Can I cruise the Caledonian Canal in a narrowboat? Yes, narrowboats are welcome to visit the Caledonian Canal however you must notify us in advance of arrival and follow our Safety Guidance for Narrowboats & Small Craft. How can I hire a boat?
How long does it take to cruise the Caledonian Canal?
The canal system is about 60 miles in length and our base in Inverness is both your pick up and return point (one-way cruises are sadly not possible). It takes around 3 days to cruise form one end to the other, it is therefore the ideal place to spend a week cruising.
Can you boat from Inverness to Fort William?
This stunning Highlands waterway runs from Inverness to Fort William on the west coast. It passes through a range of pretty towns and villages, lochs and countryside, providing a beautiful scenic setting to visitors.
What is the speed limit on the Caledonian Canal?
Speed Limit
The Bye Laws of the Caledonian Canal, which have been in force since 1966, require that vessels comply with the speed limits of 6 m.p.h. (5.2 knots) in any part of the canal where ‘the waterway has been raised artificially’ and Skippers are required to pass moored craft at ‘Dead Slow’.
Can you take a narrowboat on the Caledonian Canal? – Related Questions
Can you moor anywhere on the Caledonian Canal?
Moorings are free along the Caledonian Canal. Electricity points are available at some moorings, for a charge of £3 – £4 per night. Please consult your waterways map to find the locations of waterside facilities such as showers and, toilets (free), as well as electricity points.
How many lochs are in the Caledonian Canal?
There are 29 locks (including eight at Neptune’s Staircase, Banavie), four aqueducts and 10 bridges in the course of the canal.
What is the speed limit on Loch Ness?
The general speed limit is 60 miles per hour on these roads but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe to go that fast. 50 mph is more relaxing when there is so much wildlife around, especially on the South Loch Ness road, animals often want to cross the road just in front of you, so please be aware.
What depth is the Caledonian Canal?
The canal channel was designed to be 33.5m wide at the surface, 6.1m deep and 15.2m wide at the bottom. Its summit at Laggan is 32.3m above sea level. However, the 6.1m depth wasn’t attained by 1822 because of difficult ground conditions.
How many miles is the Caledonian Canal?
The 73 mile route takes you across Scotland from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east.
Where does the Caledonian Canal start and end?
The Caledonian Canal is Scotland’s longest inland waterway. It runs from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east and follows the course of the Great Glen – a 100km long narrow valley – and cuts through Lochs Oich, Lochy and Ness.
Is the Caledonian Canal salt water?
Uniquely, the Caledonian Canal is made up of four fresh water lochs and a series of man-made canals and lock systems along its length.
Can you cross Scotland by boat?
Plan Your Trip
Offering a coast-to-coast link through spectacular scenery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Caledonian Canal is approximately 60 miles (96.5km) in length.
Can you canoe the Caledonian Canal?
Whether you are looking for a long distance canoeing challenge or a relaxing day paddle, the Caledonian Canal offers fabulous options for paddlers of all abilities. Over 4,000 paddlers visit the waters of the Caledonian Canal each year.
How long does it take to canoe the Caledonian Canal?
The route includes 29 locks which must be portaged around, and takes most paddlers about 3 days in a kayak or about 5 days in a Canadian canoe. The Caledonian Canal is shared with boats of all sizes, ranging from small dinghies to large passenger vessels.
How long does it take to canoe from Fort William to Inverness?
The route begins on the west coast at Fort William heading north eastwards through to Inverness and the North Sea. The route normally takes hard canoes between 3 and 5 days to complete, depending on fitness and weather conditions.
Can you canoe from Inverness to Fort William?
The Great Glen Canoe Trail was Scotland’s first formal Canoe Trail. Following the Caledonian Canal route from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east, this sixty-mile challenge has undergone development over the last few years due to the popularity of this fantastic canoe and sea kayak route.
How long does it take to paddle Loch Ness?
Typically a 4 or 5 day journey by canoe, you can camp along the way, or stop off in Fort Augustus for a night in a B&B or Hotel. It will give you an amazing sense of achievement finishing up in Inverness at the end of this 60 mile journey.
Where does the Great Glen Canoe Trail start?
The Way begins at the ruins of the Old Fort, Fort William and runs the entire length of Scotland’s longest glen, following the Caledonian Canal, forest tracks and drove roads. It passes beside three major lochs: Lochs Lochy, Oich and Ness.
How deep is a kayak?
A depth of 13″ to 15″ is common for quality recreational & touring kayaks.
Do sea kayaks flip easily?
But whitewater (rapid water) paddling with an ultra-light or sea kayak comes with a very high risk of the boat flipping.