Whilst we actively encourage the recreational use of our Scottish Canals – by boats, bikes, boots and beyond – we discourage swimming in our canal network.
Can you swim in Scottish canals?
For your safety please adhere to Scottish Canals’ staff instructions at all times. SWIMMING Please do not swim in the waterway, you could become entangled in weeds or rubbish, be hit by a passing craft or be drawn into a sluice when locks are in use. The results could be fatal.
How many lochs are in the Caledonian Canal?
There are 29 locks (including eight at Neptune’s Staircase, Banavie), four aqueducts and 10 bridges in the course of the canal.
How long does it take to go through the Caledonian Canal?
around 3 days
The canal system is about 60 miles in length and our base in Inverness is both your pick up and return point (one-way cruises are sadly not possible). It takes around 3 days to cruise form one end to the other, it is therefore the ideal place to spend a week cruising.
Is the Caledonian Canal Freshwater?
Uniquely, the Caledonian Canal is made up of four fresh water lochs and a series of man-made canals and lock systems along its length.
Can you moor anywhere on the Caledonian Canal?
Moorings are free along the Caledonian Canal. Electricity points are available at some moorings, for a charge of £3 – £4 per night. Please consult your waterways map to find the locations of waterside facilities such as showers and, toilets (free), as well as electricity points.
What depth is the Caledonian Canal?
The canal channel was designed to be 33.5m wide at the surface, 6.1m deep and 15.2m wide at the bottom. Its summit at Laggan is 32.3m above sea level. However, the 6.1m depth wasn’t attained by 1822 because of difficult ground conditions.
Does the Caledonian Canal go through Loch Ness?
The Caledonian Canal is Scotland’s longest inland waterway. It runs from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east and follows the course of the Great Glen – a 100km long narrow valley – and cuts through Lochs Oich, Lochy and Ness.
Are Scottish lochs fresh or saltwater?
freshwater
Scotland has more than 30,000 freshwater lochs, ranging from small lochans to the likes of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond.
Is there fish in the Caledonian Canal?
The lochs of the Caledonian Canal are excellent for salmon and sea trout. You can also find brown trout, pike and lamprey (larval stages have been found), all of which have been reported from the canal.
Do cruise ships go through the Caledonian Canal?
Come on a unique holiday, a journey cruising along the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands of Scotland including the Great Glen and Loch Ness. You can have a holiday of gentle relaxation or fun and adventure, it’s up to you.
Can you live on a canal boat in Scotland?
If you plan to live on your houseboat, you will need to find a residential mooring. You can rent a residential mooring from the Living on Water initiative, the local council or a private landlord. You’ll probably need to sign a rental agreement with your landlord, giving you both certain rights and responsibilities.
Where do you stop on the Caledonian Canal?
Drumnadrochit. Drumnodrochit is a key stop along the Caledonian as its world famous for its mythical monster the Loch Ness or Nessie as it’s fondly called by locals. The beautiful scenery with castle ruins atop a sprawling lake set against the mountains is breath-taking.
What is the biggest fish in Loch Ness?
The living West Indian Ocean coelacanth reaches up to two metres long and 100 kilograms. It’s typically found 90-300 metres below the surface, in waters 18°C and below.
How deep is the deepest lake in Scotland?
310m depth
The deepest lake in the UK is Loch Morar, Scotland at 310m depth. This is 80m deeper than Loch Ness, the second deepest lake in the UK and deeper than the height of the Shard, the highest building in London.
What fish are in Scottish canals?
Species include roach, bream, rudd, gudgeon, carp and particularly tench. Perch, pike, trout and eels are also present. Get started with a spot of canal fishing. Roach and Perch are the most common species throughout the canal, and can easily be caught using maggots, pinkies, worms or bread as hookbait.
Can I live on my mooring?
If you already have a leisure mooring for your boat, you’ll be allowed to spend holidays and weekends onboard, but can’t live there full-time. To make your boat your home you’ll need to find a residential mooring.
Can you live aboard on a mooring?
Living permanently on a mooring is not encouraged. “We do get complaints from time to time and we check to see whether the person has suitable holding tanks on board, but it’s very hard to do anything unless you catch someone in the act.” In his experience, most boaties are conscious of keeping the harbours clean.
Can you take a narrowboat on the Caledonian Canal?
Can I cruise the Caledonian Canal in a narrowboat? Yes, narrowboats are welcome to visit the Caledonian Canal however you must notify us in advance of arrival and follow our Safety Guidance for Narrowboats & Small Craft. How can I hire a boat?
What is the deepest canal in the UK?
Located near Halifax on the Rochdale Canal, the Tuel Lane Lock is the deepest in the United Kingdom – with a 6-metre difference between the highest and lowest point of water.
How long does it take to kayak the Caledonian Canal?
about 3 days
The route includes 29 locks which must be portaged around, and takes most paddlers about 3 days in a kayak or about 5 days in a Canadian canoe. The Caledonian Canal is shared with boats of all sizes, ranging from small dinghies to large passenger vessels.