Canoe Across Scotland - Start
Canoe Across Scotland - Night 1
Starting at Neptune’s Staircase in Fort William, we'll check our gear and pack our barrels. Once on the canal, we'll cover some basic paddling skills to help everyone feel confident in the boats before heading towards Gairlochy. Our first portage awaits, where we'll load the boats onto trolleys to bypass the canal locks. Finally, we'll set up camp on the shores of Loch Lochy for a well-deserved rest.
Waking up on the shores of Loch Lochy, we enjoy a freshly made breakfast before continuing our journey along the rest of Loch Lochy towards South Laggan. From there, we transition onto the canal and paddle through to Loch Oich, the watershed of The Great Glen.
Today, we paddle along Loch Oich, rejoin the Caledonian Canal, and head towards the more urban setting of Fort Augustus. Here, we can visit shops to pick up supplies, grab a shower, or enjoy a pub lunch if desired. After our lunch stop, we continue our journey onto the vast and famous Loch Ness!
Loch Ness is spectacular in any weather. As we continue our canoe journey, we might sail with the prevailing SW wind or enjoy reflections of the steep mountains in the mirror-like calm water. Our campsite will vary based on the best conditions for the day.
On the last day, we head towards the North Sea, enjoying the changing scenery from the mountains at the start to the urban setting of Inverness. As we approach the city, we can reflect on the journey and the beautiful landscapes we've experienced. Our adventure concludes in Inverness, marking the end of a memorable trip. We expect to finish no later than 2.30pm.
Includes complete kit list, daily mileage charts, and meeting point coordinates for offline access.
Perfect for individuals with some experience who want to take their skills to the next level. These sessions include more physically engaging activities and may cover varied terrain or conditions, offering a mix of challenge and reward. Expect a balance of skill development and adventure.
No prior experience is required. These sessions focus on learning the basics, so you can enjoy the experience even if it’s your first time. From understanding the gear to mastering essential techniques, we’ll ensure you feel prepared and comfortable.
The total distance is 100km. Each day you will paddle for up to 6 hours at a moderate pace, with plenty of breaks along the way.
We provide meals from first luch until last lunch. All food is fresh and home made. We also bring some wine for the evenings if people wish to have a glass while chatting about their day.
Absolutely - try and give the guide as much notice as possible of any dietary requirements. You can do this when completing your participation form after booking.
You'll camp at several designated wild camping locations along the route. These spots are carefully chosen to enhance your experience and connect you with the stunning surroundings. You can view these locations on the interactive map at the top of the page.
While we strive to deliver every course, on rare occasions we may have to change plans to keep safety paramount, i.e. reverse the route or have a late start to let the weather pass. In exceptionally bad weather we try to rearrange dates or as a very last resort we would need to cancel.
There are few options, Ard Tower Campsite has a secure lochup where you can leave your camper for around £15 for the week. You need to be a resident. Alternativly there is parking, which is less secure but public Torvean Long Stay
Sometimes the weather can deem an activity unfeasible for a set period of time. If this is the case, then your guide will offer an appropriate alternative. Examples are as follows: - The itinerary in reverse. The trip is much more enjoyable when you are not battling against the wind. - Canoe a different section of water. - Hike the Great Glen trails.
We will be planning to wild camp each evening, which we believe provides a more quality overall experience on the trip. We do have keys for the toilets at each canal lock gates where we can use the facilities. If we are away from the canal sections, we will find a convenient area where we can use the emergency toilet bag!
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
If you book solo we will provide a tent to have your own sleeping space. If you book as part of a group/pair then we would provide either 2 or 3 man tents to share.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on canoe across scotland? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
Canoes, camping kit, and dry barrels are included. The guide handles the route, the food stops, and the pace.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
We’re committed to protecting the landscapes we love. Unlike providers who put profit first, we focus on responsible guiding, conservation, and a leave-no-trace ethos. When you book with us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve Scotland’s wild places for future generations.
We keep our group sizes small to provide a personal and tailored experience. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we take the time to understand your goals and adapt each course to suit your needs.
Sure, you can find the well-trodden routes in a book—but we take you beyond the usual paths. With our deep local knowledge, we’ll guide you to hidden ridges, quiet valleys, and secret spots that make every adventure feel truly unique.
What other groups say about canoeing from the west coast to the east.
Packing, the route, and what five days on the Great Glen are like.
Water based expeditionsStephen McCall
Like all good trips, this one started with a quick message. ‘Are you interested in a bit of an adventure in November? I’ve got a two-week......
Water based expeditionsStephen McCall
As the summer season draws to a close, we get some spare time on our hands, so what better to do than see where the water is and get some good old fashioned adrenaline! So Liam, Terry and myself had a few days off togeth...
Highlands JournalStephen McCall
When you paddle the Hårkan River in central Sweden, you're not just on a canoe trip—you're moving through some of the most pristine wilderness Scandinavia has to offer. Vast forests meet clear water, the only sounds are...
Questions about the crossing, the camps, or whether five days is right for your group? Talk to the guides who paddle this route.
Gift vouchers
A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.
