PITLOCHRY RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Solo, Seated, and Surging: River Bugging the Tummel
A concise guide to Splash Rafting’s 2-hour, instructor-led river-bugging session on the River Tummel—what the ride is, what to bring, and who can go.
Solo, Seated, and Surging: River Bugging the Tummel.
River Bugging on the Tummel places you in a one-person, inflatable 'armchair' and sends you through the river’s whitewater under the guidance of experienced Splash Rafting instructors. The activity is high-energy and adrenaline-fueled; operators supply necessary wetsuits and gloves and will teach you how to pick a line and negotiate rapids on your own craft.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A one-person inflatable 'armchair' born in New Zealand
The river bug is a one-person craft that looks like an inflatable armchair—designed to let you feel every nook and cranny of the river. Splash Rafting introduced river bugging to Scotland from New Zealand in 2003 and operates the largest fleet in the UK.
Short, intense whitewater play with expert instruction
River Bugging is a high-energy, adrenaline-fueled way to play on the river: after expert instruction you’ll negotiate your own path through rapids, either on the river itself or on a whitewater course.
Established provider with capacity for full groups
Splash Rafting pioneered river bugging in Scotland and reports the largest fleet of river bugs in the UK, enabling them to take whole groups in one session; the activity runs year-round and the operator has introduced thousands of guests to the sport since 2003.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
Expect a concentrated, hands-on whitewater experience: you’ll receive expert instruction, suit up in a full wetsuit and webbed gloves supplied by the operator, and launch in your bug to pick and negotiate lines through rapids—a deliberately solitary, responsive way to feel the river.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session is appropriate for, with regard to operator restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The activity is scheduled as a 2-hour session; confirm start time and rendezvous details with the operator when you book.
Meet at Clunie Power Station, Pitlochry, PH16 5NF for check-in.
Splash provides all necessary wetsuit gear and gloves. Bring an old pair of shoes (they will get wet), swimwear for under the wetsuit, and optionally a synthetic (non-cotton) T-shirt; warm clothing for before and after the trip is recommended.
Splash Rafting operates a large fleet of river bugs and reports the ability to take full groups in a single session; check with the operator when booking to confirm group logistics.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does a river bugging session take?
The session is 2 hours long.
Where do we meet for the trip?
Meet at Clunie Power Station, Pitlochry, PH16 5NF.
Is equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?
The operator provides all required wetsuit gear and webbed gloves; you should bring an old pair of shoes to get wet and swimwear to wear under the wetsuit. A synthetic T-shirt is optional, and warm clothing is advised for before and after the session.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes — the operator enforces a weight limit of 14 stone (90 kg).
Who runs river bugging on the Tummel?
Splash Rafting runs river bugging trips on the River Tummel in Pitlochry.
When does river bugging operate?
Splash Rafting runs river bugging on the River Tummel year-round, with river-bugging described as ideal at summer river levels.