loch ness canoe camping weekend

loch ness canoe camping weekend

2 daysGrade Leisurely - 3Loch NessMax 1:8 Ratio
5.0 / 5.0•Over 211+ Five-Star Reviews
The journey

What the days on the water involve

Loch Ness offers an extraordinary canoe trip holiday destination, where Scotland's most legendary waters provide the perfect backdrop for a weekend camping adventure. This spectacular canoe journey takes you paddling across the vast 23-mile loch, navigating hidden bays and dramatic shorelines accessible only by canoe. As you glide through these mysterious waters in your open canoe, you'll discover why Loch Ness captivates paddlers from around the world. Your weekend canoe camping experience includes fresh food prepared at waterside campsites, while evenings feature stories shared around the campfire after a rewarding day of paddling. Whether you're mastering new canoe techniques or simply enjoying the tranquility of Scotland's most famous loch from your canoe, this trip delivers an unforgettable Highland adventure.
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Expedition Topography & Route

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Day-By-Day Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Today we launch from the historic village of Fort Augustus and paddle along Loch Ness's remote south shore. This quieter route takes us away from the crowds, through pristine Highland wilderness where ancient woodlands sweep down to the water's edge. We'll follow the dramatic shoreline with its hidden bays and crystal-clear waters, perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking in the raw Scottish Highland beauty. Our day concludes at Foyers, home to Scotland's spectacular waterfall, where we'll set up camp with stunning loch views and the peaceful sound of cascading water nearby.

Gear & Provisions

Inclusions, Exclusions & Kit

What's Included

  • ✓Led by a highly experienced and qualified guide.
  • ✓Enjoy delicious and fresh meals, from the first lunch to the last, including hearty breakfasts and dinners.
  • ✓Traditional style open canoe (2 people per boat)
  • ✓All required water-based safety equipment provided, including buoyancy aids and helmets when needed.
  • ✓All cooking and eating utensils provided—just bring your appetite!
  • ✓We supply tents and sleeping mats for a restful night under the stars.
  • ✓Photos from your course

Not Included

  • ✗Personal Sleeping Bag
  • ✗Course Insurance
  • ✗Personal Expenses
  • ✗Accommodation

What to Bring

  • •Waterproofs, top and bottoms
  • •Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable)
  • •Spare shoes to get wet plus dry shoes for camp
  • •Quality, breathable waterproof jacket and trousers. We recommend Gore-tex or similar
  • •Spare insulating layer
  • •Hat & gloves
  • •Warm socks
  • •Sleeping bag, 3 season
  • •Spare insulating layer for camp
  • •Spare set of clothes x 2
  • •Some large zip-lock bags to keep your clothes and equipment organised
  • •Head torch, plus spare batteries
  • •Water bottle or flask
  • •Midge net and/or cream (smidge)
  • •Camping foldable chair (optional)
  • •Inflatable pillow (optional)
  • •Ear plugs (optional)
  • •Sunglasses and sun cream (you just never know!)
  • •Personal medications
Official Grade StandardsGrade Leisurely - 3

Canoe Holidays - Easy

Suitable For

Designed for peole who are seeking a gentle introduction to outdoor skills on the water. These activities are tailored for people looking to build confidence in a safe and supportive setting. Expect a relaxed pace, easy terrain, and plenty of guidance along the way.

Skills Required

A moderate level of fitness and some familiarity with outdoor activities is helpful. While these experiences remain accessible, they involve slightly more effort, whether it’s paddling against the current, navigating white water, or braving changing weather conditions.

Expedition Gallery

Heading down Loch Lochy on day two
Camped packed away and ready to hit the glassy waters on Loch Ness
With the wind in your favour its time to get the sails up!
Getting boats back on the water after our portage at Laggan
Does it get any better?
Sublime conditions on our Great Glen Cro

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Departure
£320.00/ person
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Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on loch ness canoe camping weekend? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.

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From £380/day
Calculated Private Rate2 Days • 1:1 Ratio
£760(£380/day)
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More water

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The Highland Standard

Why paddle with us

Canoes, camping kit, and dry barrels are included. The guide handles the route, the food stops, and the pace.

Autumn birch and pine reflected in still water.
5.0 / 5.0••TripAdvisor Verified

Tales from the water

What other groups say about the rivers, the camps, and the days in the canoe.

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"Amazing 👏"

Fantastic experience from start to finish, Our guide Terry was a top lad and a fantastic cook couldnt do enough for everyone ,was great fun and was very experienced on the water ,we had a great group ,had plenty of laughs and would would highly recommend this trip.over and out seal team 4.

Lee CharltonVerified

"Canoe Across Scotland"

Fabulous time with small group canoeing and wild camping. Guide and canoe instructor Antony was great, very friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm. Food was amazing and we never went hungry. Storm Floris spoilt some of our adventure but everyone just cracked on with it. Top marks to Antony who did proper risk assessment before our last day and requested additional support from Steven to accompany us on a extremely windy Loch Ness. Great company would recommend and use again for another adventure!

Kazz DVerified

"River Spey canoe trip"

An excellent 4 days paddling the River Spey with Rory. The whole event was well organised and Rory was a very knowledgeable and capable guide, knowing the river very well. His cooking skills and meal choices were also very good, definitely did not go hungry. The scenery was exceptional and wildlife seem very good, 2 Ospreys included. The canoes and kit provided were also very good.

John HVerified

"Guided Descent of the River Spey"

Many thanks to Stephan for a great 4-day trip down the Spey! We really enjoyed the scenery and the water - especially the washing machine! Good accomodations and good food down the way helped as well to make this an unforgettable trip. We'll definitely be back for more fun some day!

Paul AkkermansVerified

"River Spey Trip"

We had a great day canoeing on the beautiful river Spey with family and friends. Being with a guide helped us to improve our skills and becoming more confident with slightly wilder water. Stephen was a great guide, looking after us well, giving clear instructions. Would definitely recommend to others.

Family HVerified

"Guided Canoe trip on Loch Maree"

Our experience with Scottish Rock and Water started in March when we went on a 2 day winter climbing course with Lou in the Cairngorms. Lou was friendly, enthusiastic, highly knowledgeable and a great instructor. She was keen to get to know what we wanted to get out of the 2 days and planned accordingly and made sure that we had covered all the bases. As for the experience itself, we got to experience a very real Scottish Winter experience, which I will never forget!! Both routes were well suited to our ability, which were challenging yet achievable. A fantastic 2 days, which we enjoyed so much, we decided to go back for more in Skye in May (recommended by Lou), which was led this time by Stephen. We were keen to get more familiar with rope techniques and develop our skills further. Stephen organised the 2 days brilliantly, giving us a mixture of an exciting mountaineering experience on the first day (climbing our first munro!) and then onto a more relaxed second day were we got to practice what we had learnt on the 1st day and go into more detail, learning about making decisions, choosing routes and anchoring techniques. Stephen was very supporting of us wanting to develop our skills to help us to become more independent in the mountains, and once we have had some more time to practice what we've learnt, we will surely return to Scottish Rock and Water to learn more!!!

Lisa MarfellVerified
Field Notes

Canoe field notes

Packing, rivers, and how a multi-day paddle in Scotland actually runs.

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Give a day in the Highlands

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.

Two paddlers sail a red canoe under a Saltire, with a forested hill behind them.