Day 1 Meet in Aviemore. Paddle from Loch Insh to Aviemore

We meet in Aviemore at noon for team introductions and personal kit issue. After a short transfer to Loch Insh, we will learn how to safely and securely stow kit aboard our canoes before launching on to the calm waters of Loch Insh. Here, we will learn new paddle strokes and techniques or perhaps refine existing skills in preparation for the flowing waters of the Spey. The island on Loch Insh is renowned as a nesting spot for ospreys and, if lucky, we may catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring birds before they start their migration to Africa for the winter. As we exit the flat waters of Loch Insh into the River Spey, the flow quickens and we can develop our skills on moving water. We are soon joined by the River Feshie and the river picks up pace again. We negotiate a series of Grade 1 rapids, with the hulking Cairngorm hills our backdrop. We near Aviemore and stop for our first wild-camp of the trip. We will learn how to create an efficient and cosy wild-camp and soon the fire will be roaring with our dinner on its way and perhaps a dram of something to sip and savour.

Flat water/Grade 1, 12km

(Dinner)

Day 2 Aviemore to Boat of Balliefurth

Setting off from Aviemore, we enter a series of rapids and the river is joined by the River Druie and as we negotiate the twists and turns we need to remain vigilant to avoid trees in the water. We soon pass steep sandy banks, peppered with holes. Theses are the nesting burrows of the sand-martin, which we will see flying and swooping all around us. The landscape opens up and becomes incredibly scenic as we leave the Cairngorm massif which are replaced by the smaller hills of Kincardine and Carrbridge. Just before we arrive into Boat of Garten, we will negotiate some more Grade 1 rapids. Back on the River Spey, we enter a gentle, slow section of our journey were a slow flow meanders through the beautiful countryside. The Strathspey Steam Railway runs parallel for some sections of the river and we will get great views of the steam trains chugging past. Afer some more fun rapids, we will reach a meadow featuring a rustic and very basic campsite. Opposite our camp, there are the standing stones of Tom Nan Carragh which make for a very special spot to experience sunset.

Flat water/Grade 1+, 21km

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Boat of Balliefurth to Cragganmore

The Spey picks up speed and we soon pass Grantown-on-Spey. This stretch of river is renowned for its fishing and we will share the water with anglers and ghillies. We will pass through beautiful woods of Scots pine and if we keep our eyes peeled, we may spot crossbills, capercallie and even a pine martin. This stretch feels particularly remote and wild and some of the rapids are long and sustained, albeit straight-forward and of an easy grade. Craggonmore is home to a few distilleries, some of which offer tours.

Up to Grade 2, 27km

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Cragganmore to Craigellachie

Today features one of the most paddled sections of the Spey: the famous Knockando Rapids. We soon reach the confluence with the River Avon. This is one of the main tributaries of the Spey and in high water changes the natures of the Spey. The Spey picks up pace and we enter a section of bouncy water known as a wave-train. There follows a long section of rapids and we will take our time to descend the river, stopping to regroup on the way. Soon we will note the river narrowing and can hear the rapids of the Washing Machine ahead of us. This is another bouncy wave-train and it is common to have to bail out water after negotiating the rapid. Before long, we soon reach the Knockando Rapids which are followed by numerous rapids and wave-trains, passing Aberlour through to Craigellachie. We set up our camp on a very basic site whilst mulling over the temptation to visit a nearby by country hotel to sample their whisky bar.

Up to Grade 2, 22km

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Craigellachie to Spey Bay

Our final day of paddling sees us paddling through beautiful scenery as the river continues to drop in altitude and offers a seemingly endless series of Grade 1 and 2 rapids. We negotiate a series of channels and islands as the river meanders. We pass beneath a series of huge sandstone cliffs, home to further colonies of sand martins. Passing the old railway bridge at Garmouth acts as a handy reminder that Spey Bay is now a mere 1km away. We pass many islands, choosing a path between them. There are often ospreys to be seen fishing, a rare treat depending on the time of year. The waters soon become brackish and we will possibly be able to detect the tidal flow around our canoes. Dolphins, seals and sometimes even whales are spotted in Spey Bay so we would be well-advised to keep our eyes peeled. We have just completed an incredible journey, one that started in the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains and ends up reaching the sea having passed through stunning scenery and many historic locations. We will meet with our shuttle bus and after loading our canoes onto the trailer, we return to Aviemore feeling satisfyingly tired. North Star Adventure services end here.

(Breakfast)

Up to Grade 2, 28km