100km Canoe Trip Through The Scottish Wilderness

Welcome to our exhilarating 4-day adventure, where we'll brave the untamed River Dee in Scotland! Born in the majestic Cairngorm Mountains at an elevation above 4,000 feet, the Dee spans 145 km before meeting the North Sea at Aberdeen. As we embark on this thrilling journey, we'll conquer over 100 km of wild waters and face heart-pounding class 3 rapids.
Our epic quest begins in the enchanting Cairngorm Mountains, a land of grouse moorland and highland glens. We'll push our limits, level up, and test our mettle against the relentless force of the River Dee. This intense expedition is not for the faint of heart!
Despite the challenges, we'll find solace in cozy campsites, indulge in soul-warming food, and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us. As a first-timer tackling class 3 rapids, I can promise you an adrenaline-fuelled, unforgettable experience.
Prepare to battle strong headwinds and navigate through dark, cloudy, cold days, as we embrace every part of this incredible adventure. Are you ready to take on the mighty River Dee?
Keep your eyes peeled for the rich fauna and flora along the way, including deer, herons, and skunk cabbages. You may even spot edible plants such as garlic mustard and ramsoms!
Join us on this pulse-pounding, awe-inspiring journey, as we conquer the wild River Dee and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let the adventure begin!
Check out Paulie's Awesome Channel below:
‪@WhenNaturePauls‬
Content in this Video:
00:00 - Intro
01:51 - Day 1
13:48 - Day 2
31:44 - Day 3
44:00 - Day 4
GEAR THAT I USE & TRUST:
Sleep & Camp:
Tent - Naturehike Cloud-Up 2 20D Grey - amzn.to/3tzNNXk
Sleeping Pad - Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm - amzn.to/3xpOVhw
Fold Foam Pad - Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL - amzn.to/3xncjw9
Sleeping Bag (Comfort 5c) - Thermarest Questar 32 - amzn.to/39s6yoX
Sleeping Bag (Comfort -2c) - Rab Ascent 700 - amzn.to/3xiMVYk
Trekology Pillow: amzn.to/3kPWqvT
Nemo Filo Pillow: amzn.to/3mo9Gbv
Tarp (Heavier) - DD Tarp 3x3 - amzn.to/3xaVIvX
Tarp Lightweight - DD SuperLight 3m x 2.9m - amzn.to/3ty5wyD
Tools & Fishing:
Knife - Mora Outdoor Companion 860 - amzn.to/3tCfDlR
Saw - Bahco Laplander Folding Saw - amzn.to/3aYd6fv
Fishing Rod - QudraKast Fishing Rod - amzn.to/3xjlXQ8
Fishing Reel - Piscifun Flame Spinning Ultra Smooth - amzn.to/3xocOpz
Cooking:
Water Filter - SAWYER Squeeze - amzn.to/3xueDl7
Stove - MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove - amzn.to/3QjCRac
Titanium Pot - Lixada Titanium Cup 750ml - amzn.to/39uKGZX
Cookware Kit - Aitsite Cookware Kit Aluminum Lightweight - amzn.to/3tznCAe
Wood Stove / Bushbox - Lixada Camping Wood Stove - amzn.to/40rBDO9
Filming:
Drone - DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo - amzn.to/3MOsZSE
iPhone 13 Pro 512GB - amzn.to/3mHR2bl
GoPro - HERO8 Black - amzn.to/3txbEa4
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GoPro Clamp - amzn.to/3aScJmp
GoPro Dual Battery Charger - amzn.to/3xp57zu
Go Pro Chest Mount - amzn.to/3HlUh1L
Head Harness - Amazon Basics Head Strap - amzn.to/3zBOO5g
Tripod Main - K&F Concept 64” Compact Light Aluminium Tripod - amzn.to/3NQ8K8I
Tripod iPhone Adapter - Woohot 360 Degree Rotation - amzn.to/3MOZ7pw
Electronics:
Garmin InReach Mini - amzn.to/3aYinnj
Battery Bank - Anker PowerCore 20100 - 20000mAh - amzn.to/3O57L4N
Charging Cable (Lightning) - Anker 1ft - amzn.to/3HhVJlS
Headtorch - amzn.to/3zBfDGD
Thermometer - amzn.to/3HhVJlS
Clothing:
Muck Boots (Knee length) - Arctic Sport - amzn.to/3QhrkYV
Boots Hiking - Scarpa Men’s Terra GTX - amzn.to/3mHwjVc
Lifejacket - amzn.to/3OesgLG
Socks (Waterproof) - SEALSKINZ Cold Weather - amzn.to/3HlVXsb
Socks (Merino Wool) - amzn.to/3tW52Td
Other:
Barrel 30l - amzn.to/3yzXd72
Barrel 60l - amzn.to/3z8kUon
Folding Water Bucket / Organiser for Barrel - amzn.to/3Tceihp
Arteesol Dry Bag: amzn.to/3GeTsZC

[@ataglance556]

Eze thanks for taking me to Scotland through your video YEEEWWWWWW!!!!!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Welcome!!!! This was an epic one!! Really enjoyed it!

[@WhenNaturePauls]

What an adventure we had and you captured it brilliantly! So good being able to re-live it. Looking forward to the next one, Paul

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks buddy! Looking forward to re-living it thru your video when it's ready!

[@wrzlygummidge]

Nice one chaps, great trip! atb

[@unnamedman1720]

This is my local river and I have paddled it many times from source to sea, just a little higher than you started, thank you for sharing your journey, it makes me realise how lucky we are to have it near and not take it for granted.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Great to hear, so cool you're local. Totally agree, we take it for granted!!

[@rialobran]

You did really well considering you've never done class 3 before. Great edit on this, although I'll have to ask Paul if you take a hair and make-up artist with you. The only man in history that never has hat hair 🤣

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks bud I appreciate that! Was definitely a level up for me! Haha re the hair !!

[@michaelbroyer3918]

One of your best videos. I thoroughly enjoyed this Scottish adventure.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Michael I appreciate that!! Thanks for coming along on this Scottish adventure!

[@GM_Outdoors]

An absolute beauty of a trip, thank you.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks mate!

[@petermcmahon8074]

Hi mate. This was just great and nice to see you with your mate Paul. I thought the landscapes you captured were fantastic and it was great to see 2 x Silverbirch boats killing it. You must be very pleased with the paddle; I love the fact you don't make excuses about a wrong line. You actually really did well with a couple of Jim Baird strokes!!. I'd be happy to share a paddle and camp with you. Take care, Pete from Australia

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey Peter! Thanks so much for the kind words, very much appreciated! I'd love to adventure down south there in Australia sometime!!! Hahah good spot with the few J Baird strokes I made lol!

[@AstroBioMan]

Mayfly season, but not quite midge season, perfect timing ;)

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yes sir!!

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

Love your story telling. Nice one.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Ray, appreciate it! Thanks for the skills you taught me!

[@tauchersmiddy]

This is waterwalking. Super nice tour with everything that I think is part of such an adventure. I am watching at the River Dee Thank you for sharing with us.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much!!

[@stubloggs6358]

That must have taken some planning, logistically speaking as well as mind-set. There were many ''heart in the mouth'' moments along with the stunning scenery........fabulous videography too my friend. You handled the rapids confidently even when you rarely strayed off course, such incredible memories and friendships are forged under adverse situations and this was proven here..............A great watch Eze, really enjoyed it.........ATB........Stu....👍👌.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much Stu, really heart warming words!! Yeah we been planning this trip for quite a while and lucky it went as smooth as it did. Quite a few "heart in the mouth" moments indeed lol!! Glad you enjoyed the video mate and totally agree re friendships being forged under adverse situations... love that one.

[@foresteroutdoors]

Incredible trip! Got to love Scottish scenery 👌🏻 Production quality just keeps getting better too 💪🏻 really well captured!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much brother, appreciate it! Aye, Scotland is the best!

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

If you ever want to come to Canada look us up

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much!!! Love your country so so much, planning to spend as much time there as possible exploring !!!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Hi Eze mate I'm only 9.5 minutes in but going to watch the rest tonight as I'm off out on a bike ride in kielder that was a scary moment on your first rapids but you did well to recover looking forward to the rest of the video atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍🤟

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks a lot buddy, take your time to watch it, hope you enjoy it! Also hope the bike ride went well :-) Take care my friend all the best, eze.

[@jacqueline7118]

Excellent adventure! Scary at certain points but certainly exhilarating. I was on edge of my seat a few times. Thanks for sharing. :) :)

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks for coming along for the ride, and what a ride this one was!! You may have needed something to unwind after it lol! See you on the next one!!

[@davehunt9817]

Cheers from across the pond! Newfoundland, Canada. Our weather is just like yours lol! Great video, love the content. Cheers.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey Daveee!! aaaah you're from one of my favourite places in the world!! Dying to visit your beautiful land one day!! Justin Barbour is the MAN!

[@maxineredfern3380]

What a epic adventure eze, liked your save on the first rapid lol. Your adventures and filming just get better and better. Thanks for sharing. Hope paul puts his version of the trip on. That hamok looks so comfy eze. Maxxx

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much max!! Really was super epic, appreciate the kind encouragement as always!! Paul's video will be up soon, maybe next weekend! I'm looking forward to it! And yeah the hammock was soooo comfy on this trip, absolutely love it!! Hope you're well and sending you best wishes Eze

[@meysam9]

Excelente rafting 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks!

[@meysam9]

@@EzeAdventurer your welcome Tnx for supporting me 🙏

[@jasongeorgeson8551]

Another awesome trip full of amazing rivers and scenery. Thanks for sharing man

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much Jason!!

[@peteraitken6494]

absolutely brilliant loved this cracking job on the editing beautiful scenery and an awesome river too nature is a wonderful place to be but you can never underestimate its powers as you clearly can see it in your video and took that into your minds great job glad you all enjoyed . I was in Pitlochry last week with my son kayaking on loch faskally don’t know if you’ve ever been there but it was stunning and weather wasn’t too bad anyway I’m rambling hope you have a great week and thanks for sharing an epic video 👍👌❤️🚣🏻🚣🏻🔥🔥

[@EzeAdventurer]

Ramble away brother I don't mind!! :-) it's all good! Thanks so much Peter, I appreciate the comment. Totally agree with you, it's easy to underestimate nature's power - we were promptly put in our place on this one! Loch faskally looks awesome! Take care buddy!

[@peteraitken6494]

@@EzeAdventurer thanks mate had a great time all the best and have a great day 👍👌

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@peteraitken6494 And you buddy!

[@campingselvagem]

Amazing river

[@EzeAdventurer]

Really is !! Beautiful Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Epic!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Stephen!

[@damienmayne7205]

Excellent! I see where you got to now. I guess Ireland will just have to wait in line for your visit haha. It'll always bee here. It's an ancient land... This country of ours is no sand bank, thrown up by some recent caprice of earth. It is an ancient land, honoured in its archives of civilization, traceable into antiquity by its piety, its valour, and its sufferings. Every great Europen race has sent its stream to the river of Irish mind. Long wars, vast organizations, subtle codes, beacon crimes, leading virtues, and self-mighty men were here. If we live influenced by wind and sun and tree, and not by the passions and deeds of the past, we are a thriftless and a hopeless people. -Thomas Davis Thanks for showing me a new river to explore!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yeah, timing didn't work out, Ireland still on the list hopefully next year...Pleasure mate, definitely one to explore and experience, you'd like it!

[@marjanjanzen4605]

We are really enjoying your journeys

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much appreciate that!!

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Best Sunday morning view ever.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much!!

[@BurtReynoldstash]

On sketchy rapids, get a buddy to wait at the bottom with a throw line. If someone swims they can swing them back into the eddy.🛶

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@BurtReynoldstash Thanks buddy yeah we could have done that, but most rapids held enough eddy opportunities. That would have been the safer thing to do lol

[@BurtReynoldstash]

@@EzeAdventurer sometimes you just gotta go for it. Lol

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@BurtReynoldstash exactly!

[@NorthernOutdoorsDave]

That looked like an amazing trip Eze.. Awesome.

[@EzeAdventurer]

It really is buddy!!! Thanks so much!

[@crazy_spirit_of_a_life529]

Merveilleux

[@EzeAdventurer]

Merci beaucoup!!

[@crazy_spirit_of_a_life529]

@@EzeAdventurer gratitude

[@doncox1330]

Another great video. Beautiful scenery!

[@EzeAdventurer]

THANKS BUD!

[@chrislitch6952]

Another great adventure and another brilliant video to record it. Nice one Eze. Can’t wait for the next.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much for the encouragement brother, see you on the next one!

[@wrzlygummidge]

Great vid Eze, thanks for sharing, atb

[@EzeAdventurer]

You got it bud!

[@rkw4565]

Great trip!

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much!!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Brilliant video, what an epic river.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much mate, epic river indeed!!

[@Squarepeg57]

Fantastic trip 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks bud!

[@north.by.northeast]

Great video, great adventure. Many thanks for sharing it :)

[@EzeAdventurer]

You’re welcome my friend thanks for watching!

[@chrismcelvar5654]

Absolutely stunning. Good effort.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks buddy!

[@loveoutdoors]

We are planning to visit in Aug

[@EzeAdventurer]

Yesssss goo for it! Check water levels, hopefully won't be too low! Wear your helmets bud and enjoy the ride!

[@andywhyte8170]

Good to see you again Eze , sweet trip

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks a lot Andy !!

[@gordon1545]

Fantastic, inspiring video, and I now know I'm not good enough for the Dee's tougher stretches yet! You were a bit unlucky to get an easterly wind, you usually have the wind at your back on the Dee. It's a pretty straight strath so when the wind blows from the east it comes right at you off the North Sea 🥶

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey Gordon buddy! Thanks a lot, I appreciate that man! It is tricky in bits, but to be honest, 90% of the stretches are relatively straight forward with some fun rapids. However, there are some hazardous bits for sure, and I wouldn't do this river solo, or if you're not feeling confident yet. But you will, and when you do, you'll love it. I know regarding the wind! It was from the EAST the whole damn trip lol!

[@Adventuristic89]

Epic trip eze. Those rapids look sketchy! Powered through as always tho well done 💪

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much man! Definitely a few sketchy ones in there lol! Came away super proud of this one, proper level up !!

[@davebarney3369]

Another great adventure and another great video! I’m going to do a two day trip down the Wye in the summer. See if I can persuade my kids to come (both adults). You have inspired me! We went down Brecon canal when they were under the age of 10 and as you say, it’s making memories because they still recall that little adventure which was nearly 20 years ago. Cheers, Eze.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Aaah Dave you MUST get them over to the Wye!! Simply refuse the answer NO!! You guys will love it! do you have canoes? If not, Josh from Wye Valley Canoes is the man for that!

[@davebarney3369]

Yeah I’ll use Josh. I’ll do it anyway but be great if about 8 of our family did it 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@davebarney3369 Brute force to get them out there, use whatever tactic necessary!

[@davebarney3369]

😂😂😂

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Hey Eze 👋🏻 Fantastic! That was one heck of a journey. Did you order a spray deck for your canoe yet? 😉😁

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks Alan! hahah yeah that spray deck may have come in handy, although I do love an open canoe... Not sure I'd go for it to be honest.. unless pure necessity, big water in remote areas etc!

[@gold-wise]

Where was the first set of class 3 rapids? Looks awesome 😃

[@EzeAdventurer]

Started near braemar I think

[@albannach93]

Loving your videos as always buddy 👍🏻 just curious were you camping on the balmoral estate or did you just go through it?

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much mate!!! We didn't camp there we went through it !

[@user-ur2sc7wn7i]

Hi there What brand dry top you are wearing? Great video mate

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hi there it's the NRS Riptide Splash Jacket - Lime

[@ViewfinderMastery]

Have you been happy with those Palm trousers? Would you recommend bibs over pants? Also curious what you have on your feet while paddling. Thanks!

[@EzeAdventurer]

LOVE the trousers, very very good. The shoes I use palm water shoes ones too, they are excellent as they are wider at the toe area, so plenty of movement and the water drains well, they dry ok-ish... So the deal with the bib and pants combo is as follows: If you are confident you can get away with falling in the water and not being at significant risk of hypothermia, then this is a great option because it's more convenient than the full drysuit... taking off to pee etc is a nightmare and you can manage heat / body temp better with this split combo. If you are at significant risk of hypothermia if you go for a swim, then drysuit would be the way to go. I did a test and went swimming in a rapid with the bottoms and bib and water definitely came in... BUT I was warm even though wet.

[@ViewfinderMastery]

@@EzeAdventurer thanks a lot, very helpful. Yeah, I'm a warm bodied bloke. Actually, I think the bibs strike a nice balance. I'd be able to jump out of the canoe, deal with stuff, then hop back in without worrying. As I look more at the dry suit, I think it might be over-kill for my situation.

[@EzeAdventurer]

@ViewfinderMastery definitely that’d the way I felt. For 99% of situations it’s likely to be overkill !

[@stevenclarke2592]

Really enjoyed this one. What canoe was used?

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks! Silverbirch Broadland duralite 15.5 ft!

[@rattytattyratnett]

What canoes were you paddling? You list most of your other equipment in your description.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Silverbirch Broadland Duralite 15.5ft I believe is the length!!

[@kubokubes1]

Dee is on my list. Where did you put in? And can you remember what was the SEPA level please.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Victoria bridge, here's my note for the trip: We ran this river 100km from Victoria Bridge to Aberdeen Boat club between 30th April and 3rd May. Levels are Polhollick were around 0.55-0.60. Some bony rapids, especially the beginning one, would have been easier in higher water. Overall, we barely had to walk any sections, and we were able to run all rapids, with scouting. Good flow, good progress. We did have headwinds for most of the trip. With tailwinds, the progress would have been faster.

[@jelmer3122]

How do you get to the starting point with your kanoe? I guess by car but is there someone who picks you up at the end?

[@EzeAdventurer]

Usually use a shuttle service back to the car! In this case we split the cost between 3

[@ottconsulting7]

Can I ask why you don’t use a twin paddle, wouldn’t it give more balance and control?

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey mate so I find a single blade actually gives me more control of the canoe when running rapids… it’s a powerful blade surface that when used effectively can provide a lot of power … the twin blade tends to do best in flat water to cover more distance. Also bear in mind the canoe has quite high walls and so the single blade “angle of attack” is more effective.

[@ottconsulting7]

@@EzeAdventurer Understood!

[@BushcraftSteely]

What axe was that one?

[@EzeAdventurer]

It's the Gransfors Bruk Outdoor Axe!

[@BushcraftSteely]

@@EzeAdventurer didn't realise that due to the metal collar

[@leymealea]

hi

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hiii and thanks!

[@Fungi884]

Doesn't playing Henzë demonetize your video?

[@EzeAdventurer]

I got the license from Musicbed and it cleared the copyright!

[@Fungi884]

@@EzeAdventurer I discovered your channel last week, been watching all your vids and loving it :)

[@suemoore1965]

❤️❤️🧡🧡💛💛💚💚💙💙💜💜 LIKED WATCHED COMMENTED ❤️❤️🧡🧡💛💛💚💚💙💙💜💜

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much!!

[@tmac9972]

That is not wilderness compared to your northern Ontario trip. It is nice looking but also looks manufactured in a strange way.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Hey yeah this is the best we got here in the UK. UK is too small a land to have any real wilderness left. Cracking river and beautiful nonetheless !

[@damienmayne7205]

You lads would hate the way I do my own trips haha - the way you scout ahead, making sure you fine a line through? Never did that in my entire life yet. I just bomb the fuck on through on pure madness and instinct alone. I've been lucky...so far! What a great river and adventure.

[@damienmayne7205]

One example recently on the River Quoile, I went right over a huge weir, 6 feet high, right into some rapid full of rocks just sharp as fuck, all trying to tear me apart...and I got through it without so much as a splash on my face haha. As The Mandorlians say: This Is The Way!

[@EzeAdventurer]

haha nuts dude! No, I've learned my lesson and will be scouting when in doubt. Beautiful river for sure

[@damienmayne7205]

@@EzeAdventurer haha It's simple, send me on ahead...and if I make it then you know where to go...if not, well, god bless me!

[@EzeAdventurer]

@@damienmayne7205 hahaha brave man! Good strategy LOL

[@damienmayne7205]

@@EzeAdventurer it is exactly what i already do haha as my mate followed me off the weir when he realised i survived it.

[@jaysway2346]

What a crazy trip Eze! NIce job putting the story together to capture such a beautiful area.

[@EzeAdventurer]

Thanks so much was an exhilarating one!! Take care bud