Cruising through Scotland on the Caledonian Canal is an excellent opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Joining two seas, from East to West, the Caledonian canal offers everything from pretty towns to breathtaking landscapes. One may even spot Nessie or find the rune stones to join Outlander’s characters, Claire and Jamie Fraser.
Navigation on the Caledonian Canal starts at Corpach and ends at Inverness.
Construction began in 1803 and ended in 1822.
The Caledonian Canal is 96.50 kilometres long (59.96 miles).
There is a total of 29 locks, with an average of 1 lock every 3.33 kilometres (2.07 miles).
We've divided the Caledonian Canal into the following different zones.
From Corpach to Gairlochy
The water draft is metres (13′ 5″ ft).
There is a total of 15 locks in this section.
General lock size
Lock length 55.00 metres (180′ 5″ ft)
Lock width 12.00 metres (39′ 4″ ft)
From Gairlochy to Fort Augustus
The water draft is metres (13′ 5″ ft).
There is a total of 7 locks in this section.
General lock size
Lock length 55.00 metres (180′ 5″ ft)
Lock width 12.00 metres (39′ 4″ ft)
From Fort Augustus to Lochend
The water draft is metres (13′ 5″ ft).
Lock length 0.00 metres (0′ 0″ ft)
Lock width 0.00 metres (0′ 0″ ft)
From Lochend to Inverness
The water draft is metres (13′ 5″ ft).
General lock size
Lock length 55.00 metres (180′ 5″ ft)
Lock width 12.00 metres (39′ 4″ ft)
Barges cruising on the Caledonian Canal
| Name | Itinerary | Passengers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highlander | Muirtown to Banvie on the Caledonian canal | 8 | View the itinerary |
| Spirit of Scotland | Banavie to Muirtown | 12 | View the itinerary |
Self-drive boats cruising on the Caledonian Canal
| Fleet | Cruise route | |
|---|---|---|
| Le Boat | Caledonian Canal | View the Le Boat boats |
The idea of joining the Scottish and North Seas is very old. There were many economic and commercial benefits to such a navigable route crossing the country from East to West. However, it was during the 18th century that there were feasible plans to develop the already existing waterways. During the second half of this century, the political, social and economic context of the Scottish Highlands was very difficult. Several Scottish risings resulted in the British government enacting harsh sanctions against the population and local lords. Thus, these regions of Scotland became increasingly poorer, especially since many people sought a better life elsewhere, either in the British Isles or in other lands. There were discussions about the benefits of improving navigation as it would help traders, and anglers, and ease supplying the region with cereals and other necessary goods. Until then, boats wishing to go from one side of Scotland to the other had to navigate North through Cape Wrath. This was a dangerous journey, not only because of navigation issues but also because there often were French ships lurking near the Scottish coasts.
In 1773, James Watt made interesting plans for the canal. There already was a suitable route to follow, along the Ness River and the surrounding lakes located in the Great Glen (a geological fault, in part responsible for the gorgeous landscape). Except for the Ness River and Loch Oich, which would have to be made deeper, the other lakes could already handle all types of ships. With the work of Watt and others that followed, the plans for the Caledonian Canal were deemed good enough to start building it. In 1803, an Act of Parliament ordered the building to start. It was the responsibility of Scottish engineer Thomas Telford who was very skilled in architecting waterway infrastructures, tunnels and roads. The war with Napoleon and the need to give the Navy a better fighting chance by providing safety was decisive in this decision, even more so than the demand to provide work to several thousand people or improve their lives. The construction was supposed to take only seven years, but the canal was not completed before 1822, after many difficulties and setbacks.
The canal has several notable infrastructures: the Corpach double lock, which was rebuilt in 1847 after its collapse, and the 180 metres long Neptune staircase near Fort William, with its 8 locks, are two of the many interesting engineering sights on the Caledonian canal. It is an interesting mixture of natural and man-made infrastructures. If the Caledonian was constructed mostly for commercial and military needs, it did not take long to realize that it was not as used as expected. After Napoleon’s defeat, the Navy was once more master of the European seas and commercial boats did not navigate on it as much as anticipated. Yet, the canal’s main asset for its future, its beauty, was already working. The canal was welcoming tourists almost as soon as tourism expanded. In 1873, Queen Victoria herself cruised on the Caledonian. It still retained its commercial use, however, and during the First World War, the canal was an important strategic edifice since boats could avoid the dangers posed by the German Navy.
Today, both commercial and leisure navigation flourish on the canal. To the north lies the city of Inverness, the gateway to the North Sea. Then, the River Ness, meandering through the mountainous landscape of the Great Glen, and the lochs Ness, Oich and Lochy. The Caledonian canal offers many surprises as one explores this ancient land sculpted by nature’s work over millennia, and populated by the traditions and folklore of the Scottish Highlands.
References
- Kloareg, B. (2022), « L’Ecosse d’une mer à l’autre », pp. 40-47.
- « Caledonian Canal - Heritage » in Scottish Canals [Online].
More details about The Caledonian Canal region
