Canoeing in Scotland
Everything you need to know about canoe in Scotland
In most cases, a canoe is a long, open boat used for exploring calmer waters. These boats can accommodate solo paddlers as well as a few friends at once. Take it at your own pace, and get to know Scotland’s waters. You might even have space to bring a picnic with you. Many activity centres across the country offer canoeing trips for all ages and abilities. You can choose from a few hours paddling in the water, or extend this to multi-day trips to remote lochs where you will discover Scotland’s true wilderness. Discover the wide range of canoeing courses available with Scottish Canoe Association. Here are a few ideas for open canoeing in Scotland:
1. The Great Glen Canoe Trail
This 96 km stretch of the Caledonian Canal is the first trail of its kinds in Scotland. Running from Fort William to Inverness, the Caledonian Canal offers fabulous options for paddlers of all abilities and can be enjoyed as a long distance canoeing challenge or a relaxing day paddle. Paddle solo or in tandem, or book a paddling holidays and lessons with us.
2. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park
With endless amoutn of rivers and lochs, there is something for everyone in the most scenic national park of Scotland!
Great for a day out or a multi-day adventure tour. We know some amazing routes where you can combine lochs and rivers in 1 trip. It is spectacular all year round and suitable for beginners or more experienced paddlers.
3. Spey river
For a real adventure on moving waters, why not visit one of Scotland’s rivers, such as the Spey, Tweed, or the Tay? They offer everything from gentle jaunts downstream to good challenges, and are all popular canoeing locations meandering through some of the most picturesque countryside in Scotland. If it comes to lochs, loch Maree, loch Ard, loch Lomond are all popular canoeing spots with dedicated watersports centres close by.
