wild about paddling

Craig Kerr is the proud owner of outdoor activity business, Biggar Adventure. He has an unrivalled knowledge of the River Tweed and played a key role in helping bring to life the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail. He shares his favourite section of the river for spring paddles …

Name: Craig Kerr

Day job: Owner, Biggar Adventure

How long lived in the Tweed Valley? I grew up here – so 42 years

Specialist subject? Canoeing

Favourite paddle spot for springtime? Each section of the Tweed Valley Canoe Trail has its own charms, but if I had to choose one it would be the stretch from Stobo (Easter Dawyck) down to Peebles.

What makes it so special? The River Tweed at Stobo is very peaceful. It’s also relatively narrow which draws you closer to the wildlife and the trees towering above that are starting to come to life in the spring. As you float along, the Tweed Valley opens up in front of you.

Who would you most love to spend a day on the water with and why? This is hard. Just being out on the water with people who appreciate their surroundings is really nice. But if I could choose someone then it would be Bob Mortimer. He would bring a bit of humour but I also think he would have a genuine interest in the river. He's very random which would keep things interesting, too!

Dream paddling destination if ever enticed away from the Tweed Valley? I’ve been lucky to paddle all over Britain, along with France, Norway, Sweden and Italy on some amazing rivers. I would love to paddle on the Danube, though – being able to enjoy the scenery, wildlife and history along that river would be special.

Further info

  • The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail spans a particularly scenic stretch of the River Tweed from Stobo to just beyond Abbotsford, roughly 30-miles downstream. The perfect water activity from April to September, the canoe trail offers adventure for all abilities – and is a unique way to explore the wilder reaches of the valley.

  • There’s more paddling to be enjoyed at St Mary’s Loch and Loch of the Lowes, just 30 minutes away from Innerleithen’s characterful High Street.

Picture credit: Marc Marshall