Grandtully

Grandtully slalom is held on the River Tay, as it passes between the villages of Grandtully and Strathtay. At this point the Tay is grade 3 water, about 30m wide and depending on water level can provide some very challenging whitewater.

The slalom course usually starts at the gabions, (large metal baskets filled with stones) before taking the top fall, usually run on river left through a narrow right to left ‘S’ type line to avoid a small hole. There is a strong eddy on the right hand side immediately after the top fall that is frequently used in competitions as a testing breakout. Then follows a relatively wide, fast, open section before the middle section of waves and eddies. At high water levels the waves in the middle section provide some good surfing and wave crossing challenges. Moving out of the middle section the flow passes either side of the large rock, right in the centre of the river and known as the boatbreaker, and finally under the road bridge to finish in the flat pool below the bridge.

The water level significantly effects the whitewater skill required to compete at this site. At any level it is definitely not the place for your first Div 2 event on moving water, and you need to be confident on whitewater before tackling it. However, it is a great place to test and improve your slalom skills on interesting natural whitewater.

The Grandtully Slalom Site – this is operated by Paddle Scotland via a lease agreement with the landowner. The Grandtully Slalom gates and infrastructure (including parking and changing facilities) may only be utilised by individuals who are registered with Paddle Scotland and follow the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct. This includes coaches or others involved in sessions which make use of the Grandtully Slalom gates.

Grandtully Slalom Site information and registration:  https://www.paddlescotland.org.uk/grandtully-slalom-site

Across the road is Grandtully Station campsite which is owned and operated by Paddle Scotland.  Here there is a new purpose built toilet and shower block for campers and pitches for tents , caravans and campervans, including electric hook ups.

Grandtully Station campsite information and booking: https://www.grandtully.scot/