Boating Holidays on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland

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1 Caledonian Canal Boating Holidays on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland Surrounded by breathtaking beautiful hillsides - the Caledonian Canal connects the highland capital of Inverness on the east coast with Fort William on the west coast. The ruins of Urquar Castle towers high above Loch Ness - can you stop yourself from looking for Nessie the monster! In Fort Augustus, you can learn more about the ancient way of life of the scottish clans at the Clansman Centre. Islets are scattered in the lower Loch Oich, and Scotland's highest mountain Ben Nevis is located directly on the shores of Loch Lochy. The Scottish Highlands invites to long walks in the clear celtic air, where eagles patrols in the air high above. During your trip you can enjoy the finest local dishes such as wild salmon, game birds and deer - and you get the chance to taste the local Haggis, followed it with a dram of fine Highland Malt Whisky. Caledonian Canal stretches 97km across Scotland. The construction of the canals was begun in 1803 and the shortcut from the Atlantic to the North Sea was completed in 1822, the idea was that the merchant would not have to sail north of Scotland, through waters which, at the time were described as treacherous. But when the canal was completed after 18 years of hard work, the default size of merchant ships was now much larger then when construction began, and Caledonain Canal was never the great commercial success it was intended to be. Today it is used mostly for recreational boats and boating holidays.

2 Highlights on the Caledonia Canal Fantastic scenery and views - on the whole voyage on Caladonia Channel A train ride with the West Highland Railway - a must for all Harry Potter fans Learn Highlands culture to know in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus Amazing mountain biking Salmon fishing, dolphin watching and watching for the Loch Ness monster Nessy Purchase of a kilt Inverness A railway ride to the top of Ben Nevis for a unique view Ten Secret gems on the Caledonian Canal Banavie's distilleries; Great Glen Water Park; Urquhart Castle; Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus; Loch Ness Visitors Centre; Inverness's Fortrose Cathedral; West Highland Railway; cycling on Ben Nevis; Inverness's Cawdor Castle; Fort William's West Highland Museum. Inspiration for sailing on the Caledonian Canal in Scotland For Harry Potter fans - take the adventourous trainline West Highland Railway one of the world's most spectacular train routes described as the Hogwarts Express. It runs from Banavie to the small fishing village of Mallaig. Sail to Banavie and take the train to Scotland's highest mountain Ben Nevis - and you ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view. At the top is the Snow Goose restaurant as well as the nature center Mountain Discovery Centre. A boat holiday on a Scottish canal is the perfect escape from the stresses of everyday life. Discover the amazing highlights of boating in Scotland - with the stunning hills and mountains in the higlands and be surrounded by beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see. The channel contains several spectacular lock systems (28 locks in total) - the largest is Neptunes staircase by Benavie that lifts boats 64 feet up through eight locks - it took 900 men over 4 years to build the impressive lock system.

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8 About River Holidays About the boating holidays in Scotland - Practical Tips Sailing in the Highlands is a true paradise for nature lovers. Wonderful vistas and unspoiled nature. Stunningly beautiful hillsides and deep lakes. Peaceful and unique. Much of your time will be spent on the many lakes or lochs that lie along the Great Glen - a geological line that have shaped the region's beautiful landscape. The highlands are quite unique, and here you can see castles and quiet villages by the water's edge - not to mention friendly pubs and the sound of bagpipes Caledonian Canal connects the North Atlantic and the North Sea - the 100-mile-long passage running from Loch Linnhe to the Moray Firth. The area offers only short sections of channels - and in total there are 29 locks here. In most races, you only have to navigate through 10 locks (remember to be worn life jackets when passing a lock). Markings The markings must be followed - see mapaboard.as you sail up the Caledonian Canal (at Inverness), the red markings must be on the left side of the boat and the green on the right side of the boat. When you sail towards Fort William- keep the red on the right side and green on the left side. Stick to the sailingpath, on the map indicated by to avoid getting into the shallows. The maps of sail area is clearly marked with shallow areas (this is shaded on the map) and buoys buoys to mark the recommended routes or symbols of stones and rocks that you have to take care of. Lakes Life jackets should be worn on the larger lakes where it can blow up - and always stays aboard dinghy'en ( dinghy). Charts The chart is on the boat - you should also ask the office for advice.

9 Locks The locks are operated by a lock master. Normally open 8:00 to 18:00 during high season. Sometimes with a shorter lunch break - Lock fees are included in the rental price.