A classic canoe journey from coast to coast through the spectacular loch and river system of the Great Glen. The adventure begins just outside Fort William on the easy, sheltered water of the Caledonian Canal. We then journey through a series of amazing lochs including the iconic Loch Ness.
The journey includes some straightforward river and loch paddling and, if water levels are high enough, we may also run a couple of river stretches instead of following the canal. We may even and sail rafted canoes if the wind conditions are favourable. Throughout the expedition, coaching will be given to help you develop your paddling skills, so by the end of the route, you will not only have enjoyed a unique journey, you will also be a more competent canoeist.
We meet in Corpach, just outside Fort William, in the evening. Our guide will brief you about the trip and go through the kit with you. Overnight in bunkhouse.
Our canoe journey begins above Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, a gentle introduction as we make our way to Gairlochy, and the first of several lock gates, at the end of Loch Lochy. A canoe trip up the Great Glen with its large areas of open water is dictated by wind conditions, but we plan to get about three quarters of the way up Loch Lochy today, camping on the north side in the shelter of trees.
Today’s section has the variety of the open water of Loch Lochy and a beautiful tree-lined section of canal, before we reach Loch Oich, much the smallest of the Great Glen’s lochs. Sometimes we can tow our canoes through the locks, while at other times we will need to portage – this is all part of the open canoe journey! Our campsite tonight is on the grassy shore of Loch Oich.
Very occasionally the level of the River Oich is perfect for paddling, but normally we are back on the canal for the few miles up to Fort Augustus. Here we have the longest portage of the trip, round a series of six locks, but our efforts are rewarded as we canoe out onto the mighty Loch Ness. If the wind and the group’s energy allow, we will continue up the loch to camp in the woodland below Invermoriston.
Loch Ness is awesome in any weather conditions, so as we continue our canoe journey we may be sailing with a following wind or watching reflections of the steep mountains in mirror calm water. Urquhart Castle guards the bay into which we plan to paddle for our last night’s camp, though there is always the option to continue further.
From Urquhart Bay to Lochend is over a mile wide but before too long the end of the loch is in sight. After a few miles we will reach Loch Dochfour out of which flows the River Ness, which in turn flows through Inverness and out into the Beauly Firth. This is the end point of a memorable canoe trip through the Great Glen. After sorting our kit, we are transferred back to Fort William for our journey’s end.
All bunkhouse and tented accommodation as stated in the itinerary. All meals as stated in the itinerary. All transport, starting and finishing in Fort William (with the option to be dropped in Inverness on Day 6 if required). The services of at least one experienced and knowledgeable canoe guide and driver throughout your trip. All group equipment including tents, group safety equipment and cooking /eating equipment and utensils. All specialist open canoe equipment, including canoes and buoyancy aids.
Transport to and from the holiday start/end point. Travel insurance and personal equipment. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Incidental personal expenditure e.g. alcoholic drinks, laundry, etc. Any other items not mentioned as included.
All prices indicated are per person, are for guidance only, and are subject to final confirmation at the time of booking with the Travel Specialist who provides the service. For any holidays displayed without an indication of price, a quotation can be obtained from the Travel Specialist through our enquiry system.
Canoe.
Meals made at camp.
At least one experienced and knowledgeable canoe guide and driver throughout your trip.
Sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, hat, gloves, canoeing footwear, water bottle, mosquito net, insect repellent, head torch, sun hat, sun cream, sunglasses, travel towel, personal first aid kit.
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Due to the exposed nature of the landscape, the prevailing weather may result in our goals being modified. The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide having regard to wind and weather conditions and other factors.
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Activity Holidays Adventure Holidays Canoeing Holidays
Small Group
Scotland
6 days
Fort William
Camping.
May, Jul
Moderate