Considered by many as one of the greatest waterways of the world, sailing the majestic Caledonian Canal is an unforgettable experience. Scotland’s longest inland waterway, the 60-mile Caledonian links Scotland’s east and west coasts and was built to provide a shortcut between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the hazardous waters of the Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath. Today, it is increasingly popular with boaters from Scandinavia and Northern Europe on their way to the west coast.  

Running from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east, the canal carves through an extraordinary range of terrain, from fen to forest and marshland to mountains, as it follows the course of the Great Glen – the rift valley that provides the waterway with much of its breath-taking mountain scenery.  

With short stretches of man-made canal linking scenic lochs, the canal boasts some incredible sailing. Whether you’re following in the footsteps of the Gods at Neptune’s Staircase, the longest lock flight in Scotland; sailing through the shadow of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK; or myth hunting on the waters of iconic Loch Ness, the Caledonian offers a boating experience unlike any other in the world. 

For those looking to step ashore, the canal offers the opportunity to explore some of the rugged, raw and majestic scenery of the Great Glen by boot or bike. The 73-mile-long Great Glen Way follows sections of the canal towpath and forestry tracks, giving the perfect chance to stretch your sea legs and discover some of the incredible wildlife, from red deer and kingfishers to eagles and wildcats, which call the canal home.  

Whether you’re stepping back into history in iconic Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, exploring the many stories of the 200-year-old waterway at the Caledonian Canal Centre, or enjoying the welcoming warmth of a hearty meal and a dram of whisky in one of the many restaurants and pubs found in the picturesque villages along the canal, there’s no shortage of things to do onshore.  

A spectacular location; an engineering masterpiece; an artery for adventure; a sailing shortcut – the canal is many things to many people. From the water to the banks and beyond, you’ll find an unforgettable experience on the Caledonian Canal. 

CHANNEL DIMENSIONS  

Length 45.72m (150ft)  

Beam 10.67m (35ft)  

Draught 4.1m (13ft 5in*)  

*Vessels with freshwater draught over 3m (9.8ft) MUST contact the canal office in advance. There is currently a fresh water fradt restriction of 3m depth due to a high point at Gairlochy Top Lock. Maximum mast height in the canal is 35m (115ft) above the waterline, but clearance under the Kessock Bridge on the Inverness Firth is lower at 29m (95ft) at mean high water springs. 

To maximise each locking at times of high demand in order to ensure all waiting boats are moved through a quickly as possible, the sea lock keeper will take boats in an order which fills each lock with the maximum number of boats. 

Please be aware that lockings may not always be on a ‘first come first served’ basis but will recognise both arrival times and boat dimensions. 

CANAL LICENCES  

A range of visitor licences are available and can be purchased online ahead of your transit at www.scottishcanals.co.uk/YCW2020/book   

Download a free copy of the Skipper’s Guide at www.scottishcanals.co.uk. This guide contains navigational information to help make your transit through the canal safe and enjoyable.  

DISTRICT OPERATIONS 

East District (Clachnaharry Sea Lock – Dochgarroch Lock) 

Dochgarroch Lock and Tomnahurich / Torvean Bridges will be manned and boaters should call VHF ch 74 on approach or tie up and see the lock keeper to arrange passage. Muirtown to Clachnaharry Sea Lock (and vice versa) will be normally be manned but may occasionally be operated with a mobile team and, on these occasions, notices will be posted on site with phone numbers for boaters to call to arrange passage. Boaters wishing to enter the canal at Clachnaharry Sea Lock should please call 24 hours in advance on 07920 237331 to arrange passage 

Middle District (Fort Augustus Flight – Laggan Locks) 

All locations will be manned although there may be occasional days where Kytra and Cullochy locks are manned by mobile staff from another location and on these occasions notices will be posted on site with the phone number for boaters to call to arrange passage. Fort Augustus Flight – boaters MUST book their upward or downward locking with lock keepers on arrival (in person bookings only). Transit berths and shore power at Fort Augustus Top are currently limited. Fort Augustus Bottom laundry facilities are currently closed. Dredging operations are being carried out between Laggan Locks and Laggan Bridge for several weeks from 24th May – boat movements in this area will be timed to avoid the large dredging vessel, and are scheduled as follows: 

8.30am – 9am, 11.30am – 12pm, 2.30pm – 3pm and 5pm – 5.30pm. Boaters wishing to travel in the 8.30am transit window must be at Laggan Locks (to head East) or Laggan Bridge (to head West) the previous night. 

West District (Gairlochy Locks – Corpach Sea Lock) 

Gairlochy Locks and Bridge will be operational on a limited basis – boaters should call Corpach Sea Lock on 07917 348025 to arrange timed passage (Westwards at 9am and 11am daily and Eastwards at 1pm and 3pm daily at Moy Bridge). Banavie Flight to Corpach Sea Lock (and vice versa) will be operated by a mobile team and boaters should call Corpach Sea Lock on 07917 348025 to arrange passage (please give 24 hours notice where possible). Corpach Sea Lock office will be closed for periods when the staff are moving boats elsewhere. 

FACILITIES  

Transit berths are available throughout the canal. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities, shore power and water, diesel and pump-out, Wi-Fi and local services are all available at various locations along the canal – please check Skipper’s Guide for specific information. Due to environmental legislation, we are unable to provide water hoses. Please remember to bring your own hose.  

PILOTS  

Information is contained in the following publications: The Admiralty North Coast of Scotland Pilot (NP52) and the Admiralty West of Scotland Pilot (NP66). Also in Almanacs published by Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson and by the Clyde Crusing Club.  

CHARTS  

Eastern Approaches Moray Firth 115, Inverness Firth 1078, Caledonian Canal 1791, Western Approaches Loch Linnhe (North) 2380, Fort William and Corpach 2372 (all Admiralty).  

HOURS OF OPERATION  

The Caledonian Canal operates on a seasonal basis: seven days per week in spring, summer and autumn, and Monday to Friday during winter, dependant on canal works. Please visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk for exact operating times and dates or contact the local Canal Office.  

TIDAL OPERATION  

Special note must be taken of the tidal restrictions at sea locks. Within normal operating hours, Corpach sea locks is available ≥1m, and Clachnaharry Sea Lock is available ≥1.4m. Please note that at spring tides the sea locks are CLOSED 2 hours either side of low tide. Contact the Sea Lock Keeper (VHF Ch 74) for local advice.  

ACTIVITIES  

With spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife, and of course the famous Scottish hospitality, the Caledonian Canal has lots to offer. Explore the Great Glen by boat, boot or bike, visit the Caledonian Canal Centre at Fort Augustus, or see if you can spot Nessie. For more ideas visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk

CHARTER HOLIDAYS  

Cabin cruisers or yachts are available for charter – ideal for those new to boating or an exciting family holidays. Alternatively, enjoy a break on the banks of Loch Ness in our boutique rooms at the Caledonian Canal Centre. Find out more and book your stay on the Scottish Canals website www.scottishcanals.co.uk

 

Magnificent scenery and wildlife, relaxing sailing, great attractions and more than a few surprises – it might be known as ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut,’ but the Crinan Canal offers far more than just easier access to the sailing grounds of the Western Isles. 

Meandering through the ancient coastal kingdom known as ‘Dalriada’ in the Heart of Argyll, the nine-mile-long canal links Ardrishaig at the Firth of Clyde with the picturesque village of Crinan and the world-class sailing of the west coast. Once a thriving freight artery, the 200-year-old waterway may be home to yachts rather than Clyde Puffers nowadays but it’s still a vital link for boaters looking to avoid the long journey around the Mull of Kintyre.  

While the canal only takes around six hours to transit, there’s no need to rush – put the hustle and bustle of everyday life to one side, moor up, and experience everything the Crinan has to offer. Explore the many stories and rich heritage of the canal and ancient Dalriada, get back to dry land and undertake an adventure on the miles of forest walks and cycle routes, or sample the incredible seafood and atmosphere in some of the area’s many pubs and restaurants. 

One of the most beautiful waterways in Britain, boaters taking to the Crinan can enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s breathtaking scenery and the chance to see some incredible wildlife. Catch a glimpse of deer and rare red squirrels in the surrounding pine forests, watch osprey soar through the skies above the waterway and look out for dolphins frolicking in the sea at Crinan. You might even spot a pine marten, one of Scotland’s rarest mammals.  

When you finally decide to leave the many appeals of the Crinan behind, you can sail west through the canal to the Sound of Jura and the west coast for a more challenging cruise in one of the best sailing grounds in the world; or head east through the canal to Loch Fyne for a relaxing voyage around the protected lochs and waters of the Firth of Clyde. Or, if the Crinan whets your appetite for canal sailing, you could even head north to the majestic, incomparable Caledonian.  

From nature reserves teeming with some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife to breathtaking scenery and a huge number of opportunities to stretch your sea legs onshore, the Crinan Canal really is much more than a beautiful shortcut. Why not set sail and see for yourself? 

FACT FILE  

The Crinan Canal is 14.5km (9 miles) in length with 15 locks and seven bridges. The sea locks and Lock 14 are mechanised and operated for you by Scottish Canals staff. All bridges are also operated by Scottish Canals staff.  

Inland locks are manually operated and involve pushing lock gates and winding sluices. Indeed, many of our customers report back that working the locks is an enjoyable part of the Crinan passage. Please contact one of the sea locks or the canal office if you feel that you will require assistance. Scottish Canals may be able to put you in touch with an independent local operator to provide this service.  

Crinan Sea Lock – 01546 830 285  

Ardrishaig office – 01546 602 458  

Further details can be found in the Skipper’s Guide or by visiting www.scottishcanals.co.uk.   

CHANNEL DIMENSION  

Length 26.82m (88ft)  

Beam 6.09m (20ft)  

Air Draught 28.95m (95ft)  

Draught 2.5m* (8ft 2in)  

Please add 0.1m per metre of your normal draught as craft sit lower in the fresh water of the canal than they do in salt water.  

*Due to possible water level changes customers with a draught of over 2.2m are advised to contact the local Canal Office or sea locks at least 48 hours in advance to confirm passage will be possible.  

To maximise each locking at times of high demand in order to ensure all waiting boats are moved through a quickly as possible, the sea lock keeper will take boats in an order which fills each lock with the maximum number of boats. 

Please be aware that lockings may not always be on a ‘first come first served’ basis but will recognise both arrival times and boat dimensions.  

CANAL LICENCE  

A range of visitor licences are available and can be purchased online ahead of your transit at www.scottishcanals.co.uk/YCW2020/book   

Download a free copy of the Skipper’s Guide at www.scottishcanals.co.uk. This guide contains navigational information to help make your transit through the canal safe and enjoyable.  

FACILITIES  

Transit berths are available throughout the canal. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities, shore power and water, Wi-Fi and local services are all available at various locations along the canal – please check Skipper’s Guide for specific information. Due to environmental legislation, we are unable to provide water hoses. Please remember to bring your own.  

PILOTS  

The Clyde Cruising Club produces excellent sailing directions for the Firth of Clyde, whilst the Imray “Crinan to Colonsay” and ‘Isle of Mull and approaches’ pilots both cover the canal.  

CHARTS  

Admiralty charts “Lower Loch Fyne” no 2381, “Lochs and Harbours in the Sound of Jura” no 2476 and “Crinan to the Firth of Lorn” no 2326 all include the Crinan Canal, as do Imray charts C63, C64 and C65.  

HOURS OF OPERATION  

The Crinan Canal operates on a seasonal basis: seven days per week in peak season, Monday to Saturday during spring and autumn and Monday to Friday during winter. Please check with local Canal Office or scottishcanals.co.uk for exact operating dates and times. 

 

Scotland’s coast-to-coast and city-to-city link  

Take a turn on the world’s only rotating boat lift, sail beneath the soaring steel of The Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures on the planet, and moor up in the hearts of Edinburgh and Glasgow – the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals offer experiences that just can’t be found anywhere else. 

FACT FILE  

The Forth & Clyde Canal is approximately 57km (35 miles) in length with 40 locks. A minimum of 21 hours (two full days) underway should be allowed, and sufficient time should be added for passage from Port Edgar and negotiation of the River Carron to the Sea Locks. The Union Canal is 51km long (31 miles), and a minimum of 12 hours underway should be allowed.  

Scottish Canals staff will be on hand to assist at all locks and bridges on the Forth & Clyde Canal, but craft must have sufficient crew to assist staff with lockings.  

CHANNEL DIMENSIONS  

Forth & Clyde  

Length 19.20m (63ft)  

Beam 6.00m (19ft 8in)  

*please note that beam is 5.00m (16ft 4in) at the Helix extension. Vessels wider than 5m can use existing Carron Sea Lock to enter the canal.  

Depth of Water 1.7m (5ft 6in)  

Max. Headroom 3.00m (9ft 10in)  

Forth & Clyde Glasgow Branch  

Length 19.20m (63 ft)  

Beam 5.02 (16 ft 6 in)  

Channel Depth 1.4m (4ft 6 in)  

Max Headroom 3.00m (9ft 8 in)  

Union Canal  

Length 21.3m (70ft)  

Beam 3.5m (11ft 6in)  

Depth of Water 0.90m (2ft 11in)  

Max. Headroom 2.7m (8ft 1in)  

*Channel dimensions can vary at different sections of the canal. Please visit scottishcanals.co.uk to download a copy of the Skipper’s Guide for exact details.  

CANAL LICENCES  

A range of visitor licences are available and can be purchased online ahead of your transit at www.scottishcanals.co.uk/YCW2020/book   

Download a free copy of the Skipper’s Guide at www.scottishcanals.co.uk. This guide contains navigational information to help make your transit through the canal safe and enjoyable.  

DE-MASTING  

Yachts will require to de-mast for passage. This service is provided by Scottish Canals at Bowling and the canal link at The Helix. This is included in your licence fee, however boat crew must carry out all mast work. Independent contractors also operate on the River Carron and at Port Edgar, where a charge will be made at the boat owner’s own cost. Large or complex masts may need to be stepped at one of the Clyde marinas, at the boat owner’s own cost.  

CHARTS  

Admiralty chart 2007, 737 and/or Imray C27, C63.  

PILOTS  

Forth Yacht Clubs’ Association Pilot Handbook, CCC Firth of Clyde Sailing Directions, Imray Yachtsman’s Pilot – Clyde to Colonsay.  

HOURS OF OPERATION  

The Union and Forth & Clyde Canals operate on a seasonal basis and operating hours are subject to change. Please check www.scottishcanals.co.uk to find out the latest operating hours and to book your transit.  

TIDAL OPERATION  

Special note must be taken of the tidal restrictions at sea locks. Within normal operating hours, Carron Sea Locks are operational 4hrs before to 1h30 and 2h30 after high water. Bowling Basin is operational +/- 2hrs either side of high water.  

Please contact the Sea Lock keepers for local advice:  

Bowling: 01389 877969  

Carron: 01324 483 034