Visiting Scotland

Flatish water!

This covers exploring lochs, rivers and canals typically in an open canoe though possibly a sea or touring kayak depending on route. A great way to explore Scotland.

Lochs
Lots of lochs in Scotland usually surrounded by fantastic scenery. By a map and take your pick! Can also be combined with walking remote hills.

Rivers
Popular rivers for a multi day trip include the Rivers Spey, Tay and Tweed. Lochs can be included in descents on the Dee, Spey and Tay. There are some grade 3 rapids on both so experience and familiarity of moving water are needed even if only to be able to portage rapids. It is also possible to do a days gentle flat water paddling on stretches of these rivers. River advisers will provide more information.

There are a couple of reports on multi day trips down the Spey and Tay in the reports section

Canals
It is possible to paddle from Fort William to Inverness via Loch Ness using the Caledonian Canal. The prevailing wind is from SW but best to keep your options open for weather system at the time. We haven't paddled this route but suspect that wild camping on the route especially Loch Nevis is problematical. The road stays close to the west shore and the east shore seems steep. There are official campsites on the route though not necessarily spaced out on paddling days so transport may be required.

For campsite details try information brochures or www.visitscotland.com

Multiday trips
The open canoe is a great journeying vessel. As well as the multiday trips mentioned above experienced paddlers may wish to investigate options such as crossing from Loch Ba (off A82 to Fort William) to Loch Rannoch and thence down the Tay river system. Be prepared for some lengthy portages. Multiday trips are likely to test portaging, poling, lining and wilderness camping skills. Great fun! For the really adventurous, cross Scotland trips have been done.