Spey River

Location: Aviemore in Cairngorm National Park, Scotland

Whitewater rafting trips on the Spey River begin in Aviemore and end in Boat of Garden.

Level of Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner

A rafting trip on the River Spey is more a unique perspective on the surrounding wilderness than a whitewater adventure. Great for kids, beginners, or anyone interested in a mellow river trip, the Spey has mostly Class II rapids and two or three Class III rapids.

Scenery: Ancient Forests and Tall Mountain Peaks

A rafting trip on the River Spey takes you through eleven kilometers of the Cairngorm National Park. The river winds through majestic Caledonian Forest and provides excellent views of the Cairngorm, Monadhialth and Sluggan Mountains. Wildlife sightings include the Scottish Crossbill, water vole, ospreys, golden eye ducks, the Atlantic Salmon, otters, and deer.

Season: Year-round

The Spey River never drops too low for rafting trips. Because swims are unlikely, rafting operators are often willing to run trips on this river all year long, even in colder winter months.