River Teith, Callander

The River Teith offers great introduction to white water for the open boater and starts at Callander going down to Doune then onto Stirling. (It becomes the Forth not far after Doune) The river is flat - grade 1 - grade 2 with the big weir at Deanston being grade 3 in high water. The river is not very continous for white water but has lots of small rapids along the way to keep you entertained. Kingfishers, Heron, Mink and otter can often be spotted along the way.

Access and egress points are generally recognised as the following

Callander Car park (the meadows)
Layby on the A84 roughly 3 miles south of Callander. (don't leave valuebles on show in the car)
Water Treatment works at Deanston
Road Bridge at Doune

There are others but parking can be an issue and the above ones offer good trips.

You can start the trip at the get out from the Leny (Lade Inn) but this is not recommended for novices as the river is constant here and (very) overhanging with trees!!

The main spots that will get you going are Torrie rapid and the rapid just above it. This occurs roughly 800 meters after the second major island in the top section between Callander and the layby. (Don't have my map to hand so cannot give grid ref at this point). The first rapid is just long and bouncy flowing down river right but does have some low trees towards the end. Torrie rapid is after the flat section after this and is usually paddled down river left where a nice standing wave will wash your face for you.

Te weir at Deanston can be very dangerous but you have plenty of warning it's coming up. Huge long flat section above it. Take it down the face on river left. (don't paddle the fish ladder on river left) paddle down fish ladder on river right (i don't due to metal spikes in there) Portage on either side. Left has some tricky banks to get in & out on. Right can be awkward but has a gate to help. (this was locked recently and have yet to go and investigate)

A can give much more info if required and will happily answer any other questions folks may have. Don't want to spoil the fun too much by telling all though.

Dave R