Boating holidays in Scotland
Did you see Le Boat on ITV’s This Morning? Josie Gibson took to the water and enjoyed a boating holiday in Scotland, along the wonderful Caledonian Canal.
You too can enjoy your very own Scottish Staycation, filled with scenic beauty, unspoiled nature, delicious gastronomy and fascinating heritage with the dramatic Highlands as a backdrop.
If you have been inspired by Josie’s Wee Boating Adventure, here’s everything you need to know!
Start at the Le Boat Base in Laggan
Your very own boating adventure will start at the Le Boat base in Laggan. The base will show you everything you need to know about canal boating holidays! No licence or experience is required and you’ll quickly realise how easy it is and soon become confident navigating the waterways.
Loch Oich
As you leave Laggan Locks, after 45 minutes boating you will come to Loch Oich the prettiest and most sheltered loch on the Caledonian and the highest part to the canal. Here you’ll find the Well of the Seven Heads monument standing tall – a reminder of the brutal batal between the MacDonnell Clan.
A short cruise away from the Well of the Seven Heads you’ll find a mooring point at Invergarry. In the grounds of The Glengarry Castle Hotel you’ll find the ruins of Invergarry Castle, offering lovely views over Loch Oich.
Kytra Lock
From here you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of Loch Oich as you pass through a swing bridge and Cullochy Lock all of which operated by a lock keeper. The next lock will be Kytra. This is probably one of the prettiest locks on the canal and a perfectly tranquil spot to moor up, appreciate the surroundings and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Fort Augustus
On arrival to Fort Augustus, you’ll be blown away by one of the most picturesque towns along the canal. Here you’ll find a number of bars and restaurants and local attractions. The Clansman Centre is one of the most unique with live demonstrations by actors in traditional highland dress giving an insight into the 18th century. The flight of five locks is the gateway to Loch Ness that take around one hour to negotiate.
Iceberg Glass
Near the bottom of the flight of locks, pop into Iceberg Glass for some great souvenirs and you can also watch them being made. Iceberg Glass was founded in 1982, initially producing a small range of lamp worked glass. Today, they use borosilicate glass heated over a flame to form their very own diverse range of products from jewellery to Scottish themed whisky pipettes.
Monster Activities
Based in the grounds of Fort Augustus Abbey, Monster Activities host a range of activities from tomahawk and knife throwing to archery and guided walks. Learn how to throw axes and knifes at the target - it's not as easy as you might think!
Loch Ness
As you walk your boat through the last lock at Fort Augustus, the gates will open and lead you on to Loch Ness. Loch Ness, home to Nessie the monster, has a depth of 230 metres (775 feet). The loch is 39 kilometres (24 miles) long.
Active Highs
You’ll love exploring the deep blue waters on the hunt for Nessie. Active Highs do a number of kayak guided tours plus other activities like water rafting, abseiling and climbing for those looking for a sense of adventure.
And that’s not it! You can enjoy a boating holiday all the way up to the Highland’s capital Inverness or from Laggan to Fort William with Ben Nevis standing tall in the background. There’s so much on offer in Scotland, you’ll want to go back year after year.
Download our Caledonian Canal guide for more information and to help you plan your boating holiday.