Kayaking, rafting

The UK’s Most Extreme Kayaking Race

The Moriston River Race (MRR) is considered Britain’s most extreme white water kayaking race. Set in a beautiful surrounds in the Scotish Highlands, the River Moriston is one of the land's hardest dam released white water rivers. Named after the dam, located in Scotland’s Great Glen, a short drive from Lochaber, the river flows into Loch Ness at Invermoriston.“River of Waterfalls" as Gaelic translation suggests, is not easy to paddle on. That's one of the main reasons, kayakers from far and wide are coming to enjoy a true Scottish Classic of white water to put their skills to the test here. At the end of May, the Glenmoriston ground once again welcome river paddling community to enjoy what many call "the UK's most extreme kayaking race"......

20. 5. 2014 Photos: 18

The river Moriston is a true Scottish Classic, thoroughly enjoyed by its river paddling community. As one of the few dam release rivers it can provide much needed respite during the dry summer months and, thanks to the variety of white water, can be enjoyed by all. The 4 mile section of river is usually thought of in three sections, the Upper, Middle and Lower. The Upper and Lower sections are more challenging at class IV - IV + whilst the middle section is a more friendly class II - III. The MMR actually replaces the very popular Etive River Race which was frustrated by unpredictable water levels. The ethos and spirit of the event lives on in the MRR which now also benefits from guaranteed water, the infrastructure and support of the Invermoriston community and perfect weather (as the event is held during the one week of Scottish summer - May bank holiday).

Where is it? Near the picturesque village of Invermoriston 50miles north of Fort William, Scotlands Outdoor Captal. Head up the Great Glen, past Fort Augustus and reach the village just after the road crosses the river, slightly upstream of where it enters Loch Ness.

Moriston River Race 2014 Schedule

The race day is scheduled on Sunday 25th May, 2014. Registration is open from 8AM to 9:30AM at the Glenmoriston Gun Club followed by safety briefing. The competition takes place at the Moriston River to which all, competitors as well as spectators, will be shuttled back and forth between the river all day but competitors are asked to paddle back to the Gun Club as the vehicles need to be kept dry.

Race info

9:00- 11:00 - Open Practice Session
Location: River Moriston - Race course section

11:15 - Safety Brief
Location: Dam car park

11:30 - First Round Qualifiers Start
Location: Start Ramp at Dam

13:30 - Second Round Qualifiers Start
Location: Start Ramp at Dam

15:45 - Finals
Location: Start Ramp at Dam
Top 20 show down.

Party time!

After the finals, there is going to be an After Party held in the Invermoriston Village Hall from 18:30 till 11:30. Cheap drinks, disco, and no offendable random's so party as hard as you like. (There will be shuttles to and from the party for those choosing to camp at the Gun Club). Around 20:00, the winners are going to be officially announced and trophies awarded. The organizers will be running shuttles to ensure that all participants enjoying the campsite (Gun Club field) can also enjoy a drink in the village without having to worry about transport issue.

The organizers have worked hard to create an event that is super fun for the competitors, encourages a bit of frivolity and is accessible by all. Don't miss it, it is going to be great fun!

All images are courtesy of MMR; Copyrights applied.