Lauren
Yoga and Paddleboarding through adventure Paddleboarding was fantastic! A great experience as part of my sister’s hen do. Lucy was upbeat, had brilliant knowledge to help up with equipment and took some brilliant photos of us on the water!
Take a full-day journey down the River Spey and experience the Scottish Highlands from the water. This guided adventure lets you paddle through forested banks, open stretches, and gentle rapids, enjoying the scenery and wildlife at your own pace. You’ll have the chance to stop midway for lunch and a rest before continuing to the final stretch at Aviemore.
Your day begins with a safety briefing and guidance on paddling techniques, ensuring you feel confident before entering the river. Your instructor will fit you with all necessary equipment, including paddleboard, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and dry bag for your essentials.
Once on the river, you’ll navigate calm sections and gentle rapids at a comfortable pace, with opportunities to admire the surrounding forests, rolling hills, and local wildlife. Along the way, your guide will offer tips to improve your balance, stroke efficiency, and river navigation.
Halfway through, you’ll pause for a lunch break, giving you time to relax, rehydrate, and take in the natural surroundings. The final section continues downstream to Aviemore, where the day finishes with a chance to dry off and enjoy photos from your adventure.
The River Spey winds through the heart of the Highlands, offering a mix of tranquil stretches, gentle currents, and scenic forested banks. Launching from Loch Insh, you’ll start in a sheltered area ideal for easing into river paddling.
The journey ends near Aviemore, giving you access to local amenities and parking. Along the way, you can spot kingfishers, swans, and other river wildlife, making it an immersive outdoor experience that combines light physical activity with nature observation.
You should have some previous paddleboarding experience as this is a longer journey with multiple hours on the water. Basic balance and familiarity with paddling strokes are recommended to ensure you get the most from the day.
Private sessions are available, allowing your group to set pace, route, and level of instruction. This ensures you can enjoy the adventure comfortably, whether you want a relaxed day or more focused paddling practice.
The day is led by an experienced, fully qualified instructor who will stay with you throughout the journey, providing guidance, safety oversight, and tips to improve your paddleboarding skills. The small group size ensures you get personalised attention and feel supported for the full six hours.
You’ll experience the Highlands from a unique perspective, combining exercise, scenery, and wildlife spotting into one memorable day. The trip balances adventure with comfort, with breaks and guidance designed to make your river journey safe and enjoyable.
You’ll need to come prepared for time on the water, so make sure to bring essentials that keep you comfortable before, during, and after your session. A towel and a full change of clothes are recommended in case you get wet, along with swimwear or trunks to wear under a wetsuit. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes that can get wet or bring a spare pair for afterwards.
Snacks and drinks will help keep your energy up, especially on longer sessions. If you take any medication, please ensure you have it with you on the day. And, most importantly, bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun—this makes all the difference on the water.
These activities are open to participants aged 13 and above. This ensures everyone taking part can safely handle the equipment and enjoy the experience. The sessions are designed to be inclusive and family-friendly while still maintaining the right level of supervision and safety for younger participants.
Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian either on the water with them or nearby at the viewing point for the duration of the session. This policy may vary slightly depending on the specific activity or location, but safety and supervision are always the top priority.
All sessions depend on the weather and water conditions to make sure they’re safe and fun for everyone involved. In the case of strong winds, heavy rain, or unsafe water levels, sessions may need to be postponed or moved to a more sheltered location. The decision will always be made with your safety in mind.
If a session has to be rescheduled or relocated, you’ll be contacted in advance with as much notice as possible. The team keeps a close eye on forecasts and conditions, and any changes will be clearly communicated so that you can plan your day with confidence.
While some experience on a paddleboard is recommended, the River Spey section used is manageable for those with basic skills. You’ll encounter gentle rapids and calm stretches, giving you a mix of guidance-led practice and relaxed paddling.
Your instructor will stay with the group the entire way, offering tips on turning, balance, and stroke technique to help you feel confident throughout the journey. The pace can be adapted depending on the group’s ability.
Yes, the Spey is home to a variety of wildlife including kingfishers, swans, ducks, herons, and occasionally ospreys. You’ll have the chance to pause in calm sections for observation and photography.
The guide will point out notable spots and natural features along the way, providing insight into the local environment, river ecology, and birdlife you might otherwise miss.
There’s a planned stop halfway through for a break, allowing you to have a packed lunch and drink. This gives you time to relax, stretch, and take in the surrounding scenery.
The break point is chosen for safety and access, with easy riverbank entry and space to dry off or adjust clothing. You can also use this time to take photos or simply enjoy the Highlands in a quiet spot.
About the centre
Loch Insh, Speyside
Yoga and Paddleboarding through adventure Paddleboarding was fantastic! A great experience as part of my sister’s hen do. Lucy was upbeat, had brilliant knowledge to help up with equipment and took some brilliant photos of us on the water!
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Operated by Adventure Paddleboarding, a partner of adventuro.