Craggan Outdoors is bordered by the world famous River Spey, so it would be something of a crime not to include it amongst our activities. There can be few better ways to spend a morning, afternoon or full day than sitting in canoes with your family or friends, paddling and drifting down a majestic river like the Spey, with the panoramic back-drop of the Cromdale Hills and Cairngorms. The great thing about Craggan Outdoors' location is that we have our own river access, something that is very rare amongst providers of river canoeing trips. What this means for you is no long drives to drop-off and pick-up points, more time paddling, and more of your time left free for other great experiences.
Our standard canoe trip is a half-day from Broomhill Bridge, a historic Thomas Telford designed wooden bridge that is 5 miles upstream from Craggan Outdoors, paddling downstream back to Craggan Sands, the get-out point at the bottom of our golf course. Having met at the centre and been briefed by your experienced instructor, and then kitted up with buoyancy aid, paddle and helmet, it's just a 5 minute or so drive to the put-in point. You are then left with your instructor to start your trip and enjoy your paddle down this easy Grade 1 (sometimes thinking about Grade 2) stretch of the beautiful Spey. Accordingly the trips are suited and accessible to all ages and abilities, including family groups with young children, and those with disabilities, including wheelchair users as long as they can transfer from chair to boat.
At the end of your trip, usually taking around 2 to 2.5 hours - depending upon speed of water, direction and speed of wind, and your group itself - it's just a short walk across the golf course back to our changing rooms and Clubhouse Café. Price per person for a half-day trip is from £39 upwards, depending upon the number of participants. In this Olympic year, why not try one of the sports that will be on show at the London 2012 games?
If you're fancying something longer, then several times a season, as per client demand, we will run full-day trips, with these being priced from £67 per person. A couple of times a year we will also run full four or five day Spey descents, priced from £299 per person as a guide, taking in the full beauty of this majestic river from Aviemore, to where it meets the sea at Spey Bay on the Moray coast. If you fancy either of these options then get in touch and we can tailor a trip to suit your group. Contact us now with your enquiry.
As a responsible operator, Craggan Outdoors follows and promotes the Scottish Canoe Association Spey Guide.
"Our instructors were brilliant! They gave us clear instructions and had the patience of saints! They immediately made us feel comfortable and as a result we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Canoeing on the Spey was a spectacular and magical experience which we hope to repeat with you on a bigger scale at some point in the future. Highly recommend it to all!" Marianne O'Pray, 12th June 2011
"Another year, another great activity.... this year canoeing down the River Spey aided and abetted by patient instructor Keith. Thank goodness he had a sense of humour! Great fun, great scenery, even the weather was OK. Our stomach muscles are still aching from all the laughing, fair to say that at least two of us were not naturals but that was half the fun and nothing to do with Keith's expert tuition! The staff were all so friendly, always willing to chat, take a photo and have a joke. Lovely relaxed atmosphere, wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. We will definitely return!" Hilary Crosby, via TripAdvisor, 29th July 2011