Boating along the Caledonian Canal
Although considered an inland navigation, the Caledonian Canal stands in a league of its own. At more than 750 feet the waters of Loch Ness are deeper than the North Sea and, quite apart from any concerns at encountering the eponymous monster, traversing it can be equivalent to a short sea-crossing - especially during inclement weather. In a strong south-westerly wind, waves of up to five feet can develop.
This is a waterway of lochs and locks. The massive eight-lock flight at Banavie, known as Neptune's Staircase, is little short of breathtaking - but the entire canal is littered with similar engineering feats on a grand scale, defying direct comparison with any other canal in Britain.
The canal is popular with sailing boats making the passage from coast to coast, but you can also hire a motor cruiser or sailing craft for a holiday on the canal. You will also see large fishing boats and passenger trip-boats on the way.
All locks and bridges are fully automated and operated by trained British Waterways staff, making passage an easy and relaxing process. Opening hours are published in advance and may be viewed in our stoppages & restrictions listings.
The absolute minimum time required to make passage is 14 hours over two to two and a half days. But if you are taking a holiday on the canal, don't rush - take some time sailing around Loch Ness, or exploring the wonderful waterside scenery. The maximum speed permitted on the canal section is 5 knots.
The massive expanse of water that is Loch Ness is a unique waterway experience. The atmosphere is more that of coastal cruising than of quiet inland waters, especially in windy weather - in a strong south-westerly wind, waves of up to five feet can develop.
During Winter opening hours, 24 hours notice is required for canal passage. Please contact Corpach Sea Lock, Fort William on 01397 772249, or Seaport Marina, Inverness on 01463 725500.
A comprehensive Skipper's Guide is available for free download.
Skippers' Guide - German (2mb)
Skippers' Guide - Norwegian (2mb)
Skippers' Guide - Swedish (2mb)
Transit Licences
The Caledonian Canals is a popular route for travelling between the East and West coasts of North Scotland. Please download the Transit & Short Term Licences document to find out how to purchase your trip through the canal.
Long-Term Moorings
There are currently waiting lists for all long-term moorings along the Caledonian Canal. Please download the Long-term Mooring Waiting List Form and read the Terms & Conditions before returning to British Waterways Scotland, Seaport Marina, Muirtown Wharf, Inverness, IV3 5LE (T: 01463 725500) to be added.
Other useful downloads:
Mooring Facilities
Change of Details Form
Canoeing
The Caledonian Canal offers an exciting and varied sea-to-sea challenge for the long distance canoeist alongside many opportunities for attractive day paddles.
Of the canal’s 60 miles, only 20 are in man-made canal cutting while the remaining 40 miles are formed by open lochs. The waters of the lochs are always cold, and in a strong south westerly wind waves up to 1.5m (5 feet) high can develop, particularly on Loch Ness.
Due to the challenges that canoeists may face on the lochs, we recommend that paddlers are experienced in long distance or open water canoeing and plan their journey carefully. Those new to canoeing are advised to seek the guidance of more experienced paddlers or specialist instructors.
To assist them in their duties, British Waterways Scotland ask all canoeists to collect a free of charge licence before using the canal, to ensure that everyone understands the safety requirements for what is a less-than-ordinary waterway. Licences can be obtained from the main canal office:
British Waterways Scotland, Seaport Marina, Muirtown Wharf, Inverness, IV3 5LE. Tel: 01463 725500, or from either of the sea locks. Along with your licence, you will also receive a Skipper’s Guide chart and a key for accessing the toilet/shower blocks. The key should be returned at the end of your visit.
The Canoeing on the Caledonian Canal leaflet aims to provide all the information a canoeist might need to paddle the canal safely and enjoyably. The Paddlers' Access Code leaflet is produced by the Scottish Canoe Union and explains your rights and responsibilities.
Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.
contact us
print page