The River Tummel is one of the better dam released rivers to paddle.  During 2007 the dam controlling the flow on the river was being worked on and the river was, arguably, the highest it has ever been, since it was dammed! At grade IV or V when the water is really high the Tummel is a sweet river!

Situated North on the A9 past Perth and Ballinluig, or South from Killiecrankie on the A9 you'll come to a turn off the road at grid NN 929 597. Take this road, follow it for about 200 meters, you'll go under a road bridge and stay on it to the get in at.

The get in is at the lay by at grid NN 883 601.  From there head towards the Clunie Dam.  There is a road down which will take you through a gate and through the dam.  Walk through then climb the style and walk down to the river with the fish ladder on your left. 

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service.
Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and
Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland 

Get in at, or near, the wired mesh rock baskets. This run will take anywhere between 1-3 hours depending on how long you inspect and local knowledge. 

From here the river is quite easy for the first section till the first grade III rapid.  A visable horizon line should give it away.  Inspect or read and run the rapid.  Pick any pieces of kit up at the bottom.  The river covers some more grade III then eases to grade II and some flat water till you pass under the metal Coronation Bridge. 
From Coronation Bridge the river will pick up in strength to the first grade III+ rapid.  It’s a tricky little chicane which runs over a sharp rock.  Pins have often occurred on this rock.  Be wary!  There is a large enough pool to pick up the kit at the bottom. 
Once you have paddled or portaged this, river right, you’ll run over some more good grade III waves that will take you to the Linn of Tummel!  At grade IV (V in very high water) you will want to know where the get out for this is, river right.  It is best inspected from river right.  Some will paddle it and some will walk it.  This double drop is a wee bit committing for the up and coming grade IV boater.  However, for the established grade IV boater it will offer good sport.  Normally run the first drop river right, off the main shoot, make the breakout behind the rock the break back in and paddle the last drop, normally centre line. 

In the summer of 2007 this whole rock was covered and at grade V was very intimidating, as can be seen from the person in the red boat, Tony Davies. 

Once you have spent your time here walking, paddling and taking some pictures paddle the flat water past the hydro scheme on the right to the car park get out grid NN 914 517.  It’s far easier doing this than humping your boats up the steep track at the Linn!   

Once in the car park chill out and reminisce on a great run the River Tummel is!