The best spots to go kayaking in Scotland

ADVENTUROUS explorers should take to a kayak and see Scotland in a whole new way, writes Emma O’Neill

A competitor in the Scottish Paddle Surf Championship rides the waves in a kayak. Picture: Ian Rutherford

FOR BEGINNERS

Loch Arkaig, Lochaber

This route in the beautiful Loch Arkaig is a scenic and relaxing day-long paddle. Making your way around the whole loch will take around six hours and 38km (23.6 miles), but there are plenty of laybys surrounding, making stopping an easy option.

A more sedate kayak ride on the Caledonian Canal. Picture: Esme Allen

River Orchy, Argyll

This whitewater river is a good place to train if you’re just getting into kayaking. Starting either in Loch Tulla or a bit further down in the river, it is quite an open glen taking in 5km (3.1 miles) and will take around an hour to the finishing point of Bridge of Orchy. Word of warning: the open glen can leave the river subject to extreme wind and weather hazards, so best to check in advance. The rapids get a bit steeper towards the end, but nothing to cause too much concern.

River Lochy, Argyll & Bute

This river is great for touring, with the scenic route providing both beautiful views and a few rocky rapids. The 12km (7.5 miles) course will take around four hours to complete. The River Loy joining around 4km into the journey gives a bit of excitement to an otherwise easy route.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

River Garry, Perthshire

This consistent river starts with a splash. With a playhole wave and some steep-ish rapids, the 2km (1.2 miles) long course will take around an hour to complete if you’re feeling particularly playful. The finish point is near the bridge, next to the car park, or alternatively continue along towards Invergarry.

River Roy

In the Glen Roy you’ll find some of the best whitewater routes in the whole of Britain, nevermind Scotland. Holding some amazing rapids and drops in the 10km (6.2miles) of water, the route will take around four hours. The river offers a fantastic view as well as the infamous “Rooster Tail” – a section of the river which drops suddenly through some boulders.

FOR EXPERTS

Loch Achtriochtan, Glencoe, to Glencoe visitor centre

This is one of the more exciting routes in Scottish waters. With some nice surf waves leading up to a steep slide into a rock filled hole, you’ll never be bored on this journey. At low water, be sure to avoid the river left - there are iron steaks in the river bed which can do some serious damage. The 6 km (3.7 miles) long route will take around four hours. But the river eases out towards the end so it’s not as exhausting as it sounds.

Triple Falls, River Etive, to Dalness Falls

This action packed route is a Scottish classic. The two hour long journey will take you 3km (1.9miles) down drops, rapids and into pools.

A section of this route even has its own annual extreme race, cementing its reputation amung whitewater finatics.