The Scottish region of Perth and Kinross is where the northern highlands of mountain and valley descend to the southern lowlands. Rivers tumble down from the high mountain lochs, throwing up white water and spray - you can tumble down these rapids too with a rafting experience.

Which are the best rivers to go rafting in Perth and Kinross?

• River Tay: The longest river in Scotland weaves its way from Loch Tay on the highland slopes through valleys and over rocks to the Firth of Tay. As it drops towards the lowland, the waters crash and boil, making it an exhilarating place for white water rafting. On other stretches of the river, the flow river is clamer, meaning that there’s a rafting experience for everyone on the Tay. You’ll share the water with salmon, otters and reintroduced beaver populations, while where it meets the sea the river boasts an important colony of freshwater pearl mussels.

• River Tummel: This tributary of the River Tay flows from Loch Tummel, which is set higher up in the mountains. There are rapids at the Falls of Tummel which are enough to raise your heart rate, and quieter parts of the river where you might see some of the local wildlife, as the river is part of a Special Area of Conservation. Rafting on the River Tummel is generally more challenging than on the Tay, so may not be suitable for younger or inexperienced visitors.

• River Orchy: Although outside the bounds of Perth and Kinross, rafting experiences on the River Orchy depart from this area. It’s a popular destination for anglers looking to catch tasty trout, but its pools, falls and islands also make it a great spot for kayaking and river rafting. Orchy is also the site of a quiet gold rush, with prospecting companies probing the hills around the river. Who knows, you might get more out of a rafting experience down this river than you expected!

Where can you start your white water ride?

- Aberfeldy: just 2 miles below the outflow of Loch Tay, Aberfeldy is a great starting point for a raft ride on the River Tay. You’ll be given the choice of raft with which to face the rapids, do you want the safety in numbers on a full size raft, or full control in a one or two person vessel? Rafting experiences departing from Aberfeldy range from 2 and half hours to full day excursions, so there’s a plan for everyone.

- Grandtully: further downstream from Aberfeldy is the small village of Grandtully (pronounced “Grantly”). Here you can take a ride on the River Tay, or go for the wilder River Tummel. Your expert guides will give you a safety briefing and paddling instructions before you get your feet wet, so you’ll be ready for whatever the river throws at you.

- Pitlochry: on the banks of the lively River Tummel, Pitlochry is a great starting point for a river ride. You might even make it as far as the meeting point of the Tummel and Tay which is about 4 miles South of the town.

- Perth: “The Fair City”, Perth is the regional capital and a convenient base for exploring the region. From here you can experience a half-day adventure on the River Tay in a raft big enough for six people. If you’re staying with your family in Perth, this is the perfect day trip to give you an adrenaline shot, see the beautiful scenery, and strengthen your family ties.

Different types of raft available

In Perth and Kinross you’ll find a wide range of water crafts which you can use to brave the rapids and falls of the region's rivers.

+ Full size rafts can fit 6 to 8 people, depending on the size and weight of the group, as well as a guide. This is a great way to feel the spray in your face and enjoy the speed of the ride while feeling safe and sheltered from drops and rocks.

+ If you want to take a ride with a friend or family member, there are several options for two people to ride together. Duckies combine the maneuverability of a canoe with the inflatable design of a raft, which means that you don’t sacrifice buoyancy in exchange for control. Funyaks are similar but you will use the double-ended paddle of a kayak, rather than the simple canoe paddle in a duckie.

+ For the biggest daredevils, there’s nothing like facing the white water in your own, individual raft. Especially for you are bugging and tubing experiences. In both, you’ll be strapped onto an inflatable tube - the difference being that tubing takes place in a rubber ring, whereas bugging rafts are open at the front so that your feet stick out into the water - not for the faint-hearted!

Requirements to do this activity

As mentioned above, the white water rafts in Perth and Kinross cater to all kinds of adventurers. However, different parts of rivers are classified in a system of grades according to their difficulty. While grades 1 and 2 are open to everyone over the age of 8, with some stretches of the River Tay being suitable for 6 and 7 year-olds as well, grades 3 and up are reserved for those above 16 years old.

Every rider will be given a life jacket and so it's not necessary to be a strong swimmer to take advantage of this opportunity. As well as the life jacket, the fact that trips do not take place on deep water mean that this is a low risk activity.

What should you bring the day of the experience?

You will get wet on white water descent on the rivers of this region! Wear sporty clothes and trainers, and don’t forget an outfit change, you’ll want something dry and warm to put on after your ride. The activity centres will give you the rest - lifejacket, helmet, paddle, and any other equipment that you’ll need. Don’t forget to bring a smile, a sense of adventure, and a towel!

Now you’re an expert on the white water options - book your experience today!