stewart
Craig was great - engaging, knowledgable and funny. He coped very well with a large group of widely varying abilities!
This two-day canoe and wild camping trip is perfect for adults looking to switch off and spend meaningful time outdoors. Paddle through peaceful stretches of the River Tweed and sleep under canvas in a quiet forest setting, with everything guided and supported from start to finish.
Day 1: You’ll meet in Cardrona at the car park just before the hotel, where your guides will help you get kitted out and run through a safety briefing. Once the group is ready, the journey begins by canoe, following the River Tweed downstream at a relaxed pace. Expect around 4–5 hours of paddling, passing through quiet woodlands, open stretches of river, and countryside rich in wildlife.
As you move downstream, the river opens up views of wooded hillsides, riverbanks dotted with wildflowers, and occasional glimpses of heritage estates and old ruins. You may spot herons, ospreys, and even otters along the way. After reaching the day’s end point near Ashiestiel, you’ll be taken to a tucked-away forest site in Glenkinnon for the overnight stay. Each group has their own teepee tent and a fire pit to enjoy a quiet evening outdoors.
Day 2: Wake up in the woods and take your time enjoying the surroundings before packing down. Depending on group needs, there may be an optional short paddle or local walk before departure. The group will be returned to the start point or a pre-agreed pick-up location. All equipment is included, and guides will be on hand throughout to support both the paddling and the camp setup.
The trip begins in the small village of Cardrona, just a few minutes from Peebles in the Scottish Borders. It’s an easy spot to access from Edinburgh by car (just over an hour) and provides a quiet launch site with views of the surrounding hills. The paddling section takes place on a calm stretch of the River Tweed, known for its gentle current and natural beauty.
The overnight stay takes place at a private forest site near Glenkinnon, hidden amongst old woodland and away from busy trails. It offers a quiet place to unwind by the fire and sleep in a canvas teepee. Exact directions and transport logistics will be confirmed after booking, but the trip is designed to be accessible while still feeling remote.
Please note: The guide can transport up to five people back to the meeting point at the end of the trip to collect their car if needed.
Participants must be 18 or older and able to paddle for several hours with breaks. A basic level of fitness and comfort outdoors is important, especially for the wild camping element.
No previous canoeing experience is needed — instruction is provided throughout, and the river section is beginner-friendly. All equipment is included, and the overnight site has everything you need to stay warm and comfortable.
The centre offers outdoor experiences across the Tweed Valley and beyond, specialising in accessible trips for adults that feel adventurous but manageable. Sessions are run by experienced staff who focus on creating a safe, welcoming atmosphere and adapting trips to suit each group’s needs.
With a mix of scenic paddling, peaceful wild camping, and small group sizes, this trip is ideal for anyone looking to get away from the everyday and spend time immersed in the outdoors. Whether you’re trying canoeing for the first time or just want a slower-paced break, this trip offers a rewarding experience with plenty of support.
No prior canoeing experience is necessary to join our Canoe and Camp trip on the River Tweed. Our skilled instructors will provide a safety briefing and basic paddling instructions to ensure all participants feel comfortable and prepared for the journey.
Please pack a waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy water-friendly footwear, a change of clothes, personal overnight essentials, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, a head torch, a warm hoodie or top for the evening, and any additional comfort items such as a pillow or extra snacks. Remember, space is limited, so pack light!
You'll need to bring your lunch for the daytime paddle and meals for the evening and following morning. We provide all the cooking utensils, plates, cups, and stoves. You can also try your hand at cooking over an open fire with our grill.
Please let us know in advance if you do not have your own camping gear. We may be able to assist you with rentals or suggestions on where to acquire the necessary equipment for a comfortable overnight stay. Tents are provided.
The Canoe and Camp trip on the River Tweed is designed for adults, and participants must be 18 years of age or older. This ensures that all attendees are capable of managing the physical aspects of the trip and any decisions that need to be made independently.
If you are looking to canoe with a younger group, you can check out our range of options at the bottom of this page.
A basic level of fitness is required as canoeing and camping involve physical activity. Please inform us of any health conditions or concerns prior to booking so that we can best accommodate your needs.
The campsite is equipped with portable Porta-Potty facilities to provide a rustic yet comfortable experience. We aim to maintain the natural environment while also ensuring the comfort of our guests.
Generally, two people would normally share a boat.
We will always try to give as much notice as possible if an activity can’t go ahead. It could be the river is too high for canoeing or we are expecting weather warnings for wind. Sometimes things are out of our control and we may have to cancel with very short notice. In all cases, we will try to offer an alternative activity or location. In the event of a canceled activity by us, you will be refunded if we cannot find a suitable alternative date/time/activity for your group.
However, it’s worth saying that we will only cancel in the event that it is unsafe to paddle. A bit of drizzle won’t stop us! Please assume the trip is going ahead unless we contact you to say otherwise. The vast majority of our trips go ahead as planned, come rain or shine!
Absolutely. We can tailor this trip to you and your group, no trouble. Any special requests, please just mention them in the comments when you book, or send the adventuro team a message in the chat for bespoke arrangements.
We offer a 3-hour River Tweed canoe trip, yes. You can view it at the bottom of this page.
Craig was great - engaging, knowledgable and funny. He coped very well with a large group of widely varying abilities!
Great day canoeing. Craig was very helpful. Very good experience.
Caitlin was fantastic really helpful, patient and calming would highly recommend
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