Boating near Cairnbaan

Although considered an inland navigation, the Caledonian Canal stands in a league of its own. At more than 750 feet the waters of Loch Ness are deeper than the North Sea and traversing it can be equivalent to a short sea-crossing - especially during inclement weather.

This is a waterway of lochs and locks. The massive eight-lock flight at Banavie, known as Neptune's Staircase, is little short of breathtaking - but the entire canal is littered with similar engineering feats on a grand scale, defying direct comparison with any other canal in Britain.

And if this doesn’t sound challenging enough, you can leave your well-equipped sailing boat at the shore and tackle the Caledonian Canal by canoe (but beware, this is no waterway for novices). White water fans can also enjoy thrills and spills sea kayaking at Loch Linnhe.

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