Where To Go Canyoning In Scotland

When you think of Scotland, whisky, kilts and rain might pop into your head. However, there is far more to this beautiful country which can definitely compete with the likes of Switzerland and Canada for its amazing scenery and wildlife.

For the adventure seekers, there is a plethora of action sports on offer throughout the country including canyoning. For those who are unsure of what it entails, it is basically travelling between canyons with several techniques which could be walking, jumping, swimming, etc.

So you’ve decided to go ahead and do it, where do you go in Scotland? Here are my personal suggestions for canyoning in Scotland:

1 – The Trossachs National Park / Stirlingshire

Located within an hour from both Glasgow & Edinburgh, The Trossachs National Park is one of the best option if you’re thinking of enjoying canyoning on a day trip.

With a good variety of jumps from low to fairly high and very good rapids, Gartmore is the perfect location for the newbies who want to enjoy their first experience of canyoning – a maybe catch the bug after a positive and enjoyable experience! I’ve personally done my first one there and I loved every minute of it. I’m not going to lie to you, the water was freezing in March time but once you get through it you just completely enjoy the scenery and the good number of jumps and rapids along the way.

For the bold and the adventurous, Alva Canyon, West Inchree Canyon & Nathrach Canyon are three fantastic options with a great mix of raw adrenaline and technical canyoneering within beautiful scenery. You’ll find a good range of waterfalls, jumps and slides as well as rappels.

Beginner level: Gartmore, Dollar Canyon
Advanced level: Alva Canyon, West Inchree Canyon, Nathrach Canyon

2 – Perthshire

The county of Perthshire, in the Tayside region, is an area of significance beauty and history located within 3h45 mins drive from Edinburgh

For those who are after a second experience of canyoning, The Birks of Aberfeldy Canyon and the Acharn Canyon might be your perfect locations as the areas feature abseils, jumps and slides and waterfalls for a more exhilarating experience!

The Bruar Canyon really is a spectacular place to go canyoning. thanks to its waterfalls and rock features surrounded by beautiful pine forests. You’ll be sure to remember this experience forever as you’ll get an adrenaline boost throughout the adventure with a two-tier vertical slide, a 25-meter waterfall abseil as well as plenty of jumps for you to enjoy. Simply breathtaking!

Beginner level: Keltneyburn Canyon
Intermediate level: Acharn Canyon, Birks of Aberfeldy, Bruar Canyon

facebooktwitterpinterest Stunning Bruar Falls in Perthshire. Photo credit: ShinyPhotoScotland

3 – Fort William / Glencoe

Fort William is a major adventure hub in Scotland. It is a centre for hillwalking and climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevis and the start/end of the iconic West Highland Way walk. It is also famous for its mountain bike tracks.

Calvine Canyon is perfect for the first timers. It has a good range of natural features for everyone who swims there including rock formations, crystal clear pools, natural water slides and a jumping pool to finish.

Looking for an advanced level canyoning experience? Grey Mares Tail Waterfall is probably what you are looking for! Featuring a large waterfall with breath-taking scenery, it is one trip you will remember for a very long time. The highlight of this trip is without any doubt the abseil of 90m alongside the waterfall – not one for the fainthearted!

Beginner level: Calvine Canyon
Advanced level: Grey Mares Tail Waterfall (Kinlochleven)

facebooktwitterpinterest Grey Mare’s tail, Kinlochleven, Scotland. Photo credit: Vanessa

Best time of year to go Canyoning in Scotland

Winter up in the highlands can get pretty knarly so the best time of year to go canyoning is over the summer months between April to September.

No matter where you decide to go, you’ll be guaranteed an amazing experience with loads of stories and memories to tell your friends and family. In addition, you’ll probably remember the cold waters of Scotland for a very long time so definitely one day out you’ll cherish for years to come!

Have you tried canyoning in any of these above locations? If the answer is yes, please share your experience with us!

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