Paddleboarding the Caledonian Canal
paddleboard Scotland like never before
Paddleboarding the Caledonian canal is 6 epic days covering 95 Km in one of the most spectacular areas of the UK whilst conquering the formidable open waters of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. Enjoy incredible wild campsites, local cuisine, and mind-blowing scenery. Experience amazing wilderness, mountains, and lochs, with unique wildlife! A life-changing expedition you cannot pass by.
Paddleboarding the Caledonian Canal is not the only challenge you will take when heading out on the water, you will also be camping for a few nights and having to plan what food you might take on your trip. But don’t worry we have a support vehicle along the way just in case you may need anything.
While paddleboarding the Caledonian Canal you will be surrounded by vast mountains and absolute beauty from all sides.
You can take a read of how the last epic Paddleboarding Caledonian Calan tour went here.
Tour Itinerary
Typical food menu could be:
Breakfast: Porridge, bacon or sausage sandwich, tea, coffee or juice
Lunch: Sandwiches or wraps or soup. Various fillings and flavours. Fruit and snacks.
Dinner: BBQ, pasta dish, risotto, stirfry. Chance to eat out along the journey subject to availability.
This tour involves wild camping where facilities are very limited including the possibility of no toilets. We try to use wild camps where toilets are available but it is not always possible.
Below is an example itinerary. Your exact itinerary will be sent to you before your expedition start date.
Make your own way to Fort William, Scotland. Our expedition team will warmly welcome you at 4pm at ‘Chase the Wild Goose Hostel‘, Fort William. You will have time to settle in to your room before a meal out at 7pm.
After dinner, the evening is yours to relax before the big adventure starts.
Accommodation:
Chase the Wild Goose Hostel (or similar)
Meals Provided:
Dinner (drinks not included)
Your journey starts at 9am at the incredible Neptune’s Staircase, a great photo opportunity! The staircase locks were built in the early 19th century and are bordered by walkways, food shops and scenic viewpoints. A short walk with your kit, led by your guide will take you to the top of the staircase where you will begin your epic paddleboarding journey! Following the Great Glen Way and the River Lochy to Gairlochy. A packed lunch will be enjoyed on the water and dinner will be provided by your guides.
Accommodation:
Canal Campsite or B&B/Self-Catered Accommodation (dependant on availability)
Meals Provided:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (drinks not included)
A slightly earlier start time of 8am with a hearty Scottish breakfast before you leave provided by your guides. Today you will paddle your first loch – Loch Lochy. The loch is over 15 Km long with an average width of about 1 Km. The loch is 162m at its deepest point making it the third deepest loch in Scotland. Enjoy a packed lunch on the loch edge with breath-taking views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The journey continues, making your way to Laggan Locks. A short paddle takes you to Loch Oich and your first wild camp spot. Set up camp and relax taking in the incredible remoteness of Scotland! Your guides will then take you on an evening hike to a very unique restaurant called Th Eagle Barge Inn on the Water. The hike is roughly 3.5 Km there and back. A good rest is then needed for the longest day ahead.
Accommodation:
Wild Camp or Campsite (dependant on availability)
Meals Provided:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (drinks not included)
An early start sees you on the water at 7am. Another wholesome breakfast provided by your guides will get your day started on the right tracks. A stunning paddle along the canal following the River Oich up to a small town called Fort Augustus. Time to get a nice hot drink and a special treat for lunch. As you leave Fort Augustus you will enter the famous Loch Ness. Extending approximately 37 Km and 230m at its deepest point it is the second-largest and deepest loch in Scotland. Best known for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as ‘Nessie.’ Loch Ness is the largest body of water in the Great Glen which runs from Fort William to Inverness.
Paddling to our campsite at Foyers, Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Club. Dinner will be provided by your guides. After dinner, there will be the opportunity to take a guided walk to the Falls of Foyers. A stunning attraction with walking trails to a picturesque waterfall amid a lush, green landscape. After all the physical exercise of this long day, you can enjoy a well-deserved drink in The Wee Dram Whisky Bar. It offers unrivalled selections of Scotch whisky in an elegant and relaxed setting.
Accommodation:
Camping (upgrades optional, dependant on availability)
Meals Provided:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (drinks not included)
The penultimate day with another long but memorable paddle through Loch Ness. Passing by Urquhart Castle. The ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification, it even played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th Century. Lunch can be had looking upon the castle from Loch Ness. Your paddle continues to the Dochgarroch Locks. There is a semi-wild campsite here, but if you are feeling you want a little more luxury there is an option to upgrade to a B & B. Dinner will be at a wonderful restaurant called The Oakwood, located on the canal bank.
Accommodation:
Camping (upgrades optional, dependant on availability)
Meals Provided:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (drinks not included)
Your final day on the water with a beautiful, relaxing paddle into Inverness. On arriving in the town, you can successfully say you have paddled Scotland and covered 95 Km of waterways! There will be plenty of time to have a pub lunch and visit the town before your departure.
Departure options (prices vary):
A shuttle back to Fort William (2 hours)
Additional overnight stay in Inverness
Accommodation:
None (optional extra if required)
Meals Provided:
Breakfast (drinks not included)
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