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Stand-up Paddleboarding Perthshire Tours and Trips

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Paddle Board Trips & Tours – Standup Paddle Boarding in Scotland

Small Private Guided Tours and Standup Paddle Boarding sessions – Perthshire Paddleboarding, Lochs & River tours with skills development and adventure at its core.

  • Flexible Booking Terms.

  • Flexible Locations (Please contact to discuss your ideal paddleboarding location)

  • Bespoke Tailormade Experiences.

  • Half-Day & Full-Day Guided Tours.

  • Highland Perthshire and across Scotland.

  • Wetsuits and Buoyancy Aids Provided.

  • The perfect post-lockdown activity: Paddleboarding in Perthshire

Unique Adventure Tours Scotland Stand-up Paddleboarding, allow you to get directly out on the water and has everything required for you to get started. Bringing the equipment to where you want to go and help you to enjoy the world from a different viewpoint, keeping you safe whilst having fun and learning new skills.

With its beautiful wild coastline and world-famous lochs, and miles of untouched Rivers to explore, Scotland is fast becoming a renowned destination for stand-up paddleboarders (SUP) – a great way to explore and enjoy your own adventure tour, to enjoy time with friends, to treat yourself to something new or brush up on old skills.

For all of our Activities see terms and conditions.

UATS Location: Churchill Court, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2AT – Call 07843434682

River Based
Stand-up Paddleboard Guided Tour/Trip

River SUP Trip
Day Adventure from £90.00 per person

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[all trip times include signing in, changing & brief/debrief]

Private Bespoke Development Sessions
(Lochs & Rivers):

Skills, Development & Confidence
Tailored for You

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[all trip times include signing in, changing & brief/debrief]

Loch’s Tay, Faskally
or Freuchie
(Locations are Flexible):

Morning/Afternoon SUP Trip
Cost from £55.00 per person

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[all trip times include signing in, changing & brief/debrief]

Standup Paddle Boarding Perthshire
Scottish Stand up Paddleboard trips and tours Perthshire Paddleboarding
Private group tours Perthshire Paddleboarding
Private group tours - Standup Paddleboard trips and tours within Scotland

What’s Included on the Paddleboarding trips?

  • Experienced & qualified instructor
  • Inflatable Paddle Boards
  • Paddle & Leash
  • Buoyancy Aid (Helmet on River Trips)
  • Wet Suit & Splash Jacket
  • Drybag for any supplies or Camera (please ask)
  • First Aid with Guide for Safety

What to bring with you:

  • Waterproof Camera or Phone Case
  • Lunch/snacks and liquid (NO ALCOHOL)
  • Your own wetsuit if you would prefer to use it
  • A sense of fun and adventure
  • Friends & Family
  • A splash of confidence

Recommended Clothing & Footwear:

  • Rashguard or sun-protective shirt (NO COTTON)
  • Board shorts or swimsuit
  • Water shoes, neoprene booties or sandals
  • Wetsuit & Cag Supplied
  • Wool/synthetic cap (for colder water conditions)
  • Wool/synthetic socks (for colder day’s)

Standup Paddleboarding – Water-based Adventures 

Highland Perthshire enjoys some of the fines sections of open and moving water to enjoy within a few hours of Scotland’s major cities Edinburgh and Glasgow, making this the perfect place for your Standup Paddleboarding Adventure in person.

The sport is usually enjoyed on calm water (but equally suited to rivers and coastal waters), and with Scotland being covered lochs and open water it is the perfect adventure playground for touring boards, surfing boards and good old paddle boards.

Loch Tay, Loch Tummel, Loch Faskally, and Loch Rannoch (Dunnalistair Water & River Tummel) are all local to Unique Adventure Tours Scotland, in the heartland of Highland Perthshire, perfect venues to allow you to unwind and take in the country’s natural beauty as you gently navigate your way around in your own unique adventure tour anywhere in Scotland, all ability welcome, from taster session, paddleboard yoga, touring and flat waters.

It’s easy to get the hang of making it the perfect entry-level activity to get you started with watersports and is great for your health, developing your balance, as well as being a great way to explore from a new perspective and just relax and have fun out on the water.

Paddleboarding River Trip/Tours & Adventures throughout Scotland.

Traveling down the river by paddleboard is a fantastic way to enjoy the wild and natural landscapes of Scotland, with a wide selection of rivers in the local area, we can travel on stunning rivers such as the River Tay (Kenmore to Aberfeldy, Grandtully to Logierait, Ballinluig to Dunkeld), The River Tummel (Kinloch Rannoch section joining the Dunnalistair Flats) or the River Dochart over by Killin. These trips are more than a quick dip, these are immersive experiences to create a unique adventure tour.

Scotlands specialists in stand-up paddleboarding experiences.

Having guided SUP tours and trips for several years, it has proved to be an ideal access point to watersports and with just a few pointers can be the start of an adventure that can take you all over the country.

When it comes to finding some of the most picturesque exploration locations Scotland is at the top of the list. From beautiful islands and sheltered bays to lochs surrounded by breath-taking highlands, there are so many awe-inspiring waters to discover with us at Unique Adventure Tours Scotland.

Contact Us

contact us now to start your unique adventure tour

Six places in Scotland to try Stand-up Paddleboarding

Stand-up Paddleboard Locations – Paddle boarding near me?

Take a look through my wee selection of great locations for stand-up paddleboarding in Perthshire and Scotland as a whole. These are just a taster of what is on offer, additional or custom venues are available on request (Contact Us).

Loch Tay Beach from Kenmore for some stunning Standup Paddle Boarding

Perthshire Paddleboarding SUP Adventures

The Loch Tay & River Tay

Perthshire is one of the most varied paddleboarding locations, lochs, rivers and coastal options all relatively close to one another making Perthshire and Tayside a great place to try all aspects of standup paddleboarding.

The River Tay offers everything from gentle touring on wide beautiful stretches of river with an ever-changing and engaging landscape, inhabited by a rich diversity of wildlife from otters and beavers, to all manner of birdlife and mammals.

While Loch Tay either at the Kenmore or Killin ends (at 23km long this loch has plenty of space to enjoy), is stunning for large open water surrounded by hills and wilderness, perfect for learning, exploring, touring and much more – even a spot of breakfast while enjoying the space and tranquillity.

So whether you are day-tripping in Kenmore, Aberfeldy or Perthshire in general and fancy trying a new sport to liven up your day, or looking to build up your skills and experience to take your interest to the next level, standup paddleboarding is ideal.

Stand-up paddleboarding on Loch Freuchie and the river Quaich

Perthshire Paddleboarding SUP Adventures

Loch Freuchie & River Quaich

Loch Freuchie, also known as Fraoch, the Heatherly loch, is a large freshwater loch on a northwest to southeast orientation, within Glen Quaich in Perth and Kinross. The loch is located 2 miles west of Amulree and 6.5 miles southeast of Kenmore.

This secluded little loch sits nicely within Glen Quaich giving it some extra protection from the weather and offers a great place to explore and learn, whilst also offering some fantastic exploring to do. Traveling upriver on the windy little river Quaich feels like a mini-adventure, overhanging willows, wild bird life all around, hills, and wide-open skies add to the appeal of this stunning location.

Glen Quaich is situated almost midway between Crieff and Aberfeldy. The upper reaches of the glen approach Loch Tay to the west whilst to the southeast, the lower part of the glen contains Loch Freuchie. Along the shores of Loch Freuchie, you will find several sites of ruined communities, something consisting of houses and a mill, the home to 10-15 families.

Standup Paddleboarding Tours Loch Faskally Perthshire Adventures

Perthshire Paddleboarding SUP Adventures

The River Garry & Loch Faskally

The River Garry is a major tributary of the River Tummel, itself a tributary of the River Tay, in the traditional county of Perthshire in the Scottish Highlands – gently making its way downriver into the stunning and peaceful Loch Faskally.

Traveling out of the rocky gorge at the base of the Killiecrankie visitor center (great pools to teach and practice the maneuvering of your Standup Paddle Board), this beautiful stretch of the river takes you through a variety of landscapes and scenic joy, woodlands, rock formations, and pebble beaches to have a rest stop on and enjoy the surrounding countryside.

Loch Faskally is a man-made reservoir in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, 2.5 kilometers northwest of Pitlochry. The loch lies between steeply wooded hills and is approximately 3.2 kilometers in length, narrowing to around 700 meters wide (this is what the Wiki page says).

There is so much more to enjoy and explore of this loch on your SUP adventure tour, so join me when you can for your adventure.

Stand-up paddleboarding on Loch Rannoch and Dunalistair Water

Perthshire Paddleboarding SUP Adventures

Loch Rannoch & Dunalistair Water

The loch stretches 10 miles (16 km) from Kinloch Rannoch to Bridge of Gaur in the west and has a recorded depth of 440 ft. Loch Rannoch lies on the traditional main route north to the west coast of Scotland, known famously as the Road to the Isles.

Dunalastair Water is an entirely man-made reservoir in Scotland which lies between Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel in Strath Tummel in Perth and Kinross council area, combining these 2 locations to give a wide range of options for paddleboarding and exploration.

From small island fortresses to meandering waterways, there is so much to explore on Loch Rannoch, a great way to get out into the wilds of Scotland and reconnect with nature.

Situated in the shadow of Schiehallion (a Munro and an excellent climb), Kinloch Rannoch boasts some lovely walks: Carie Forest, along the South Loch Road; along the waterfall that feeds into the River Tummel and up Craig Varr; the Sleeping Giant or alongside Loch Rannoch itself.

Frequently asked questions about paddleboarding:

What is Stand-up Paddleboarding?

Stand up paddleboarding is a watersport that’s become popular in the past few years. People use a paddle to propel themselves forward while standing (or sometimes kneeling) on a paddleboard – inflated or solid paddleboards.

Stand up paddleboarding offers an entirely new window onto the world. With low environmental impact, taking to your board is a brilliant way of slowing things down and really seeing a place – wherever you happen to be. And it also provides a double whammy of strength and cardio training: training you can actually enjoy.

What is a Stand-up Paddleboard?

Basically, SUP (Stand-up Paddleboard) is a surf style board and a long paddle. In that regard, it is a cross between canoeing and surfing. While originally made popular by surfer Laird Hamilton as he used the paddle to help him catch the towing waves found in Hawaii, SUP is not only for surfing any longer. Standup paddling can be done in a variety of forms such as on flat water lochs to easy beach paddling, to open water paddling and all the way to surfing waves.

Keeping you safe

By using high-quality equipment on all of our trips and tours, from the NRS Thrive Inflatable Paddle Boards and NRS Quest fibreglass paddles to give you the best tools for the job, PFD’s (Personal floatation devices), and the option for wetsuits and splash jackets all go towards keeping you safe while on the water touring or just enjoying some calm water out on the loch.

Bringing your phone to take some photos?

Here are ways we’re working to help you get the most out of stand-up paddleboarding and keep you as safe as possible while enjoying your sport.

Is Paddleboarding a good workout?

Yes, stand up paddleboarding is an excellent workout. Few activities provide such an extensive range, from upper body training to leg work and core strength building. At the same time, it’s also a fairly low-intensity and fun thing to do.

Paddle Board Yoga is a growing part of the sport, ideal for developing core and balance to new levels and testing your Yoga skills to the max.

What conditions are best for SUP?

You can’t always wait for perfect weather to head out on your SUP. You should avoid going out when there are offshore winds, as they can quickly blow you far out to sea, making for an exhausting paddle back to shore. If you are on a loch or inland water there are the same considerations – Scottish weather is very changeable.

What are the benefits of stand up paddleboarding?

Stand up paddle boarding isn’t just about smashing those calories, it’s also a great workout because of its holistic benefits. SUP has a distinctly meditative quality that comes from the ability to dial down and see the world in a slower, more detailed way. Wherever you happen to be, you can use stand up paddleboarding to immerse yourself in the natural landscape and appreciate your setting from a fresh perspective. Here’s more on the benefits:

Stand up paddleboarding is low-impact and relaxing, from touring lochs and rivers, to enjoying the space given by being out on the water with nature, possibly a surf on a local wave or even a quiet yoga session to test your balance.

Does paddleboarding build muscle?

Forget a hardcore weightlifting session. SUP will kick your body into shape but without the residue intensity of other strength-based workouts. It’s also easier to master than say, skiing, and less daunting than something like surfing. It’s up to you how intense you want to make it (current and speed will make the difference) but this is a good activity for anyone who fancies easing themselves into exercise. Surrounded by the beauty of the open landscape, it’s pretty relaxing and you can grab a refresher – by diving into the water – whenever it gets too intense.

Stand up paddleboarding immerses you in nature.

Stand up paddleboarding lets you see the world at a slower pace.

SUP Yoga

Paddleboard Yoga, originating in America around 2013, is the practice of modern yoga as exercise, and sometimes specific transitions between postures, while stand-up paddleboarding, usually with the board in calm water, such as a loch.

What is SUP Touring?

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) touring is simply exploring a waterway or coastline with a stand-up paddle board, but it is also much more than that, a way to get to remote and secluded places, and explore places in a low impact way.

How to Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) For Beginners?

Here are 7 key actions to help with your paddleboarding:

How to adjust the paddle size
If you can adjust your paddle size, open the latch, pull the handle to the desired length (use your arm above your head, the handle should reach the wrist), then close the latch. Now you are ready to go on the water.

Take Your SUP Board and Put It in the Water
To help you, use the handle located in the middle of the majority of both rigid and inflatable boards. Then you can just carry your SUP under your arm, as you would a surfboard.
Be very conscious of your fins and the depth of water so as not to damage, make sure that your ankle or waist leash is attached.

Tame Your SUP Board with Your Knees
Take advantage of being on your knees on your board to get the balance under control. Put your paddle in front of you, perpendicular to the board to stabilize it.
Do you feel confident of your support? So then grab your paddle and start rowing on your knees. This will give you a chance to practice your paddle action while having more stability than when standing up.

Rowing on Your Feet on Your Stand Up Paddle Board
To paddle efficiently on an SUP, place your feet in the middle of the board: one next to the other, along an axis perpendicular to the board’s axis.
Plunge your paddle into the water, well forward to optimize your stroke. Bend your body slightly forward and stretch your arms out for leverage. The top arm pushes, while the lower arm pulls!
When the paddle reaches the level of your feet, stop the movement and do it over again. Switch sides every three or four movements.

Position your body properly in stand-up paddle boarding
Much more than your arms, it is your whole body that provides the connection between the paddle and the board. Thus it is your body that transmits the energy you need to advance. As long as it is properly placed!
Once standing, plant yourself firmly and then begin by flexing your knees slightly to adopt an effective paddling position. Stable legs will guarantee good balance.
Even when you’re digging ahead to optimize your paddle stroke, keep your back straight. It’s not your back that curves, but your pelvic area, which transmits the forward motion to your back.

First paddle stroke
You should paddle on both sides to go straight. If you start paddling on the right, your right hand is lower and on the paddle shaft. Your top hand is on the top of the grip. The angle of the paddle faces away from you. Try to keep your arms straight.
Push down on the paddle grip with your top hand. Plant the paddle by pushing the blade all the way under the surface, pull it back to your ankle, then out of the water.
At first, keep your strokes short and close alongside the board.

Falling and getting back up in SUP—the right way
Falling off your SUP is not a big deal. Still, you have to know how to fall without getting hurt!
Don’t dive forwards or backwards as you might hit your SUP. Try to fall to the sides and keep your paddle forwards so you don’t get hurt with it.
Also, keep a hold on the handle of your paddle so as not to lose it.
And to get back up on the SUP? Position yourself in the middle of the board, place your paddle on it and climb onto it. Then place the paddle perpendicular to the board and get up.

Is paddle boarding difficult?

Stand-up paddle boarding is an accessible and easy water sport to learn, and you can become a skilled paddle boarder in no time. People of all ages and fitness levels are capable of learning to paddleboard in just a few hours with proper instruction – as supplied in all our trips and tours.

Do you wear shoes when paddle boarding?

You have many options and none set in stone, weather, terrain and conditions play a big part as well as duration. The grip on the top of most boards is designed for bare feet, so if it is warm, you don’t need to wear any shoes paddle boarding. If the temperature drops and you still want to get out on your SUP, then light trainers or neoprene boots are a good option.

Why is paddle boarding so popular?

Can you lose weight paddle boarding?

Is paddleboarding dangerous?

How to Paddle?

Simple tips to improve your time paddleboarding:

  • If you can, always go with a friend. It’s more fun, and they can help you if you get into difficulty.
  • If you are going out alone, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Don’t leave the house without a mobile phone or communication device.
  • Plan your journey and check all access and egress points – including local access laws.
  • Bringing your phone to take some photos? Make sure you keep it in a waterproof pouch. That way it won’t get wet, and you can use it to call for help in an emergency too.
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you set out. If the water is too choppy, you might find it difficult, especially if you are a beginner. And be aware, the conditions can change quickly.
  • Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore.
  • You should wear a suitable personal flotation device. This can be a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. Choose one that still allows you plenty of movement so you can paddle freely. Not only will it keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover should you fall in – and chances are you will!
  • Wear suitable clothing for the time of year. In the winter, you will want to use a wet or drysuit. In the summer, you might be able to get away with a swimsuit. But if you are going to be in the water for a long time, you might want to upgrade to something that keeps you warm.
  • You should always use a paddleboard with a leash. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to swim after your paddleboard if you fall off. The leash will also help you stay connected to your board if you get into trouble and help you float.
  • Get the appropriate level of training. You might be tempted to just buy a board and head out. Having a few training sessions can teach you the right technique, so it’s more stand-up and less fall-in paddleboarding!