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Great Glen Canoe Trail Expedition 5 Days

Nearly 400 million years ago a massive fault in the earth’s crust emerged through Scotland and formed what is now known as the Great Glen.

This massive geological tear in the earth’s crust is hugely dramatic in its own right but it also gives the Highlands of Scotland some of the most dramatic and iconic scenery seen anywhere in the world. From just outside Fort William (the village of Corpach) through Loch Ness we can make journeys through 60 miles of stunning Scottish scenery by open canoe, sea kayak or maybe by bike or on foot.

Adventure Details

Adventure Aims

A guided trip in open canoes. This including barrels/waterproof bags, full camping gear package (excluding Sleeping Bags) and transport. No food is included in these prices, or accommodation on the first or last night. For this we can offer our own comfortable Bunkhouse accommodation

This itinerary is purely an indicator and will depend entirely on the weather, wind direction and the fitness of the group overall.

Is it for me

Previous experience required :

The Great Glen Canoe Trail is a great trip that can be done by those who have not paddled a great deal or families with youngsters, BUT this will always depend on the weather, wind direction, and organisation on the part of the adults. It is beneficial if you have already taken part in full days of paddling on open water and be reasonably fit. As part of the paddling trip there will be the opportunity to have some group and individual coaching along the way to improve your performance and technical ability. Depending on weather, there may be excellent canoe sailing opportunities on Loch Lochy & Ness.

Minimum Ages: Minimum age of 12 Years old with accompanied adult.

Itinerary

Suggested Trip itinary:

Day 1

Fort William (Corpach) to Glas Dhoire New area -Dearg Allt – Ford NN2431092199 Due to Construction work around the Glas Dhoire area.

You may have stayed with us the night before. We meet at Snowgoose Centre, 4 miles from Fort William to get kitted out with your hired equipment, time to pack and a briefing on the journey. The canoes are loaded ready for the drop off at the top of Neptune’s Staircase a short distance away. The first day starts with an easy paddle along the Caledonian Canal section to the foot of Loch Lochy at Gairlochy. There will be a panoramic view to the south of the Ben Nevis Range, Anoach Mor Ski Area & the Grey Corries – as well as views across Loch Lochy as we hug the north side of the loch away from any traffic. Put up tents and cook a meal. Wild camp overnight.

Day 2

Loch Lochy ( Glas Dhoire) to Loch Ness (north of Fort Augustus)

Break camp after cooking breakfast. Take to the water and paddle to Laggan Lochs. There is a short portage around the locks here – then a paddle along the canal section onto Loch Oich, one of the three main lochs in the Great Glen past the Well of the Seven Heads. After Loch Oich there are 3 further short portages around the locks at Cullochy, Kytra and Fort Augustus and a paddle along the canal section all the way to the start Loch Ness, one of the most famous bodies of water in the world! There are shops in Fort Augustus! Paddle onto Loch Ness and wild camp overnight.

Day 3

Fort Augustus to Whitefield (south side of Loch Ness)

A really stunning day canoeing the open waters of Loch Ness, passing the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the north shore – maybe some monster watching along the way. No matter what the weather does – come rain or shine – this journey is spectacular keeping well away from the busier north shore of Loch Ness. If you are lucky enough to be paddling on the Loch when it’s a mill pond then you will enjoy crystal clear reflections of the surrounding mountains. Camping on the wild side of Loch Ness and cook up dinner your last dinner.

Day 4

Campsite south side of Loch Ness to Inverness ( DochGarroch)

Complete the remaining stretch of Loch Ness by canoe, through Loch Dochfour usually ending our journey at Dochgarroch just outside Inverness where your trip comes to an end. We will then load our canoes & gear onto the trailer and head back to Fort William for you to pick up your cars, unless your heading off from Inverness – and a well earned rest after a magic experience.

There is an option to paddle further into Inverness to Tomnahurich or Clachnaharry toward the Beauly Firth – we would recommend that the itinerary is adjusted to accommodate this and allow five days for the journey.

Useful Information

Route Maps and Useful Information:

Great Glen Canoe Trail Map

OTHER LINKS – Outdoor & Access Guidance from Great Glen Canoe Trail and Outdoor Access Code.

Health and Hygiene

Insects –Flyies , Ticks , Tick Poster Tick Poster

Camping Information

SCA – Paddling and Our Environment

SCA – Poo

SCA – Inland paddling good practise guide

SCA – Sea Kayak paddling good practice guide

Whats included & whats not included

Open Canoe Bundle per Boat/Group:

2-man Open Canoe (With Block buoyancy and painter Lines)

2 x PFD, 2 x Paddles, plus 1 x Spare Paddle

1 x Barrel

1 x 5ltr Dry Bag

Bailer & Sponge

Per Hire Group 1 x Trolley

All Necessary Camping (excluding Sleeping Bags) and cooking equipment. 2 Man sharing tent, if you request a single tent there will be additional costs.

Not Included:

Food

Travel to and from Fort William out side of trip.

Travel Insurance -Medical/cancelations and additional costs due to delays.