How long to canoe the caledonian canal

Be prepared to amend your plans if need be:. There are however specific issues which everyone paddling the trail should take into consideration and take into account when planning the journey by open canoe or sea kayak.

You are strongly advised to plan to paddle the route from south-west to north-east, that is, from Corpach to Inverness, because this is the direction of the normally prevailing wind.

But the wind could be different! The paddle will take paddle fit canoeists three days — we recommend four days. If the wind is against you, the trip could well take longer, especially on the large lochs, where waves might reach 5 ft 1. The water is always cold — even in the height of summer.

Even competent paddlers need to allow for the unexpected and plan accordingly and have supplies to last longer than the planned trip. The south side of the route refers to the south-east bank. There are regular locks and their gates on the canal sections which paddlers will come across.

The turbulence encountered when lock sluices are opened with a 28 feet 8. Normally, you will have to portage canoes and kayaks around locks, i. It is recommended that you look at hiring portage trolley wheels to go round the locks along the way — British Waterways Board do not allow canoes or kayaks to paddle through the locks. All the bridges can be safely paddled under, apart from Muirtown Bridge at the northern end of the canal — check the clearance before going under it.

BW operates and maintains the whole canal route, and are there to offer information and enjoyment to recreation-users.

You should register for the licence online www. You are asked to inform the lock-keeper at Corpach or your first lock that you are going on the water. Keep a look out for very large ships which you will need to keep a look-out for. BW want to hear in advancefrom groups of six paddlers or more. Camping near water and wet gear will increase the risk of condensation forming inside your tent.

Since you're not having to carry your food on your back, you can afford to take a reasonable amount. Food is essential for maintaing energy and morale. Be warned, paddling will burn a lot of calories and you will need to refuel each day in order to enjoy yourself. Wayfayrer meals provide a hearty portion of real food ready to eat.

They can also be heated and eaten direct from the bag, saving on the washing up! Although there are a couple of bunkhouses along the route, you will have to camp at least a couple of nights. Make sure you take your camp stove , hot food is so very welcome at the end of a long day paddling!

This should go without saying but really is an important point: wear a bouyancy aid. You may not plan to fall in the water but even in the middle of summer, Loch Ness is cold enough that you may go into shock and be unable to swim. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, particularly the wind speed and direction. On the open stretches of water you'll really notice if the wind is against you.

Paddle on the right hand side when on the canal. There are a number of other craft on the water and you'll need to be aware of etiquette and safety rules when in the presence of larger boats. Respect the distance and the stamina required. Though this is not a technically difficult paddle, you should have reasonable experience of canoeing. Consider a couple of lessons before taking on this challenge.

Lastly, enjoy yourself! There is a range of accommodation options in the settlements along the route for paddlers, walkers and cyclists. You can find out more about these here or by using the VisitScotland website. A couple of providers offer support ranging from baggage transfer and kit hire to fully guided expeditions for the Great Glen Canoe Trail.

They are listed here. There are good public transport links to the start and end of the route in Fort William and Inverness. Do take care when portaging down Canal Side. As this road is a single track, it is generally easier to portage the canoe or kayak down the pavement and saves hassle when the frequent cars and vans have to pass especially when in a large paddling group.

Care is also needed at the crossroads. This is a 30mph road and makes sense to work as a team to cross safely. Loch Ness is 22 miles long and is classed as an open water loch. It has a reputation for producing large lumpy waves as the fetch builds. The best plan is to choose as a group to either follow the North or Southside. There are many easy egress points between Fort Augustus and Invermoristom should the water and wind conditions not be conducive to paddling.

Passed Invermoriston, there are limited take outs thereafter. From Fort Augustus to Foyers, there are a number of spots where you can wild camp however there are no egress points should you not wish to continue. Egress is possible halfway down the loch at Foyers and from Inverfargaig to Dores, the road is easily accessible. Loch Lochy is 12 miles long and is classed as an open water loch.

It has a reputation for producing large waves as the fetch builds. Most paddlers stick close to the Northside close to the bank to make landing easy should the wind and wave conditions change quickly. When leaving Loch Dochour and heading towards Dochgarroch Locks, at the green navigation buoy just before Dochfour Weir, cross over to the Northside of the canal when clear from canal traffic and hug the canal bank.

This is to avoid any flow above the sluice gates and weir. Even when far enough away, the wash from other boat traffic, or if one of your group stop paddling, the wind and flow can pull you towards and over the weir. There are many useful resources to help you plan and prepare you to take on the Great Glen Canoe Trail. I have a specific Great Glen Canoe Guide Facebook page which I frequently add useful tips and latest advice from in and around the trail which is useful for all.

Loch Oich Food Co. The Lock Inn Food is served all day in our main bar area and in our upstairs restaurant which overlooks the canal. Londis Supermarket within Petrol Station Main food top-up point. Open daily: 8 am to 8 pm. The Boathouse Restaurant Serving a variety of local classics and Mediterranean specialties. The Highland Club, St. The Lovat Loch Ness In their brasserie, you can enjoy an a la carte or tasting menu. Foyers Stores Local Store More details to follow. Dores Inn It is advisable to book in advance for meals, as the restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

An Tulla Our menu changes daily, with seasonal warm and cold dishes, soups, sandwiches, and homemade bakes. The Loch Ness Inn Our restaurant has a cosy and charming atmosphere, with its woodburning stove. Chase the Wild Goose Hostel Recently fully refurbished, the hostel has 42 beds in a mix of double, twin, family and dormitory accommodation, providing for the needs of individuals, families, backpackers and small groups.

The Great Glen Hostel The hostel can accommodate up to 49 people in 11 rooms, all with comfortable bunk beds. Saddle Mountain Hostel Our hostel has 5 bedrooms, sleeping up to 22 people. Laggan Locks Glamping Bothies At the time of adding, the link to booking was not live. Old Pier House Both double and twin bedrooms are available in the main house. Loch Ness Shores Campsite Grass pitches with or without electricity for tents.

Inverness Youth Hostel Located in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the city centre, Inverness Youth Hostel offers guests four-star VisitScotland accredited hostel accommodation. Glengarry Filling Station Basic supplies can be bought from the petrol station at Invergarry. Opening hours: 7 am to 9 pm daily.

Pepperpot Lighthouse Corpach The popular term Pepperpot lighthouse is used to describe a particular type of small lighthouse that has an architectural style similar to a scaled-up salt or pepper shaker.

Pepperpot Lighthouse Gairlochy The popular term Pepperpot lighthouse is used to describe a particular type of small lighthouse that has an architectural style similar to a scaled-up salt or pepper shaker.

Pepperpot Lighthouse Fort Augustus The popular term Pepperpot lighthouse is used to describe a particular type of small lighthouse that has an architectural style similar to a scaled-up salt or pepper shaker. Historic Scotland was among organisations that supported the renovation project. Telford's Canoe Parking Unlike the Loy Aquaduct, Telford used most of the local streams and burns to help top up the canal sections. Remember, responsible access!

Loch Lochy Viewpoint Easy launch or landing from vehicle access close to lochside. Loch Oich Slipway Entering into the Forestry Commission Scotland car park, there is a natural slipway to the left which has direct access onto Loch Oich. Dores Beach This village slipway can also be used for launching onto Loch Ness. River Lochy Launch There is an established layby, side of the road parking by the dam fence through the Scottish Canoe Association as acts as the paddlers take out for the River Spean Gorge.

Fort William Slipway This area is tidal and exposed so it may make landing difficult at low tide times and difficulty paddling on windy days. River Oich Launch For groups not wishing to paddle down the Oich Weir and under the A82 main road bridge, you can follow the canal route and paddle under the Aberchalder Swing bridge and land at the Aberchalder stand-alone canoe trail pontoon on canal left GR: NH or W3W: grumble.

Laggan Waterfall Laggan Avenue is thee most scenic and tranquil canal section of the Caledonian Canal. Old Railway Bridge A few signs are still evident of the old railway line that used to go from Fort William to Fort Augustus including this railway bridge. Old Railway Tunnel A few signs are still evident of the old railway line that used to go from Fort William to Fort Augustus including this railway tunnel. Bridge of Oich This splendid and innovative metre suspension bridge, designed by a brewer-turned-engineer, was built in , five years after floods swept through the Great Glen and destroyed the stone bridge over the River Oich.

Old Iron Boat Back in the day when money and labour was sparse after World War 2 in , the River Oich eroded the right banking to the extent the canal pressure caused the remaining embankment to collapsed. Falls of Foyers Viewpoint If camping or looking at taking some time off the loch, the walk from Lower Foyers up to the viewpoint is worthwhile.

Urquhart Castle Urquhart Castle overlooks Loch Ness from the rocky promontory that it dominates and upon which some famous names have set foot. I recommend visiting the castle if you have at least minutes. There are toilets, a cafe, and a gift shop on site.

Old Coal Barges Two old wooden-hulled coal barges that used to be towed along canal waterways have been dragged here into the shallows of Loch Dochfour and infilled with stones to weigh them down. Wi Guid Craic Anaw!! River House Restaurant Open from 3 pm Tuesday to Saturday, serving the finest seafood and shellfish, sourced locally and beyond. Toilets Close by Short term parking. Moy Informal Camping.

Gairlochy Informal Camping. Glasdhoire Trailblazer Rest - Informal Camping. Leitterfearn Trailblazer Rest - Informal Camping. Kytra Informal Camping. Knockie Informal Camping. Dochgarroch Informal Camping. Paddling on the Canal When paddling on the canal stretches; Paddle on the right-hand side of all canal section, except when leaving Loch Dochour and heading towards Dochgarroch Locks, Do give motorboats and other large canal traffic sufficient space to maneuver as some may need the depth of the middle, Do stay well back from canal lock gates, weirs, and canal sluices, Pay notice to associated canal user signage, Only pass under canal swing bridges when not in operation.

If the alarm sounds and lockkeeper is closing the road traffic to swing bridge and let boat traffic through, canoeists and kayakers should hold back until the swing bridge is closed and road traffic resumes, Canoe or kayak sailing on the canal sections is NOT permitted, Wild camping is only allowed at specific informal camping sites.