What our past clients are saying (check out our Facebook, Google and TripAdvisor pages for more reviews!)
“Just completed an amazing 5-day trip canoeing down the Spey from Loch Insh to Spey Bay with five pals guided by Tom and Pete from North Star Adventure. From the outset Tom and Pete were fantastic; the guidance and instruction they gave us on the water equipped us with the skills we needed to tackle the river and keep us safe, and the amazing cooking and hospitality at camp meant our evenings were the perfect downtime after paddling. Their knowledge of the river was superb, guiding us through the rapids and making us aware of upcoming hazards and how to deal with them. I would absolutely recommend the Spey trip with North Star Adventure to anyone who fancies a multi-day canoe trip that is both challenging and great fun. Thanks again to the guys for taking us out – we loved it, and are looking forward to booking another trip in the future.”
- Ross D (June 2024)
“Just completed the River Spey trip with Ingrid and Tony, and what a magnificent trip it was. From the initial hello, they were the perfect hosts. From guiding us safely down the river to presenting us with the tastiest food ever, all cooked on an open fire, I couldn't have asked the more. The River Spey played its part too...flat water paddling where you could admire the stunningly beautiful surroundings, then lots of grade 1 and 2 where you needed to be on full alert. This trip ticked all the boxes for me, and 5 days was over in a flash. Can definitely recommend North Star Adventures for your next canoeing adventure”
- Susan G (September 2024)
“We enjoyed a thrilling and beautiful adventure down the Spey. Exciting canoeing, beautiful campsites and splendid food and drink. Tom excelled at hospitality and our river guide Pete worked dawn to dusk to keep us safe. Both of them knew the river intimately and made the trip very special. Top marks.”
- Alan M (October 2022)
“Tom put together an amazing trip on the Spey, two excellent guides and five superb days on the river. Tom produced the most fantastic meals over the camp fire and he and Pete looked after the five of us at all times. Thanks Tom, I have no hesitation in recommending North Star to all my friends and hope to do it again soon”
— Bryon W (October 2021)
“Ate like Kings, paddled like voyageurs and slept like we'd been hit with a bag of stars every night.
Like being invited on a trip run by two expert mates....who were expert camp cooks/canoe guides and coaches”
— Kevin B (October 2021)
“The trip provided exactly the experience I was after. I wanted to get controlled experience of white water canoeing, and that is exactly what was provided. I learned an incredible amount in the time and it was all provided in such an assured and clear way. The Spey is I would say, the perfect river for first time white water canoeing.”
— Sandy N (October 2021)
“An absolute bucket list must do! It had the right balance of “uncertainty” over such things as camp sites, to give the feeling of a real adventure. I learned a significant number of new skills and pushed my personal boundaries in a safe space. The food was exceptional and a real eye opener to what can be prepared in a “adventure” setting. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
— Roy B (October 2021)
“Just completed the River Spey canoe trip. Absolutely fantastic. The canoeing, the guiding down the rapids by Pete, the wild camp sites mostly on islands, the campfires all excellent. Tom’s campfire cooking is worthy of a 5 star restaurant. I’ll be booking again next year - River Tay.”
- Richard S (May 2024)
Victor and I did a 5 day canoeing trip on the Spey river from Loch Insh to Spey Bay. What an amazing trip delivered by Tom the master of all things outdoors (including delivering gourmet dinners every evening) and Peter the canoeing Guru as our teacher and guide, this is a trip we strongly recommend to all of our friends. We will be following up with more adventures with these guys!
- Laquita (May 2023)
“My Wife and I were lucky enough to get the last two spots on the River Spey canoe journey in early October.
It's a fantastic experience to journey through the Scottish wilds from Aviemore to Spey Bay taking all of your kit with you loaded in canoes, feels like a true adventure.
Pete was our River Guide, there to keep us safe and offer advice to improve our skills. He was also a brilliant guy to chat to around the fire.
Tom looked after us on the river and whipped up amazing food every night in camp from our supplies. He had loads of stories from his own adventures to keep us entertained.
This is the kind of trip where we pitched in each morning and evening to set up camp, get the kettle on over the fire and collect wood. Then sat back and enjoyed the evenings craic, plus a drop of whiskey! With a day canoeing and camp building you definitely feel like you've earned it!
We left after five days feeling stoked with the experience, and a little sad leaving the group we'd got to know as friends.”
- Matt D. (October 2022)