Day 1 Meet in Pitlochry. Launch on to the River Tummel and join the River Tay, paddling to Dunkeld

We meet in Pitlochry at noon for team introductions and personal kit issue. On the banks of the River Tummel, we will learn how to safely and securely stow kit aboard our canoes before setting off on the slow and gentle waters of the river. This is an easy section of river to paddle and a fantastic introduction to moving water. We soon slip away from the town as the river widens and meanders through open countryside and woodland. There are distant mountains on the skyline that make for an atmospheric paddle. The river picks up speed here and there and some interesting Grade 1 sections allow us to develop a feel for how our craft react in the water. After around an hour, we are reach the confluence with the mighty River Tay and the volume of water increases. Our guide will help us develop our moving water paddling skills including breaking into and out of eddies as we continue on our journey. We recommend keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife as we pass through this incredibly beautiful river landscape. After two or three hours (depending on water levels and weather) we will reach our wild-camp for the night, just before the pretty village of Dunkeld, situated in a dense beech forest. Here, we will learn how to light an effective camp-fire using innovative bush-craft techniques and will soon have our meal cooking over the wood embers. This is an ideal opportunity to swap stories and experiences, warmed by the flickering flames of the fire (Dinner)

Day 2 Paddle from Dunkeld to Stanley via the falls of Campsie Linn

Mornings on a river expedition almost always start with a hearty breakfast cooked over a fire. After packing our kit away and secure it into our canoes, we set off again on the River Tay. Very quickly, we come to the village of Dunkeld. If time allows, we recommend stopping off to explore the quaint streets and abbey and to perhaps grab a coffee. Back on the swift waters of the Tay, our loaded canoes pick up speed and it is a wonderful feeling to let the river effortlessly propel us along on our journey as we steer our canoes to negotiate easy rapids. The glorious Scottish countryside passes us by and we paddle past many beautiful forests and estates. This is prime salmon fish territory and we may well be treated to the sight of some of these magnificent beings leaping from the water. Soon, we are lulled into a false sense of security as the water slows right down. The river horizon disappears ahead, indicating our arrival at Campsie Linn, a natural waterfall that offers several shoots through a natural rock wall. This is regarded to be the largest volume waterfall in the UK and is a paddlers’ dream and many kayakers come from miles around to play on the waves and shoots of water. There are a number of waterfalls to shoot and the water-levels and our guide’s discretion will determine which one we go for (portaging around the falls is possible). Below Campsie Linn is an island in the middle of the river which will be our wild-camp location for the evening. We will soon be gathering wood to make a brew whilst using our newly found camp-craft skills to pitch our camp and shelter and perhaps going for a dip in the river to refresh our bodies. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Paddle from Stanley to Perth, negotiating Stanley Weir and the rapids below.

Even after only a couple of days, we are already in step with life on the river. We will enjoy a final breakfast, prepared over the campfire, before repacking our canoes and setting off for the final morning of our expedition. Some say the best is saved until last, and almost immediately we will encounter Stanley Weir which can go at Grade 3 depending on water levels. However, just like Campsie Linn from the day before, there a number of shoots of varying difficulty to choose from (again, this water feature can be portaged). Below Stanley Wier lays Hell Hole Rapid, a series of rapids and bouncy waves leading down to Thistlebrigg, just past Stanley Mill. After this, the river slows and the countryside opens us as we then have a relaxed paddle along the final stretch into Perth. We egress the river in the centre of this beautiful and historic town and we will draw many quizzical glances from passers-by as we re-enter civilisation after three days on the river. From here, we will organise the necessary logistics to return us to our vehicles were we can head home with tired bodies and heads full of memories of new friends and experiences. (Breakfast, Lunch)