With some of the cleanest rivers and lochs in Europe, there’s no better place to get your splash on!
Whatever you fancy doing – fishing, sailing, windsurfing, paddlesports, rafting, wild swimming, gorge walking – these are all within easy reach of many of most accommodation in the Cairngorms, with both the majestic River Spey and Dee flowing through the Park. What’s more, we have two dedicated watersports centres in gorgeous lochside locations, one at Insh and another at Morlich, as well as many watersports guides who can help hone your skills.
Kincraig
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre – Watersports
Voted best on the water facility in Scotland, Loch Insh Outdoor centre is the perfect place for family adventure. Choose to
Aviemore
Loch Morlich Watersports – Canoeing and Kayaking
The Boathouse and Boathouse Cafe are situated on the long natural sandy beach, in Glenmore Forest Park, nestling at the
Aviemore
In Your Element: Canoeing/ Canoe Hire
One of the largest and most environmentally responsible providers of outdoor activity experiences in the Highlands. In
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Smugglers Sauna at Rothiemurchus
Discover Loch an Eileins Smugglers Sauna. Enjoy the rejuvenating combination of sauna heat and cold-water immersion. Located close to the shore
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Wilderness Scotland, Canoeing or Kayaking (Small Group)
With rivers and ribbon lochs, Scotland provides a wealth of paddle power experiences ranging from expedition trips in the North
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River Tubing – Full On Adventure
Aviemore River Tubing. Use our specially designed river tubes to descent one of the great mountain streams of the Cairngorm
Aviemore
Raft | Canoe | Kayak – Full On Adventure
Aviemore based White Water Rafting, River Tubing, Canyoning, Kayak and Canoe Touring trips on Rivers and Lochs. . BOOK
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Active Outdoor Pursuits – Canyoning
This is a real Adrenalin sport involving launching yourself from a great height into deep pools, sliding down naturally formed
Dulnain Bridge
Highland Faerie
Discover Tantra and Connection in the Cairngorms Immerse yourself in a transformative experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Our
Grantown on Spey
Couples Adventure Day with Cairngorms Activities
If you’re a couple looking for a ready-made, full day of adventure in the Cairngorms, it doesn’t get much better
Crathie, Ballater
Stravaig Saunas
An outdoor sauna experience: a chance to indulge in some time for relaxation in our hand built Finnish sauna.
Aviemore
Active Outdoor Pursuits – Watersports
Learn to canoe or kayak in the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding areas with Active! Whether you are a
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In Your Element: Whitewater Sledging
The most basic, hands-on, ‘face in the water’ style of white water rafting. All you need is your swimsuit
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Sauna Cairngorms
A cosy wood fired Scandinavian sauna perched on the edge of the picturesque Loch Alvie. The heat of the
Braemar
Wild Braemar
Wild Braemar creates personal, authentic experiences in the heart of the Cairngorms National park. Explore, discover and connect with nature
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In Your Element: Gorge Walking
One of the largest and most environmentally responsible providers of outdoor activity experiences in the Highlands. In Your Element
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Canyoning | Gorge Walking – Full On Adventure
Full On Scottish Canyoning is the original, real-deal, extreme, water and rock adventure. We also offer fun gorge walks in
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Loch Morlich Watersports
The Boathouse and Boathouse Cafe are situated on the long natural sandy beach, in Glenmore Forest Park, nestling at the
Nethy Bridge
The Lazy Duck | Toast Sauna
Toast is our hand-built, crofter chic electric sauna, tucked quietly beside the burn just outside Nethy Bridge. Clean-lined, simple, and
Grantown on Spey
Private Use for Groups with Cairngorms Activities
Create an unforgettable event in a fabulous setting. Hiring our venue in the Cairngorms gives you the added bonus of
Adventures Scotland
Adventures Scotland is an experienced travel company that provides guided and self-guided tours as well as outdoor activities all over Scotland. They
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Wilderness Scotland, Sailing
With some 16,000km of coastline and 790 islands, Scotland offers some of the finest sailing in the world.
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Active Outdoor Pursuits – White Water Rafting
Try out one of the most popular and exhilarating river experiences known to man, white water rafting. If you
Kincraig
The Loch Insh Sauna – – Wellness on the Water
Experience the ultimate Highland rejuvenation at the Loch Insh Sauna. Perched on the banks of one of the most iconic
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Aviemore Community & Leisure Centre
We have much to offer here at the Aviemore Community and Leisure Centre. To see our upcoming fitness classes and
Although the Cairngorms are miles from the sea, watersports are one of our most popular activities in the Park, thanks to our many gorgeous river and loch side locations.
As well as visiting one of our two dedicated watersports centres (Insh and Morlich), you can also receive expert tuition and guidance via one of our specialist water activities providers (full listings below).
Fancy white water rafting? Or canoeing? Or sailing? Or canyoning? Or river tubing? Or wild swimming? Or paddle boarding? Or gorge walking? Or windsurfing? No problem! The only limit is your courage levels!
Seeing the stunning scenery from the water gives you a unique, memorable perspective of the Park (and you never know what wildlife you’ll encounter on the way!)
Whether you want to float gently along in a canoe, or prefer the rush of white water rafting, you can find an experience, and instructor, that suits all ages, stages and personalities.
FAQs:
- Can you get instruction in watersports in the Cairngorms?
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Yes, there are two dedicated watersports centres in the Park – one at Loch Insh and one at Loch Morlich. There are also a host of local specialists who offer tuition and guiding in all sorts of water based activities from gorge-walking to tubing! Have a browse of our listings to find out more as providers are found across the whole Park.
- Is the water safe in the Cairngorms?
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From a cleanliness perspective, the Cairngorms has some of the cleanest rivers and lochs in the whole of Europe. From a safety perspective, all the usual safety precautions are necessary when getting into the water, such as the use of a life jacket if you are sailing, windsurfing etc. However, if you take place in a class, or hire an instructor, they will handle the safety considerations.
- Is wild swimming safe and popular in the Cairngorms?
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Yes. Wild swimming is increasingly popular in the Park. Of course, it is necessary, as with any other location, to ensure you take the necessary precautions to be safe when swimming wild (if you browse the articles on this site, you will find top tips on wild swimming in the Cairngorms). Also, if wild swimming in one of the Park’s rivers – the Spey or Dee, for instance – it is vital that water levels and flow are taken into consideration as these can fluctuate hugely depending on the weather.
- Which activity would you recommend if you’re a thrill-seeker?
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White water rafting is very popular, especially when the snow melts from the mountains in spring. This activity is popular with stag and hen parties and groups of friends, but it is also family friendly and there are lots of highly qualified instructors in the Park at hand to guide. River tubing and canyoning are also perfect sports for getting the adrenaline pumping!
- Which watersports are best for kids?
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Sailing and canoeing at one of the two watersports centres, at Loch Insh and Loch Morlich, are perfect family friendly activities. Not only do you have highly qualified instructors on hand if you need guidance, but both locations have refreshments and seating areas on site if little legs get weary at any point!
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