Paddle the majestic River Spey on a 2-hour, family-friendly canoe tour offered by Cairngorms Activities. Perfect for ages 7 and up, this guided trip blends gentle adventure with stunning wildlife viewing and beautiful Highland scenery.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, including beginners and children from age 7 upwards.
Wildlife
History
The River Spey has supported salmon fishing communities for centuries and is integral to the whisky distilling heritage downstream.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on protecting native fish populations and maintaining riverbank habitats to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy and vibrant.
Cairngorms Activities
Paddle the majestic River Spey on a 2-hour, family-friendly canoe tour offered by Cairngorms Activities. Perfect for ages 7 and up, this guided trip blends gentle adventure with stunning wildlife viewing and beautiful Highland scenery.
Cairngorms Activities is an outdoor activity provider based in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, operating in the Cairngorms National Park. The business offers a broad range of guided and self-guided experiences designed for families, groups, and individual adventurers. Core activities include Full Day Cycle Hire, BattleZone combat games, Pay and Play Golf, River Spey Canoeing, Gorge Walking, Golf / Foot / Disc options, Day Camp for children, Halloween Archery Pumpkin Shooting, Archery sessions, BattleZone Apocalypse!, Stand-Up Paddleboard hire, and River Spey Kayak hire.
Many experiences are family-friendly and specify age suitability, with canoeing available for ages 7 and up and combat-game sessions for ages 8 and up. Gorge Walking runs seasonally from April to October and supplies all necessary safety equipment. Several water-based options enable exploration of the River Spey, and multiple golf formats provide both traditional and alternative play across scenic landscapes.
Cairngorms Activities is featured on The Adventure Collective, offering clear trip descriptions and structured sessions. Booking information and session lengths are provided per experience, such as two-hour canoe tours and three-hour gorge walks, helping visitors plan time on site. The operator emphasizes safe, supervised environments and provides equipment on qualifying trips. Guided experiences include instruction and scenario-based play for BattleZone sessions and specialist supervision for Gorge Walking. Location and activity variety make it suitable for short visits or full-day outings in the Cairngorms area, catering to a range of ages and fitness levels while focusing on accessible outdoor recreation. Advance booking is recommended for popular dates and group bookings seasonally.
Location
Grantown-on-Spey
Base in the Cairngorms National Park
Tours Offered
12 experiences
Varied outdoor activities available
Family Friendly
Ages 7+
Options for children and families
Seasonal Runs
April–October
Many activities run in peak season
Reserve canoeing, cycle hire, BattleZone games, gorge walking or golf in Grantown-on-Spey — secure dates and equipment for groups and families.
Wear sturdy footwear
Opt for shoes that can get wet and offer good grip; riverbanks can be slippery.
Dress for changeable weather
Bring waterproofs and warm layers as Highland weather can shift rapidly, even in summer.
Listen to your guide
Safety gear and paddling tips are critical for a smooth trip—follow instructions closely.
Keep an eye out for wildlife
Early morning or late afternoon paddles increase chances of spotting otters, kingfishers, and more.
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Protect yourself from Scotland’s notoriously variable weather.
spring
Non-slip, waterproof footwear
Keeps feet dry and provides necessary traction when entering and exiting the canoe.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Even on overcast days, UV exposure can be significant on the water.
summer
Base layers or fleece
Adds insulating warmth during cooler paddling conditions.
fall