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Travel bucket list idea:

Cruise the Scottish Highlands

  • Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 19 March, 2024

The ‘Great Glen’ is a geological gash that slices across the Scottish Highlands from the west coast to the east; the 60-mile, 19th-century Caledonian Canal follows its course, linking a string of lochs and canals to form a convenient watery highway – brilliant for cruising.

A voyage along this extraordinary waterway takes in some of Scotland’s most dramatic Highland scenery, from dun-coloured mountains to dense pine forest and shimmering lochs.

There are atmospheric sights like the dark, brooding waters of Loch Ness and the craggy ruin of Urquhart Castle; and there are opportunities along the way for hiking, cycling, kayaking and, of course, gin and whisky tasting.

Most Caledonian Canal cruises start from the West Coast port of Oban, the jumping-off point for the Hebrides, taking in Duart Castle and quirky, colourful Tobermory on the island of Mull, then sailing the length of Loch Linnhe before entering the canal at Fort William. Others head further north still to the Isle of Skye, combining the sea lochs of the West Coast with the canal transit.

Some itineraries include a trip on the dramatic West Highland Railway, too, regarded as one of the most scenic in the world.

Recommendations

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  • Dornie , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

View of the castle and bridge over the surrounding water

Bucket List Experience

Eilean Donan Castle

The most photographed castle in Scotland and, many say, the most beautiful, punches above its weight in the tourist attraction stakes. Christopher Lambert stormed across the causeway to this tiny fortress, perched on an island where three lochs meet, in Hollywood blockbuster, Highlander.

Founded in the 13th century, it was the traditional stronghold of Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae. Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae sided with the Jacobites in the unsuccessful Jacobite Rebellion, leading to the castle’s partial destruction in 1719 by British government forces during the rebellion’s repression. It was rebuilt from 1919-32 by Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, and is now recognised as a Scottish icon.

Adult price: £10

Good for age: 13+

Falls of Foyers

  • Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial view of a large waterfall

Experience

Hike up to the 165-feet high Falls of Foyers to see a famous optical illusion. Stare at the water then flick your eyes sideways to see the rock wall move upwards. The waterfall feeds into Loch Ness.

Good for age: 8+

Urquhart Castle

  • Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Ruined castle in the foreground, the loch stretches away behind

Experience

This former medieval fortress, on the shore of the loch, once was the home of Scotland’s Grant Clan. Built in the 13th century, it was subsequently destroyed by the English in 1692 following the crushing of the Jacobite Rebellion at Culloden. You can watch a film of its history in the visitor centre.

Adult price: £10

Good for age: 8+

  • Drumnadrochit, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Blue sign of Loch Ness, with the Loch behind

Bucket List Experience

Loch Ness [hiking & cycling]

If it weren’t for Nessie, this would be just another loch: admittedly the second largest in Scotland and the deepest, containing more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. But it’s the legendary Loch Ness Monster that put it on the map. There are ‘Nessie hunter’ boat trips available all around the loch.

Start your visit at the informative, award-winning Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit for the low down, and to delve into the scientific findings. Then head off for some monster spotting, while taking in ruined castles, waterfalls and mountain trails.

Good for age: 4+

Duration: -

Logistics

Price from: £Varies
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 5-7 days

Getting there & doing it

Voyages along the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen sail between two major and readily accessible Highland towns, Inverness and Fort William. Many start or finish further west, at the sea port of Oban, often exploring the Inner Hebrides and the sea lochs of the west coast for a couple of days before the canal transit.

Getting to either start point is part of the fun; the train journey from Glasgow to Oban is especially beautiful and a wonderful way to set the scene for the voyage to come. From Inverness, it’s an easy train ride to Edinburgh to add on a few more days in the vibrant Scottish capital.

Itineraries range from five days to a week, depending on destinations visited on the West Coast. The transit of the canal itself only takes three days, with ships mooring up at night.

When to do it

The main season for cruising Scotland runs from April to late September. Pack insect repellent for voyages for June onwards, when midges can be a nuisance.

Who to go with: tour operators

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Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Caledonian Discovery

  • Fort William, Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Explore the Great Glen in the more informal setting of a 12-passenger crewed barge. Optional activities include hiking, cycling and kayaking, while occasional themed cruises are led by wildlife experts or walking guides.

European Waterways

  • Datchet, Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)

European Waterways

TourOperator

European Waterways

Sail the Caledonian Canal on one of European Waterways’ two luxury barges, offering fine dining and activities such as castle visits and whisky tasting.

Hebridean Island Cruises

  • Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)

Hebridean’s Lord of the Highlands sails the Caledonian Canal, with variations including a few days exploring the islands of Mull and Skye before venturing into the canal. The all-inclusive ship takes 40 in luxurious style.

Majestic Line

  • Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)

Majestic Line

TourOperator

Majestic Line

Operates tiny and very comfortable converted fishing boats out of Oban along the West Coast and to the Hebrides. Superb food and a house party vibe.