PADDLE BOARDING IN THE HIGHLANDS
By silverglades on June 27, 2023
Enjoy paddle boarding with views of the Cairngorm mountains
Paddle boarding has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and Aviemore is no exception! With its beautiful lakes and stunning scenery, the area is perfect for paddleboarders of all kinds. Whether you are a beginner looking for a relaxing paddle or an experienced paddler looking for a challenging excursion, Aviemore has something for everyone.
For beginners, there are plenty of places to take your first paddle. Loch Morlich and Loch Insh, both located close to Aviemore, are great starting points. Both are relatively calm and shallow, making them perfect for learning. There are also plenty of nearby instructors and hire shops available, so you can easily get the equipment and guidance you need. For more experienced paddlers, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s more challenging waters. The rivers Spey and Findhorn are both excellent choices for those looking for a more thrilling ride. They are both full of rapids and obstacles, making them great for testing your skills and pushing your limits. In addition to these great spots, the area is also home to some of the best flat water paddling in the UK. Loch Insh is a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely paddle.
Smaller nearby lochs are and the Loch Garten which is perfect for those looking for a bit of wildlife spotting or a real hidden gen is Loch Vaa , a small natural spring loch & forest walk just a few miles outside Aviemore on the A95 with Parking located next to the cemetery. There are plenty of small areas to launch your board from at the loch . Loch Vaa is popular with swimmers and anglers on nice days. People and nature share our National Park and its waters, take care not to disturb the wildlife and look out for any local guidance and signs. Stay safe on the water and wear a floatation device, it’s a good idea to ensure you have a leash attaching your board to your body. Also, remember that, even in the height of summer, water in the Cairngorms can be cold and, particularly if you are SUP-ing for an extended period, wear a wetsuit.
There is noting like an early morning or late evening paddle to relax and unwind with only the sound of the water lapping at the side of your board as you float along beneath the Cairngorm mountains as the sun goes down.
If you have been looking for a place to get out on the water, look no further than Aviemore! With its stunning scenery and range of paddle boarding opportunities, there is something for everyone.
So, grab your paddle and go explore!
To help you plan your trip see our useful links below.
USEFUL LINKS
- There are numerous places in the Cairngorms, such as Loch Insh Outdoor Centre and Loch Morlich Watersports, where you can hire a SUP and try it out in a supervised environment.
- Strathspey SUP is run by expert and enthusiast Emy McLeod. She offers rentals, coaching and social SUP meetups, and believes there is nowhere like the Cairngorms to get your paddle on. We caught up with Emy to find out why she is such a passionate sup-er.
- Please make sure you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, please see www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot.
- The UK wide British Stand-Up Paddle Association has also produced some specific guidance on wildlife disturbance.
