Paddleboard expeditions across Scotland with Sup2summit
Sup2summit leads multi-day stand-up paddleboard expeditions across Scotland, from the Great Glen and the wild sea lochs of Knoydart to white water on the River Spey and the dramatic east coast. Every trip is led by qualified SUP expedition guides, with boards and paddling kit provided, and meals and wild camping on most expeditions. Meeting points vary by expedition, from Fort William and Inverness to Aviemore, and the trips suit paddlers looking for a bigger adventure.
Gourdon, Aberdeenshire
Ideal for groups
White water on the Spey and the Royal Dee
The River Spey 4 day White Water Expedition starts in Aviemore and covers up to 95km towards Spey Bay, easing in with gentle paddling before stepping up to rapids such as The Washing Machine. Nights are spent wild camping on riverbanks and islands, and the route passes whisky distilleries along the way. The Royal Dee White Water Expedition runs from the Balmoral estate to Aberdeen and is for paddlers with previous white water expedition experience.
The East Coast Sup Odyssey
Closer to Sup2summit's base in Gourdon, the East Coast Sup Odyssey explores beaches, sea caves and cliffs, with possible paddles on the River Tay, at Arbroath, Lunan Bay, Montrose Basin and Catterline, and past Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven. Dolphins, seals, puffins and even whales have been spotted on these coastal tours. Accommodation and food aren't included, and the team arranges pick-ups and drop-offs at your accommodation.
Sup2summit
West Bay,
Gourdon,
Aberdeenshire,
DD10 0LY
Sup2summit is based in Gourdon on the Aberdeenshire coast and runs guided paddleboard expeditions across Scotland, from the west coast and the Highlands to Angus and Aberdeenshire.
FAQs
Where is Sup2summit based?
Sup2summit is based at West Bay, Gourdon, Aberdeenshire, DD10 0LY, a harbour village about 10 miles from both Montrose and Stonehaven. The expeditions themselves run all over Scotland, and each one has its own meeting point.
Where do the expeditions start?
Meeting points vary by expedition. The Great Glen Sup Trail expedition meets at Neptune's Staircase in Fort William, the Knoydart, Loch Hourn and Arisaig trips meet in Fort William, the Summer Isles expedition meets in Inverness, and the River Spey trip starts at the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore. The West Coast Island Hopping trip meets near Port Appin, and details are confirmed with your group before you travel.
Can I paddleboard the Great Glen?
Yes. The Great Glen Sup Trail expedition is a five-day, unsupported journey of 64 miles from Fort William towards Inverness across the canals and lochs of the Great Glen, including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness. The aim is 15 to 20km a day depending on the wind, with wild camping along the way, so you should be comfortable paddling that distance.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Fort William?
Several Sup2summit expeditions start from Fort William, including the Great Glen, Knoydart, Loch Hourn and Arisaig trips. The Knoydart 4 day Sup Expedition heads into one of the most remote areas of the UK. For more ideas, see our guide to stand-up paddleboarding in Scotland.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Aberdeen or Stonehaven?
The East Coast Sup Odyssey explores the coast between the River Tay and Stonehaven, including Montrose Basin and Dunnottar Castle. For experienced white water paddlers, the Royal Dee White Water Expedition finishes in Aberdeen.
Do I need paddleboarding experience?
Yes. Sup2summit's expeditions are aimed at paddlers who already have experience and want a new challenge. Some trips ask for more: the Great Glen expedition needs you to be comfortable paddling 15 to 20km a day, and the Royal Dee White Water Expedition is only for people with previous white water expedition experience.
What's included on a Sup2summit expedition?
On the guided camping expeditions, Sup2summit provides McConks expedition boards, a quick-release waist leash, a carbon two-piece paddle and a buoyancy aid, plus breakfast, lunch and evening meals planned around your dietary requirements, group stoves and water purification. The East Coast Sup Odyssey is self-catering, with accommodation booked separately.
Where do you sleep on the expeditions?
Most expeditions wild camp along the route, on beaches, riverbanks and islands. On the East Coast Sup Odyssey, you book your own accommodation around Montrose to Stonehaven and the team collects you for each paddle day.
How safe are the expeditions?
Sup2summit trips are led by qualified SUP expedition guides with advanced first aid qualifications, with one guide to every six paddlers, or one to four on the Summer Isles expedition. The Loch Hourn and Summer Isles trips also have a support boat on standby.
How do I book an expedition?
Each expedition runs on set dates with a small number of places, so it's best to book early. A non-refundable deposit secures your place, and the balance is due six weeks before the trip. You can see every date and book online with Sup2summit.
What should I bring?
For a multi-day paddleboard expedition in Scotland, it's worth packing:
- Warm, quick-drying layers and a waterproof jacket
- A hat, gloves and a change of dry clothes
- Sun cream and a refillable water bottle
- Midge repellent for west coast and Highland trips