PADDLER 50
PADDLER 50
As it was now only early afternoon , we decided to continue further downstream instead of camping on an island . Passing the visible Dalmunach Distillery at Carron , we safely paddled under Carron Bridge and onto Aberlour and the Victoria ( suspension ) Bridge . Aberlour provides an excellent place to stock up on food items if supplies run low , as it is only a short walk from river to town .
Onwards past the vast-looking Macallan Estate , on river left , we are now thinking about looking for an overnight campsite . The Old Craigellachie Bridge provides a lovely backdrop for paddling in this part of the river and is an opportunity for another snack break . This part of the river has some long accessible bank-based fishing sites that can mean a lot of anglers are present . However , it wasn ’ t too congested on this occasion . Overnight camping takes place near Rothes .
After a long paddle , it is still only 4.30 pm . Tents and hammocks are up , dinner is prepared , and a welcoming campfire is struck in the firepit . There was plenty of chatter about the rapids around the fire , and all too soon , we retired for the night and our last paddle . As we pass Boat O ’ Brig , it seems everyone is out fishing for salmon with rods . So , we use a lot of whistle ( see Useful Information ) and have plenty of chats with the anglers about whether we have seen any salmon jumping , where they having a good day , had anyone caught a salmon etc .
DAY FOUR
We awake to another bright , sunny morning with a breeze that we soon learned would either assist or hinder our progress . Nothing stopped our progress ; it just made you knuckle down and paddle as we headed off to Spey Bay . All too soon , we pass under the Spey Bridge at Fochabers and the tidal part of the river . A friendly fisherman reminds us of the tree strainer hazard fast approaching on the sandbank high wall of a river right bend .
As we had seen on the previous descent of the Spey in 2023 , we took a low water level alternate that cuts off the corner . The landscape in this part of the river is always very different from the rest of the Spey ; sand dunes , masses of Giant Hogweed , and gravel banks all make for a changing view . What was very noticeable , even from 2023 , was a large number of significant fallen trees in the river and bankside debris that made navigation with caution mandatory .
Our final stop and egress point is next to the Scottish Dolphin Centre . The river levels at this time of year ( June ) proved to be excellent for canoeing fully laden canoes . This , combined with some variable weather ( it was Scotland !) and a group of canoe friends , made for a fantastic trip , which is never complete without a group photograph to finish .
One of us is not yet a pensioner , but will be by the time you read this .
USEFUL INFORMATION :
The Spey River runs through Badenoch , Strathspey , and Moray . In addition to its natural beauty , it is renowned for salmon rod fishing , whisky distilleries , and wildlife .
River Spey levels : These can be obtained from a host of sources , including The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ( an example for Aberlour www2 . sepa . org . uk / waterlevels / default . aspx ? sd = t & lc = 234150 )
Use your whistle : When approaching anglers who can be on both riverbanks , blow your whistle in advance to gain their attention . Mutual respect and a chance for a chat are all part of the Spey experience .
Camping sites : The Spey has plenty of opportunities for wild camping amongst its many islands and inlets .
Scottish Outdoor Access code : www . outdooraccess-scotland . scot /
Paddle Scotland : River Spey Access Officer : riverspeyaccess @ gmail . com
Facebook site : www . facebook . com / riverspeyadvisor
Useful book : River Spey Canoe Guide : A Canoeist And Kayaker ’ s Guide to Scotland ’ s Premier Touring River ( 2014 ), Nancy Chambers , Pesda Press . www . pesdapress . com / pdfs / RiverSpey CanoeGuide . pdf