River Tay: White Water Rafting Aberfeldy to Grandtully

Summary

White water rafting adventure on Scotland’s River Tay with local guides and all equipment

You’ll paddle through lively rapids on Scotland’s River Tay with a local guide, passing sights like Dewar’s Distillery and sharing laughs with your crew. All gear is included—just bring old shoes and a towel—and free group photos capture those splashy moments. Expect cold water, friendly encouragement, and that feeling you get when you try something new together.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that low rush of the River Tay near Aberfeldy, colder than I expected even through the wetsuit. We met our guide, Jamie, who had this easy way of making everyone laugh (he said the river was “feisty today,” which made me a little nervous but in a good way). The sky was that typical Scottish grey, but honestly, it just made everything feel more real. You could smell wet grass and something sweet drifting from Dewar’s Distillery as we paddled past — I tried to joke about whisky for courage but nobody heard me over the splashing.

I thought white water rafting would be scarier, but Jamie kept shouting encouragement and somehow managed to keep us all in sync. There was this one rapid where I almost lost my paddle — my hands were numb and I probably squealed louder than anyone else. The water hit my face and it tasted like cold stone (weird thing to say maybe, but it did). Between rapids there were these quiet stretches where you could just float and watch the hills roll by. A couple of kids in our group kept daring each other to jump in at the calm bits — their dad finally did it first. Brave or foolish? Not sure.

The whole trip from Aberfeldy down to Grandtully took about two hours, but it felt both longer and shorter somehow. The guides took photos (free if you’re a group of four or more), which was nice because my phone would’ve drowned for sure. At the end, I realized my cheeks hurt from grinning so much — not what I expected from a day trip on the River Tay. Would do it again just for that weird mix of nerves and laughter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White water rafting on River Tay

• Receive all rafting equipment
• Meet experienced rafting guides
• Start rafting from Aberfeldy
• Pass Dewars Whisky distillery
• Enjoy thrilling white water rafting
• Finish rafting at Grandtully

Top questions

What is the minimum age for River Tay white water rafting?

The minimum age is 8 years old for this rafting experience.

Where does the River Tay rafting trip start and finish?

The trip starts in Aberfeldy and finishes in Grandtully.

Are wetsuits and safety gear provided?

Yes, wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets, and paddles are all included.

Is lunch included on this River Tay rafting tour?

No lunch is provided; only equipment and professional guide are included.

Are photos included with the River Tay rafting trip?

Free professional photos are included for groups of four or more people.

How long does the white water rafting experience last?

The rafting trip takes about half a day from start to finish.

Can children join this white water rafting tour?

Yes, children aged 8 years or older can join if accompanied by an adult.

When are trips available on the River Tay?

Tours run mornings and afternoons most days except Mondays and Tuesdays.

What should I bring for white water rafting on the River Tay?

You should bring towels and training shoes that can get wet.

What’s included

Your day includes wetsuit rental plus all safety gear—lifejacket, helmet, paddle—and transport between Aberfeldy and Grandtully. A professional local guide leads your group throughout. Free professional photos come with groups of four or more so you can relive every splash after drying off at the finish point.