embarking on a River Spey Sup Descent:

Paddling down the River Spey on a SUP allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll have a unique perspective of the landscape as you navigate through rapids, glide past lush forests and rolling hills, and soak in the natural beauty of the area. The Spey is one of the most famous rivers in Scotland for the fact it is the quickest flowing and also provides some of the nicest whisky around anywhere!

River Spey Sup Descent require physical stamina and agility, making them an excellent workout. Paddling through rapids, eddies, and currents requires core strength, balance, and quick reflexes. It’s an excellent way to challenge yourself physically and mentally while enjoying the thrill of adventure.

Our SUP coaches and instructors will provide instruction and guidance throughout the journey, ensuring your safety and helping you improve your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, our guides will tailor the trip to your abilities and help you develop your SUP skills in a safe and supportive environment.

A River Spey Sup Descent is a unique adventure that offers a different perspective on the Scottish Highlands. It’s an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and experience something new and exciting.

In summary, a River Spey Sup Descent is a thrilling and unique way to explore the Scottish Highlands while challenging yourself physically and mentally. With expert guidance and stunning scenery, it’s an unforgettable adventure that you won’t want to miss.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your River Spey Sup Descent:

• Something to go underneath a wetsuit – swimwear or a spare pair of underwear. (We do provide swimshorts to wear over the top of the wetsuit for greater style and modesty.)
• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Transportation to the venue. (We may be able to help with this though – if you need transportation please drop us an enquiry and we can see what we can do to help.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Sun cream, midge net
• Headtorch
• Warm layers & spare clothes
• Food

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the River Spey Sup Descent.

• Hala SUP’s -The world’s best Stand up Paddleboards – perfect for our Spey Descent SUP Journey.
• Paddles.
• Wetsuits
• Buoyancy aids.
• Helmets.
• Neoprene wetsuit boots.
• Swimshorts to go over the top of wetsuits.
• Dry bags so you can bring equipment you might want along with you.
• Taxi back from the end to the start (if required).
• Tent
• Roll Mat & Sleeping Bag
• Stove, cutlery & gas
• All instruction.
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost!
• Fully certified instructors