The classic open-canoe descent of the River Spey from Loch Insh through Speyside whisky country to the sea at Spey Bay.
About
A Spey descent is one of Britain's signature touring journeys. Common put-ins sit around Loch Insh or further upstream toward Lochain Uvie; the finish is Spey Bay on the Moray Firth. Full guidebook journeys run up to about 135 km depending on start point; many commercial trips cover around 95 km over four or five days.
Expect swift Grade 1 water with Grade 2 rapids (including the Washing Machine and Knockando). This map line runs Loch Insh to Spey Bay via Grantown-on-Spey and Craigellachie.
History
The Spey is often named among Scotland's 'big four' touring rivers with the Tay, Dee and Tweed. Generations of open-canoe expeditions have followed the whisky trail to the Moray coast. Wildlife, fishing beats and forested banks are part of the character; access etiquette and water levels matter.
Stages
- Loch Insh to Grantown-on-Spey
- Grantown to Craigellachie
- Craigellachie to Spey Bay