Royal Dee with Ray
We are delighted to be heading back to the Dee again this year. Despite sadly Ray not joining us again 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 river and the experience with you.
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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.
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
Monday 2rd November- Meet in Breamar (start point of the trip) to organise kit and drive up to Banchory (finish point) and return on the bus.
Once at Braemar we will pack boats and begin our adventure, with the rest of the trip wild camping as we go.
Tuesday 3 th-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),​
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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​​
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Expert Guiding from 2 highly qualified and experienced open canoe guides
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Tent available
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You'll need to supply your own food and appropriate equipment for this trip - kit list available on request.
Last year we all added to a food kitty and let the experienced Paddle International Guides look after you
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Dates & Prices
2026 Dates: 2rd-6th November
Price: £500 per person
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Booking​​
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