Quick Details
Low Season
Per person
Ages 13+
£ 70
High Season
Per person
Ages 13+
£ 90
River Findhorn Packraft Trip
What is packrafting?
Packrafts are small, versatile, inflatable boats that allow you to explore the breathtaking scenery along our white water river, here in Moray, Scotland, UK.
Packrafts are very easy to manoeuvre and also easy to learn the basics. With instruction from our guides, you will be in control of your own packraft as you negotiate your way down the various rapids and flat pools on the River Findhorn.
When packrafting, there is no chance of the boat swamping and sinking because they always float. In the unlikely event you tip over, it’s just a case of holding onto the packraft with your feet up until you are through the white water rapid, then you can get yourself back into the packraft with the aid of one of the guides if need be – just remember to keep hold of your paddle!
- Safety equipment
- Thick 5mm wet suit so you don’t get cold
- Short walk to the river to start the trip with transportation back to base at the end of the session
- Friendly booking staff who can assist in your visit to the area from accommodation to transport
The middle section of the River Findhorn has long been a draw for kayakers and canoeists due to fabulous scenery, abundant wildlife and a mixture of calm, relaxed stretches between first-class Grade 3 white water rapids.
ACE offers packrafting trips suitable for the first-time enthusiast by using one-person stable inflatable packrafts under instruction by our friendly qualified river guides.
Recommended age is 13+ but families with younger children can take a double inflatable duckie/canoe.
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- Safety equipment
- 5mm thick clean wetsuit so you don’t get cold
- Transportation back to base at the end of the session
- Purpose-built Activity Base with a reception and ample parking
- Friendly booking staff who can assist in your visit to the area from accommodation to transport
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- Towel
- Swim suit or bathers
- Footwear such as old trainers that will get wet and are suitable for walking on uneven ground
Note: We supply wet-suit booties if needed.
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The middle section of the River Findhorn has long been a draw for kayakers and canoeists due to its fabulous scenery, abundant wildlife and a mixture of calm relaxed stretches. This trip starts at Dragons Tooth (a short walk from the ACE base to the river) and finishes at the spectacular Randolph’s Leap where your transportation awaits to take you back up to the ACE base.
This is an exceptional packrafting and canoeing stretch of river for those that are new to the sport or for those that would like to hone their skills.
The rapids are exciting and safe with plenty of calm pools between to recompose should a capsize occur.
The River Findhorn makes for an excellent introduction to packrafting. Our fleet of inflatable boats are safe and forgiving which allows us to give you a taste of excitement by running some rapids which would otherwise take considerable time to learn in conventional hard-shell kayaks and canoes.
A typical day is usually; After arrival at the ACE base where we have heated change rooms, toilet facilities and comfortable reception you will be welcomed by one of the team. Once signed in we provide an update on what is in store for the day before issuing your equipment. Valuables can be locked in your vehicles and your car keys left with us in a secure box.
Once checked in and changed into your river gear, we then get you sorted out with a packraft and paddle and make our way on foot, which usually takes up to 20 mins to walk to the starting point. The trip leader will provide a safety brief and instructions before beginning the experience.
Once on the water, some time is spent making sure you are familiar with your boats and practice turning them and control them before heading off to tackle the first rapid – Dragons tooth – The tooth guards a swift channel of water with some exciting waves to negotiate. It is not uncommon to see some capsizing.
Passing through some gneiss gorge walls and another calm stretch before the final crux rapid at Daltullich Bridge we call Carnage Corner. It sounds more ominous than it is but is certainly going to keep you on your toes with either a corkscrewing channel of water in low flows or big fluffy waves in high flows.
Once at Randolph’s Leap, a short walk up to the roadside where the bus takes you back to the ACE base where you can reunite your dry clothes and see the photos of the day on the widescreen tv in the reception where snacks and refreshments are available to purchase.
The river is quite wide and shallow in places with numerous different size rocks and boulders making it difficult if not incapable of navigation in low water conditions. We only run this section for packrafting and canoeing when the conditions are right. It is not suited to very low water conditions – we recommend River Tube & Cliff Jumping, Canyoning or the Full-Day Rafting trip instead.
ACE will always be as flexible as we can to ensure guests get the best experience available on the day and are happy to upgrade or switch to a more suitable activity.
The best time of year for this activity is after recent rainfall or in early to mid-spring.
The River Findhorn translates as the White River which is one of the many misnomers to be found in relation to this magical artery of life. The waters are as black as tar from the tannin in the heather moors. As the river slips it’s way downstream turning white at the frequent rapids, it twists and turns through stunning countryside scenery. Known as the River of beauty cutting through great forests and outcrops of sculptured Gneiss and Granite this is one of the most picturesque rivers in Scotland.
We are committed to providing the best possible service and experience in an exciting friendly safe environment.
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- Customer experience focused
- No previous experience required
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- 5 Star Visit Scotland Activity Provider
- Packrafting and Canoeing on rapids up to grade III
- International Rafting Federation compliant operator
- HSE Certified with Adventure Activity Licence Authority
- All photos and video on this website were taken at ACE
- 2017 HITA shortlisted for best outdoor adventure experience