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Spey Descent Expeditions
This memorable five day river trip is without question a life enhancing
experience. In light of the team work required to prepare, engage
and complete this event is can be an effective, challenging team
exercise. It involves overnight camps and an opportunity to become
steeped in nature at it very best whatever the weather!
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OPEN CANOE DESCENT OF THE RIVER SPEY
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Kincraig (Loch Insh) ~ Tugnet (Spey
Bay)
Paddle an open-canoe for almost
70 miles of this most beautiful of Scottish rivers,
at a leisurely pace through five unforgettable days.
Suitable for all standards of paddler, from novice
upwards, the adventure begins in the Highland village
of Newtonmore, where the first and second evenings
and overnights will be spent in our comfortable Victorian
home..
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Day
1 ~Basic paddle strokes will
be learned/revised on the flat waters of the Spey just
downstream of Kincraig
Bridge. Then, at a leisurely pace, the group will
set off to tackle a series of small but fun rapids
en route
to Aviemore, travelling through historic Rothiemurchus
Estate, filled with stories central to the history
of Clan Grant. Return to Newtonmore for another night
of comfort at The Beeches.
Day 2 ~Minibus takes us
back to where we stopped on Day 1.
We move off on to
a mixture of small, easy
rapids and flat sections taking us on past Boat of
Garten and Monarch of the Glen’s ‘Glenbogle’ Station
near Broomhill Bridge. Stopping for our first night
under ‘canvas’ at the picturesque riverside
camping meadow (access to hot water here!) at Balliefurth,
upstream of Grantown on Spey.
Note : Day 1 and 2 can be combined
if paddlers are experienced. |
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Day 3~
The river starts to flow more decidedly seaward as
it passes Grantown on Spey and Cromdale, to our next
overnight stop at Blacksboat, upstream of Aberlour.Day
3 ~ The river starts to flow more decidedly seaward
as it passes Grantown on Spey, with its fun, boulder
strewn rapids and on by Cromdale. Through Tulchan
and Ballindalloch estates and some bigger rapids
to our next overnight stop at Ballindalloch Station,
by Cragganmore, part of the Speyside Way long distance
walk.
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Day 4~
On into the area of famous malt whisky names such
as Knockando & Tamdhu, to Aberlour where, since
we have fewer miles to travel today on still faster
water(!), we might, if you choose, have a stop for
*afternoon tea/lunch. Overnight camp in Craigellachie,
at a spot close to where the River Fiddich leaves
its famous glen and adds its waters to the Spey.
As a last night treat award yourselves a relaxing,
tasty *bar-meal in the village’s Highlander
Inn and maybe a dram with Joe in the unique Fiddichside
Inn.
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Day 5~
After passing the village of Rothes, moving through
steep forested banks and by red cliffs and pillars,
the river takes us on to Fochabers, heralding our
approach to the coast. With now shingle banks either
side one can smell the sea air, see ospreys on river
patrol ~ perhaps even witness otters at play. Finally,
in completing your memorable journey, paddle towards
the rolling waves of remote Spey Bay, where ‘the
fresh meets the salt’.
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| Join with us on this magical
journey. Develop new skills and awareness, of how to
handle this versatile craft, thus enhancing competence
and confidence. The ‘Classic’ 5 Day Descent
is ideal for families. Award yourself the pleasure of
being steeped in nature and experience immense personal
satisfaction in guiding, normally with a partner, your
canoe through some of the most beautiful countryside
in Britain, along Scotland’s most ideal touring
river. A bird-watchers’ paradise, with dippers,
golden-eye and grey wagtails at your elbow and buzzards
soaring above. |
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David
Craig is registered with Adventure Activities Licensing Service,
as licensed to provide activities under the heading of ‘Watersports’.