Boating along the Caledonian Canal

A waterway of lochs and locks, the Caledonian Canal is truly the ‘International Gateway’ to cruising in Scotland, offering visitors afloat and ashore spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, and of course the famous Scots hospitality. It allows the user to avoid the lengthy passage around Cape Wrath, and is particularly popular with continental sailors who choose to transit the canal en route to the west coast cruising grounds.

You can also hire a cruiser or yacht for a holiday on the canal, take a day-trip on Loch Ness, or stay on a hotel boat or holiday barge.

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; at more than 750 feet (228m) 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.

The 29 locks and 10 swing bridges along the canal are all operated by 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.

Users should allow an absolute minimum of two days to transit the canal, but why rush - take some time sailing around Loch Ness, or explore the wonderful waterside scenery. During Winter opening hours, 24 hours notice is required for canal passage (Contact Corpach Sea Lock on 01397 772249, or Seaport Marina on 01463 725500 to arrange passage). The maximum speed permitted on the canal section is 5 knots.

A comprehensive Skipper's Guide is available for free download.
Skippers' Guide - English
Skippers' Guide – Dutch
Skippers' Guide - German
Skippers' Guide - Norwegian
Skippers' Guide – Swedish

Transit Licences

A range of transit and short-term licences are available to suit your trip through the Caledonian Canal. Your licence can be purchased upon arrival at either of the Sea Locks or at Seaport Marina. Please download the Transit & Short Term Visitor Licences for details on fees and conditions.

Long-Term Moorings

There are currently waiting lists for all long-term moorings along the Caledonian Canal. To be added to the waiting list, please download the Long-term Mooring Waiting List Pack (Long-term Mooring Waiting List Form, Terms & Conditions, Mooring Facilities) and return the form to:
British Waterways Scotland
Seaport Marina
Muirtown Wharf
Inverness
IV3 5LE

A limited number of winter moorings are available at various locations from 1 October to 31 March. Please enquire at Seaport Marina (T: 01463 725500) for further information.

Swing Bridge Operating Protocol

Download our Swing Bridge Operating Protocols.

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.