At just nine miles (14km) long, the Crinan Canal, opened in 1801, was designed to provide a safe route between the Firth of Clyde and the Inner Hebrides. Running between the village of Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp, and the Sound of Jura, the route avoided the long diversion around the Kintyre peninsula, and the exposed Mull of Kintyre.
It is often referred to as the ‘Royal Route’, after Queen Victoria travelled along the canal during a holiday in the Scottish Highlands in 1847. Today, it still provides a scenic link for yachtsman and leisure sailors, sailed by 2,000 boats annually. Its towpath is part of National Cycle Route 78, linking Campbeltown, Oban, Fort William, and Inverness.
The Caledonian Canal – are you ready? This is the big one.
Running for 60 miles (100km), from Fort William to Inverness, the Caledonian links the west and east Highlands. Running through some of Scotland’s most beautiful and dramatic scenery, only a third of the Caledonian’s length is man-made canal. The rest of the route runs through Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy.
Sail past ancient castles, as eagles soar overhead, while the mountains of the Great Glen glide past. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the Loch Ness Monster!
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