River Lochy: An Introduction to White Water

This trip is perfect for those wanting the excitement of paddling white-water, whilst also appreciating spectacular scenery.

Each canoe will be paddled in pairs, so you always have the other person to blame if your route down the rapid doesn’t quite go to plan! If you have an odd number in your group, your instructor will welcome the company of another paddler in their canoe.

You don’t need any previous experience as full instruction will be given. For those that can already paddle a canoe, we will offer tips and guidance to enhance your experience and help you improve your skills.

About the river

The Lochy is a fantastic river, full of gentle rapids with sections of flat water that are perfect for cooling-off swims on hot summer days. There are also a couple of bigger rapids for those up for the challenge. It runs parallel to the famous Caledonian Canal and finishes with spectacular panoramic views of Ben Nevis’ North Face.

For those walking the Great Glen Way from Inverness to Fort William, this would make an amazing finish to your trip. You could camp at the free Scottish canal camp spot in Gairlochy, where we will meet you in the morning. Give your feet a rest and paddle the remainder of your trip into Fort William with us. We can make sure your kit stays safe and dry!

We don’t plan on capsizes occurring, but you never know what your partner has in store for you, so we provide wet-suits (optional) as well as full safety kit.

About the trip

We start the day on the Caledonian Canal for the first couple of hundred meters of paddling. The canal is sheltered and calm, allowing you and your partner an opportunity to master your craft and decide who’s taking charge.

Once the group is happy and confident, we lower the boats down the bank and onto the river Lochy. The pace of the day will be determined by the wishes of the group.  Some groups prefer lots of time to take breaks, photographs and dips – whilst others want to blast through the easier rapids and spend lots of time playing on the more challenging water. With all our trips being exclusive to you and your party, we will tailor the day to suit your needs.

The majority of the river has a gentle flow, kept exciting with sections of simple white-water… perfect for beginners. For the adventurous wishing to test their new found canoe skills, there is one section which has a larger and more challenging rapid. If you do not wish to paddle this section, you can easily walk around it as you watch your instructor paddle your boat down it for you.

The experience starts at 10am and last around 5 hours. We will provide advice on what to wear and details about meeting spots with your emailed booking confirmation.

As your trip is tailored to you and your group, please let us know on the booking form if you would like an earlier or later start, as well as any other requests.

Prices

• Inclusive of up to 2 people: £260 (private booking)
• Any additional people: £50 per head

Please contact us directly for groups larger than 8

Please Note

• You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the venue.
• You will need to bring a packed lunch
• Minimum age 12 (for under 12’s, please contact us to discuss options)
• Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian
• We will require you to help with the shuttles as the paddled journey is A-B, rather than out and back. Depending on your numbers, we may contact you prior to your trip to discuss the best way of doing this based on where you are staying

Gallery

“Our family had an amazing day on the River Lochy with Reece, he gave us lots of great tips to improve our canoeing and build our confidence and he was brilliant with the kids when they were flagging, inspired our daughter to have a go on a bigger rapid for her which she is still buzzing about. It was a super fun day lovely relaxed style and there was lots of time for fun play on the way and time for picnic too!” Ali Austin (TripAdvisor)