The Rafting Company, Perthshire

Last week brought you amazing activities bang in the centre of England, so this week we thought we’d head over the border for some truly wild Caledonian adventures! Forget boating ponds, swimming pools or calm lakes, it’s time to blow the early winter cobwebs away experiencing white water thrills amongst wild rivers and shooting rapids.

Located near popular visitor town of Pitlochry in beautiful Highland Perthshire, the Rafting Company offers year round white water rafting and a variety of water-based excursions and adventures on a variety of rivers in the heart of the stunning Scottish countryside, from scenic, introductory trips to exhilarating, technical white water adventures. They also offer canyoning for the really adventurous, or serene and scenic paddle-boarding for those who like a calmer river experience

This family company is passionate about what they do, using their wealth of experience, gained around the world. They offer trips suitable for families and those who have never tried rafting before (the landlubbers at Let’s Go Out central were relieved to discover!), but also more challenging descents for those with previous experience or a real sense of adventure (that pleased the daredevils among the team!). Safety is paramount, which is why the team is made up only of qualified, experienced, and trusted instructors, and they supply all safety equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience (if not a 100% dry one!)

The Rafting Company’s base at the Grandtully Campsite, just south of Pitlochry, is literally metres away from Scotland’s national canoe and slalom competition site on the Grandtully rapids. Suitable for individuals, couples, families, groups, or special events such as stag weekends, hen parties or groups, just book online or contact the friendly team for individual requirements.

White Water Rafting (River Tay)

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Stretching through beautiful Perthshire, the Tay is Scotland’s longest river, at 120 miles, and the UK’s largest river by volume of water. This explains its importance for rafting: reliable water levels throughout the year.

The most rafted section is from Aberfeldy to Grandtully. This is an easy, scenic 6-mile trip but includes some sections of Grade 2 rapids, plus the final descent of the Grandtully rapids (Grade 3), the national site for white-water Slalom competitions. Perfect for beginners, this location makes a great introduction to river rafting and is generally suitable for all.

White Water Rafting (River Tummel)

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Running through Pitlochry, rafting on the river Tummel definitely takes it up a level! Perfect for those with experience or looking for a challenge, the dam-controlled river offers guaranteed releases, ensuring an exciting, technical white water rafting experience: consistent Grade 3 rafting, culminating in a Grade 4 double-drop waterfall at ‘Linn of Tummel’.

As this unique rafting experience is dependent on release dates from the dam, river Tummel rafting trips run weekends from June to September- perfect for building up to with a bit of river Tay practice over the winter!

Canyoning

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Not heard of canyoning before? The descent of the gorge and waterfalls, a long-held secret of adrenaline junkies, is finally getting out! During the descent participants jump into plunge pools, scramble over rocks, slide down natural flumes and even abseil down a waterfall, depending on the canyon chosen, all at tried and tested locations and under the supervision of expert guides.

Genuinely heart-in-mouth fun, this activity will flood you with endorphins like no other. Your canyon will be decided by your experienced canyon guide on the day of your trip, based on water levels and the fitness/experience of everyone in the group. No challenge is mandatory- but be warned- once you start this addictive pursuit, you’re going to want more!

Canyoning locations (all within 30 minutes of base) include:

Calvine, Pitlochry- perfect for beginners. A great introduction to canyoning in Scotland, make your way down the river Garry through rock formations, swim in clear pools, slide down natural water flumes and unconventional slides, finishing by jumping from different heights at the jump pool. A footpath running most of the way along gives easy access and makes it great for friends and family to come and watch.

Keltneyburn, Aberfeldy- ideal for intermediates. This canyon provides fun for all ages with rock slides, water flumes, lazy rivers and various spots to jump, ranging in heights.

Falls of Bruar, Blair Atholl- an exhilarating challenge. With amazing jumps and slippery flumes and rock slides, this big one’s definitely for the more experienced and daring! The canyon has a footpath running up the side, it's perfect for friends and family to come and watch while taking photos.

Paddle Boarding (SUP)

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Stand-up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing watersports, and it’s easy to see why. While the essence of paddle boarding has existed in various forms for thousands of years, the modern version, benefiting from specially-designed stable boards, is an incredibly fast-growing trend. Offering many of the perks of kayaking, but with more ease of movement and a much better vantage point, it’s easy to pick up quickly and suitable for virtually any body of water.

A fantastic way to get out in the middle of nature, this quiet, non-intrusive method of transport puts you in the ultra-relaxing slow lane, allowing you to see the countryside from totally new angle, plus glimpses of some of Scotland’s most exciting and secretive creatures- keep your eyes peeled for herons, cormorants, otters, beavers and maybe even an eagle!

The Rafting Company has stand-up paddle boards available for single or multi-day hire, which can be used all over Highland Perthshire’s many waterways. They supply your board (fully deflated for easy transport), a paddle, pump, buoyancy aid and wet suit- simply collect from the base, select your river (with plenty of recommendations if needed), and float on!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have also put together a list of frequently asked questions at the link below, which include some Top Tips and Did you know information, which you can use to show off with your friends and family

• Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) - Click Here

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our article called The Rafting Company, Perthshire and that you have found the information above include our FAQ page helpful in deciding on which venue you to choose for your Activities and Days Out