GUIDE TO THE RIVER TAY

(Loch Tay to Aberfeldy)

NAME OF RIVER: Tay

WHERE IS IT?: Tayside! Flows out of Loch...Tay. The Tay offers paddling for many levels from flat touring to whitewater and the national slalom site at Grandtully. The river can be paddled all the way from Loch Tay to the North Sea at Dundee. The river is normally paddled at well known and well used sections.

PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: Loch Tay at Kenmore (NN775452) to Aberfeldy (NN851494).

APPROX LENGTH: 7 km.

TIME NEEDED: Various.

ACCESS HASSLES: It should be remembered that the Tay is a well-used fishing river so it is worth keeping an eye out.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Stays paddleable for much of the year.

GRADING: Grade 1 - 2.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: None.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This section from Kenmore where access to the loch can be gained from the campsite on the main road, presents little difficulty with a few small rapids. There is one main rapid at 'Chinese Bridge' which is about Grade 2 and very straight forward. The get out point is at Wades Bridge in Aberfeldy on the right bank just before the bridge. Alternatively, carry on downstream.

OTHER NOTES: Pretty well guaranteed water. See also Paul Cromey's article on paddling the Dochart and Tay.

CONTRIBUTED BY: St. Andrew's Uni.