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Caledonian Canal

The canal

Slicing through the Great Glen, this majestic canal is considered by many as one of the greatest waterways of the world. Four natural lochs – Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, the famous Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour – all lie in near perfect alignment between Fort William and Inverness making up 38 of the 60 mile coast to coast channel. The remaining 22 miles being man-made canal linking these four lochs together.

Widely considered a masterpiece of canal engineering, the Caledonian is on a scale incomparable with almost anything else in Britain. It has survived in part due to its continuing importance in the Highland economy, and partly because it is quite simply spectacular, not to mention the amazing wildlife – including the Loch Ness Monster!

Watch the Great Glen Ways video to see how you can enjoy the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen by boat, boot or bike.

Download our Skippers' Guide.

The Crossing

Register now to reserve your space in the flotilla and be part of a once in a lifetime experience!

Celebrate the stunning Caledonian Canal as part of a unique flotilla of boats travelling from West to East accompanied by an exciting programme of entertainment, both on and off the water.

Spaces are limited so register your interest for the 2011 flotilla now.

Email amy.gentles@britishwaterways.co.uk or call +44 (0)1463 725562 to register now.

Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail

CD on sale now £8 *special offer CD & Caledonian Canal Guide only £10* Available from British Waterways Scotland on 01463 725500, The Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre in Fort Augustus, and Corpach and Clachnaharry Sea Locks.

Check out the Grand Opening Ceilidh video for a taste of the music!

Swing Bridge Operating Protocol

Download our Swing Bridge Operating Protocols.

Photograph Competition 2009

The results are in! To see the winners of our photograph competition click here.