Royal Dee Canoe Expedition
A Guided Multi-Day Canoe Expedition in Scotland

What to expect

Five days descending one of Scotland’s finest whitewater canoe journeys.

From the mountain town of Braemar to the rolling lower reaches at Banchory, the Royal Dee offers a true multi-day canoe expedition through the heart of the eastern Highlands of Scotland. Wild camping beside the river as we go, we journey through ancient pine forests, open glens and the famous Balmoral Estate, paddling a river renowned for its continuous whitewater and stunning scenery.

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After an unforgettable descent of the Dee alongside renowned canoeist Ray Goodwin last year, we’re excited to return to one of our favourite multi-day river journeys in the UK.

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A step up from the classic Spey and Tay journeys, the Dee offers long stretches of engaging Grade 2 water and several memorable Grade 3 rapids along the way.

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The expedition begins on the edge of the Cairngorms and follows the Dee downstream through Ballater, Aboyne and the surrounding Highland villages, with opportunities for café stops and occasional luxuries between nights under canvas.

Rapids at Invercauld, Dinnet, Potarch and Invercannie provide exciting and varied paddling throughout the journey. All major rapids can be paddled, lined or portaged depending on conditions and group preference, with expert guidance and support throughout.

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November often brings ideal river levels for this trip, and our extensive experience on the Dee allows us to adapt the journey to make the most of the conditions.

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More than just a river trip, this is a fully supported canoe expedition - combining journeying, whitewater paddling, wild camping and expedition living as part of a team.

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Outline Itinerary​​​​​

Day 1

Meet in Braemar, on the edge of the Cairngorms, to organise kit and vehicles before transferring to Banchory and returning upstream by shuttle. Back in Braemar, we’ll pack boats and begin our journey down the Dee, heading into the heart of the eastern Highlands with our first night spent wild camping beside the river.

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Days 2-4

Over the following days we journey downstream through ancient forests, open glens and classic Highland scenery, paddling some of Scotland’s finest whitewater along the way. Nights are spent wild camping beside the river, with opportunities for café stops and resupplies in villages such as Ballater and Aboyne as we pass through.

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Day 5

Our final day on the river, following the Dee towards Banchory as the whitewater begins to ease and the river winds on towards the North Sea. Early afternoon finish in Banchory and end of expedition.

This itinerary is a guide only and will naturally change with the weather and water levels.

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Who the trip is for

This expedition is aimed at open canoeists who are confident on Grade 2 whitewater and have some experience of Grade 3 rapids.

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You should already be comfortable paddling a loaded canoe on moving water, have experience of multi-day river trips (such as the Spey or Tay), and be prepared for several days of wild camping in typical late-autumn Highland conditions.

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If you are unsure whether the trip is the right fit, please get in touch - we’re always happy to chat things through.

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What's Included​​

• Online pre-trip support
  Group calls in the lead-up to departure to help with planning, preparation and logistics. Dedicated WhatsApp group access for trip planning, questions and group communication.

• Boat hire
  Boat hire is included free for those without their own canoe.

• Coaching, guiding and expedition support
  Coaching, guiding and supported involvement in expedition skills, decision-making and risk management throughout.

• All food and group kit
  All food during the trip, plus shared group equipment, safety kit and cooking equipment.

• Safety, communications and contingency support
  Emergency equipment, satellite communications and contingency accommodation and support incase of adverse weather.

• Loan kit if needed
  Free use of a range of equipment from paddles, buoyancy aids, drywear, safety equipment and camping kit - with only a small amount of personal kit needed

• Partner discounts
  Access to discounts on selected clothing and equipment.​

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What's Not Included​​​​

• Travel insurance

• Personal clothing & effects

• Extra meals outside the planned itinerary (cafes & ice creams etc)

• Optional activities and sightseeing

• Bar bills

• Tips

• Additional costs arising from unforeseen circumstances​

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Dates & Price

5-day expedition

Monday 2 - Friday 6 November 2026

Price: £500 per person​​​​​​