UK Open Canoe Trips

We are delighted to be teaming up with world renowned canoe legend Ray Goodwin for this "one off special."  Despite Ray's extensive open canoe experience, he has never paddled the majestic Royal Dee(!) a river which the team at Paddle International have paddled many times, and is one of our all time favourite multi-day river descents in the UK.  We are delighted therefore to have the chance to share "The Royal Dee with Ray" and there's an opportunity for you to join us as well.

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The Royal Dee is one of the finest multi-day canoe trips in the UK - a step up from the classics of the Spey and Tay, with consistent Grade 2 and several Grade 3 rapids along it's course.  Starting at the south eastern edge of the Cairngorms, our trip will start from the mountain town of Braemar, paddling through stunning east Highland countryside, and the famous Estate of Balmoral - the summer retreat of the British Royal Family (who Ray has met when he was presented with his MBE some years ago!)

Wild camping as we go, we will pass through the towns of Aboyne and Ballater, with opportunities for cafe stops and resupply of luxuries.   The white water along the whole stretch of the trip is simply fantastic with consistent Grade 2 for most of it's length.  Grade 3 rapids at Invercauld, Dinnet, Potarch and Invercannie can be paddled, lined or portaged.  We will finish our trip at Banchory where the river flattens off and runs to the North Sea at Aberdeen.​

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November gives us a good chance to have favourable water levels for the trip, supported by our expert local knowledge of this fantastic river. 

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Outline Itinerary

Sunday 2nd November - Meet at Braemar group accommodation (cost included) for pre-expedition meal and packing, having completed the initial shuttle of vehicles to Banchory.

Monday 3rd November - Final packing and mid-morning departure from Braemar (or Linn of Dee if water levels allow), wild camping for the rest of the trip

Tuesday 4th-Thursday 6th November - River descent, wild camping as we go, with opportunities for cafe stops and luxury re-supplies at large villages of Aboyne and Ballater

Friday 7th November - Last day/end of trip.  Early afternoon finish at Banchory (the end of the white water sections),​

Complete shuttle

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Itinerary is an outline only, and dependent of weather conditions and water levels.

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Click the link below to register your interest and request a more detailed information pack for the trip, which includes all of the finer details.

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Who the trip is for

The trip is for open canoeists who are very comfortable paddling Grade 2 white water, and have paddled the occasional Grade 3 rapid.  You will have completed some multi-day river trips before (e.g. River Spey etc.), paddled a loaded expedition boat on the river, and be well practiced at wild camping in changeable weather.​

Please get in touch if you are unsure about the level of this trip.​

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What's Included

• 1 nights Group Bunkhouse Accommodation in Braemar on Sunday 2nd November (sharing a room)

• All meals from Sunday evening meal to Friday lunch - cooking as a group, overseen by Paddle International guides.  (All dietary requirements catered for)

• Tent hire available at extra cost

• Expert Guiding from 3 highly qualified and experienced open canoe guides, including Ray Goodwin MBE!

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Dates & Prices

2025 Dates: 2nd-7th November

Price: £800 per person

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Booking​​

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