Five days chasing the best grade 3–4 whitewater the Highlands has to offer. This is a guided trip built around getting you onto Scotland's classic rivers, with experienced guiding, local river knowledge and safety taken care of. I'll add coaching and top tips along the way wherever it'll help you paddle better and enjoy it more. Based around the Fort William area, the rivers we run are chosen day by day to suit the water levels, the weather and the group.

Is it for me?

Are you a confident grade 3 paddler with a range of grade 3 rivers under your belt?

Have you perhaps paddled a few grade 4 rapids and wish to do a few more?

Don't worry about a bombproof roll — yes, it helps, but it's not essential to enjoy the course.

The week at a glance

Scottish whitewater is dictated by our weather, so the actual rivers we paddle will be decided as we go, based on conditions and what's best for the group.

But here's an idea of how our week might look:

Day 1 — We'll meet at 9.30am at a pre-arranged location, perhaps a coffee shop! We'll have a relaxed chat about the week and your hopes and aspirations, match that to the weather forecast, and create a rough plan for the week.

We'll soon head to our first river, likely a grade 3 classic to warm us all up, get to know each other and have some fun. Something like a fun lower Roy and upper Roy lap would be pretty perfect.

Days 2–5 — We'll essentially follow the water around and get to the rivers that best suit our skills, aspirations and conditions. Possibilities include:

River Arkaig — a short but sweet grade 3 run with plenty of moves and surf waves. It also has an exciting grade 4 to spice it up!

The Spean Gorge — at low levels we get some technical grade 3 paddling; with more water, some punchy grade 3+ and 4 rapids. A dramatic and beautiful gorge setting, all very pool-drop in nature — an absolute Scottish classic.

The Findhorn — it's a bit of a drive (about 2 hours from Fort William), but absolutely worth it. The top section runs with a lot of water and is a fun grade 3+ blast. The upper section is one of the best grade 3(4) sections we have in Scotland — plenty of fun grade 3 and 3+ rapids, with Levens Gorge an extra-exciting grade 4 thrown in if you fancy it.

The Roy — the lower is the perfect grade 2/3 warm-up run. The upper is one of the best grade 3 runs in Scotland, perfect for working and surfing every wave, with an exciting optional grade 4 at the end too! The gorge is an absolute classic grade 3–4 run, which at a low-to-medium flow would be a perfect step up towards the second half of the week.

The Orchy — the Orchy has a bit of a reputation as one of the more challenging rivers to step up to. However, we have so many options for breaking it down depending on our abilities. For the grade 3+ boater wanting to tackle some meatier rapids in a safe environment, this would be the perfect fit. We have lots of grade 3+ to 4 rapids that are pool-drop in nature, scoutable, and give us plenty of options for easier and more challenging lines. We'll likely try to get on this in the second half of the week.

The Etive — another river with a bit of a reputation. However, at the right level it's actually the perfect step up to grade 4 and drops. Being very pool-drop in nature, it gives us tonnes of options to paddle or walk whichever rapids you fancy. It's hard not to have a nice time just being in this absolutely beautiful river and valley. Another we'd look at progressing to in the second half, if our skills and confidence align.

The Pattack — depending on your love of carrying your boat, this is an option for us. It's a gem of a grade 3–4 river with a fun, adventurous feel. Often seems to have water too!

Wildcards

There's a lot of more adventurous paddling at this grade to be had in the area if conditions are right for it.

Fassfern — super fun grade 3+ and 4- slabby, slidy action.

The Ailort — one of my favourite grade 2–3 rivers, with so many fun moves to work! A couple of spicier grade 3+ rapids thrown in too.

The Loy — a grade 3(4) classic, with a couple of fun drops in the middle.

Kit

You'll need your own whitewater kit for this trip:

• Whitewater kayak (creek boat ideal, or a half-slice if you fancy) with airbags fitted and outfitting that fits you well

• Whitewater paddle

• Whitewater buoyancy aid

• Whitewater helmet

• Neoprene spraydeck

• Drysuit (strongly recommended for autumn) with warm thermal base layers underneath

• Decent paddling shoes suitable for scrambling around slippy rocks

• Pogies (likely useful)

• Personal throwline

• Basic personal rescue kit: knife, sling, a couple of screwgate karabiners

• Whistle

• A dry bag with warm spare layers, personal food and water

• Any personal medication

Logistics

Firstly, before the course, I'll have a brief phone conversation with you to talk things over and get an idea of your ability and aims for the week.

The majority of rivers will be within an hour's drive of Fort William. However, if we decide we want to paddle the classic Findhorn, be prepared for a longer 2-hour drive.

If you're looking for accommodation, I'd recommend the Fort William to Roy Bridge area.

On Day 1 we'll meet for a chat at a pre-arranged location at 9.30am — I'll let you know where the week before.

For the rest of the week, we'll aim to meet around 9am each day and be done by 5.00pm at the absolute latest. On the final day we'll probably finish a little earlier to allow for any travel.

If you have any individual needs for logistics to work around, please get in touch as soon as possible and I'm sure we can accommodate them.

To Book

The course costs £500.

Email me at corfecoaching@gmail.com to enquire or book.

I ask for a 20% deposit to secure your place, with the balance paid in full before Day 1.