Sometimes the best decision is not to paddle there

Last week I was officially on annual leave, but if you know me, you'll know I find it very difficult to switch off completely! Instead of sitting at home, I spent some of my time exploring potential new locations for future Och Aye Canoe kayaking and paddleboarding experiences.

I'm always looking for beautiful places that are safe, enjoyable and suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Finding new venues isn't just about discovering somewhere scenic – it's about making sure the location is right for everyone involved.

One of the places I visited was Clunie Loch, near Blairgowrie in Perthshire.

At first glance, it certainly has plenty of appeal. However, after spending time there and speaking to people with local knowledge, I became aware of ongoing tensions surrounding the area. Unfortunately, a small number of visitors have left rubbish behind, set bins on fire, attacked estate workers, created excessive noise and caused damage through acts of vandalism. As a result, relationships between some recreational users and the local community have become strained.

While I have absolutely no connection to that behaviour, I also don't want Och Aye Canoe to become associated with an area where those issues are currently affecting local residents and landowners.  My business has always been about much more than simply getting on the water.

Respect Comes First

One of the values at the heart of Och Aye Canoe is respecting the places we paddle.

Whether we're on a quiet loch, a canal or the coast, we have a responsibility to leave each location exactly as we found it – or even better.

That means:

• Taking all litter home.
• Respecting wildlife.
• Keeping noise to a minimum.
• Being considerate of local communities.
• Following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Leaving no trace of our visit.

The vast majority of paddlers already do this, and it's important that we continue setting a positive example.

The Search Continues

The good news is there are still plenty of fantastic places across Scotland waiting to be explored. Part of my annual leave involved investigating several different options, and I'll continue looking for locations that provide a great experience while respecting the people and environments around them.

I'd much rather take a little longer to find the right venue than rush into using somewhere that doesn't feel like the right fit.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support responsible paddling. Together we can help protect Scotland's incredible waterways so they're enjoyed for generations to come.

See you on the water!