Canoe the Great Glen & Caledonian Canal – 5-Day Adventure

Canoe across Scotland on this five-day adventure along the Great Glen Canoe Trail, covering 100km from Fort William to Inverness. Following a mix of canals, lochs, and gorgeous waterways, this journey takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Each night, you’ll set up camp in wild locations, enjoying campfires and cooked meals along the way. Whether you’re new to canoeing or an experienced paddler, this trip offers an unforgettable way to explore Scotland’s incredible landscapes.

Key Details

Duration: 5 days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, including beginners
Accommodation: Wild camping & one commercial campsite
Distance: 100km total (up to 25km per day)
Ages: 18+ (14+ if sharing a canoe with an adult)

Itinerary

Day 1 – Fort William to Loch Lochy
Meet your guides in the morning to prepare for the trip. After getting kitted up, you'll launch from Neptune’s Staircase and paddle along the Caledonian Canal before reaching Loch Lochy. The first night is spent wild camping on the loch’s remote shoreline, with a hot meal prepared for you by the guides.

Day 2 – Loch Lochy to Loch Oich
The morning starts with a peaceful paddle along Loch Lochy, stopping for a tea break before reaching Laggan Locks for lunch. There's a chance to visit the Eagle Barge floating bar before heading into Loch Oich, where you’ll set up camp for the night. A campfire and marshmallows make for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Day 3 – Loch Oich to Loch Ness
Today is the biggest day of paddling. You’ll follow the canal down to Fort Augustus, where you can enjoy a pub meal or fish and chips before continuing onto Loch Ness. After a scenic paddle, you’ll reach a commercial campsite where you can take a shower and recharge. Along the way, keep an eye out for eagles, ospreys, and wild goats.

Day 4 – Loch Ness to Dores Beach
A later start allows time to take in the surroundings before heading off towards the far end of Loch Ness. You’ll paddle past Change House and Urquhart Castle, stopping at scenic beaches along the way. The day ends at Dores Beach, where you can enjoy views back up the loch before a final evening meal and a visit to the pub to celebrate your adventure.

Day 5 – Dores Beach to Dochgarroch
The last stretch takes you towards Loch End and along the canal to Dochgarroch. The trip finishes with a chance to grab an ice cream or a café treat before transport back to Fort William or drop-off in Inverness.

Location

This expedition follows the Great Glen Canoe Trail, a stunning 100km route through the Scottish Highlands. Starting in Fort William and finishing in Inverness, the journey takes you through the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and the legendary Loch Ness.

Each wild camping spot is carefully chosen to enhance the outdoor experience, with beautiful views and remote surroundings.

Prerequisites

No prior canoeing experience is required, but a good level of fitness and a positive mindset will help you get the most out of the adventure. The trip involves up to 25km of paddling per day, with some sections requiring effort, especially in windy conditions.

Why Choose Us

The team behind this adventure is made up of highly experienced guides who are passionate about delivering a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. From paddling techniques to campfire cooking, they ensure that every part of the journey is well supported.

With years of experience exploring waterways around the world, the owner, Chucky, brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to every trip. His commitment to creating memorable experiences means you’ll not only complete an incredible journey across Scotland but also gain new skills and confidence on the water.

Professional and experienced canoe guides

All necessary canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, and dry bags)

Wild camping equipment, including tents and cooking gear

All meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the final day

One night at a commercial campsite with access to facilities

Group safety equipment and first aid kit

Transport of equipment along the route where required

Guidance on paddling techniques and safety throughout the trip

Travel to and from the start and finish points

Personal clothing and footwear

Sleeping bag and sleeping mat

Additional snacks and drinks

Personal travel insurance

Any costs associated with early departure from the trip

We recommend a minimum age of 18, or 14 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Anyone under the age of 18 must share a canoe with their parent or guardian.

No prior canoeing experience is required, as full instruction is provided. Beginners are welcome, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the trip.

You’ll be paddling up to 25km per day, so if you regularly take part in activities like hiking, swimming, or cycling, you should manage well.

The trip involves five days of paddling, typically 6–8 hours per day, with some portaging (carrying the canoe short distances).

Weather conditions can affect the difficulty, particularly on open sections like Loch Ness, where wind can make paddling harder. A positive attitude and willingness to push yourself will help you get the most out of the experience.

Most nights are spent wild camping at carefully chosen spots along the route. These are remote locations with no facilities, offering a true outdoor experience.

One night is at a commercial campsite with access to showers and toilets, giving you a chance to freshen up before the final stretch.

Meals are provided throughout the trip, with a mix of cooked breakfasts, packed lunches, and evening meals prepared at camp.

Dietary requirements can be catered for if arranged in advance. Snacks and drinks are not included, so bringing your favourites for energy boosts along the way is recommended.

Scottish weather can be unpredictable, and the conditions can change quickly. The trip will go ahead in most weather conditions, but safety is the top priority.

If extreme weather makes certain sections unsafe, the itinerary may be adjusted, including alternative camping spots or paddling routes. Guides will always ensure the best possible experience while keeping everyone safe.

We are a UK company who's mission is to create the best customer focused adventures in the UK. We will make each trip tailored to your needs and expectations. From adrenaline adventures pushing our comfort limit to relaxing and tranquil escapes, we know where to take you. Owned by Chucky, the company philosophy is driven by his own adventure outlook - to provide the best client focused adventures, giving guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.To work for us, our guides need to be at the top of their game, willing to take on the challenge and operate at the top level whilst being client focused.

Key Details

Duration: 5 days
Experience Level: Suitable for all levels, including beginners
Accommodation: Wild camping & one commercial campsite
Distance: 100km total (up to 25km per day)
Ages: 18+ (14+ if sharing a canoe with an adult)