Best time to visit Scotland

White Water Rafting in Scotland

Previous experience is not required, but you must be brave to survive the "Zag Zag," the "Sharks Tooth," and the drop over the Falls of Tummel

Best time: June–September

White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting

There are three major rivers in Scotland where you can raft down extreme white waters. River Tay is available year-round but two others are seasonal. The Orchy River offers suitable conditions only a few times in winter, so often the best choice is the seasonal river Tummel. Its route goes down the Highlands through several lochs including Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel and such formidable obstacles as the "Zig-Zag" or the notorious "Sharks Tooth" and above all – the Falls of Tummel drop.

Though you do not need to have previous experience, white rafting in Rummel is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Rafting sessions are available only on Saturdays from June to September, when a certain amount of water is released from the Clunie Dam by the Scottish Hydro Electric.

Practical info

When is the best time to go white water rafting in Scotland?

White water rafting in Scotland is best from June to September. During this period, Scottish Hydro Electric operates Clunie Dam and releases enough water to make the Tummel River and other white waters navigable. Rafters should note that the Orchy River has suitable conditions only a few times in winter, while the Tay River is available year-round. Show more

What are the three major rivers where you can go white water rafting in Scotland?

White water rafting in Scotland is available on three major rivers: The year-round Tay River, and the seasonal Tummel and Orchy Rivers. Rafters should note, though, that the Orchy River has suitable conditions only a few times in winter, thus the best choice usually is the Tummel River, which has some of Scotland's most formidable rapids. Show more

What is the route of the Tummel River, and what notable obstacles can you expect to encounter?

Traversing the Scottish Highlands, the Tummel River is a challenging route that passes several lochs, including Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel. Rafters, especially experienced or brave ones, can enjoy facing some of Scotland's most challenging white water rapids, including the notorious 'Sharks Tooth', 'Zig-Zag', and the drop over the Falls of Tummel. Show more

Is white water rafting in Scotland suitable for beginners?

White water rafting in Scotland, while having suitable courses for beginners, such as the upper stretch of the River Tay, is an extreme sport and not for those who are faint-hearted. Visitors must have a good level of physical fitness and the necessary bravery to face some of the more challenging rapids. Show more

Can you go white water rafting in Tummel River all year round?

White water rafting in Tummel River is seasonal and is only available from June to September when Clunie Dam releases enough water to make it navigable. During winter, the rapids are too high and are demanding for white water rafting. Visitors can choose other navigable rivers in Scotland during this time like the Orchy and upper Tay rivers. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin