The Caledonian Canal
The Important Bits
Category: Cruise itinerary includes day sails with overnight stops, primarily docking in port with occasional anchoring.
Status: Spaces Available
Dates: 28th August - 4th September 2026
Route: Start at Inverness and finish at Oban.
Discounts: Our most competitive rates for 2026 will be available through our Early Booking Program, offering discounts of up to 35% for reservations made from September 2025, so we encourage you to book early to secure the best value.
Caledonian canal example route
Sailing through the Caledonian Canal is like navigating a journey through Scotland’s heart, where nature's raw beauty meets historic engineering. As you glide along the serene waters, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of lush forests, mountainous peaks, and peaceful lochs. The canal threads through the Great Glen, offering first panoramic views of the picturesque Loch Ness and then majestic Ben Nevis when we reach the South. Along the way, you’ll pass quaint villages, rugged shores, and tranquil stretches of water, making this a truly unique sailing experience through one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
For those with an engineering fascination, the highlight of the trip will be Neptune’s Staircase. This series of eight interconnected locks is located near the village of Banavie, just before we reach Fort William. It’s the longest staircase lock in the UK, raising and lowering boats around 19 meters which is an experience in itself. The locks were designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1822, with the system built to enable vessels to bypass the steep incline of Glen Nevis and continue their journey through the canal, making it possible for boats to traverse the canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. A handy shortcut for sure!
During the trip skipper will ensure plenty of shore time is scheduled in to allow you to relax and bask in the natural beauty that is the Highlands. History buffs will be in their element with plenty of castles and historical sights to discover. Those wanting to find out more about the canal’s history and working can visit The Caledonian Canal Centre in Fort Augustus while those with an interest in heritage can explore the Clansman Centre.
Key Information
Travel:
Inverness
Inverness, the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands, boasts impressive transport links, with regular flights, scenic rail routes, and ferry connections reaching across the UK and to select international destinations.
Oban
Oban is easily accessible by both rail and road, but we highly recommend the train journey to Glasgow. It offers some of Scotland's most stunning scenery, winding through picturesque lochs and mountains. For those driving, parking is available at various locations in Oban, and you can conveniently book a space online in advance.
Event Information:
Check out the links below for helpful details on what to bring, our exciting provisional itinerary, and everything you need to know to join us on this adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!
What to bring guidance is located here.
Our Provisional Itinerary will be published here in October 2026.
Joining Instructions will be published here in October 2026.
Cost: From £1260 before early booking discount
Book with 35% off from £854 until 30 September 2025 (£350 deposit due at time of booking) per person inclusive of all onboard costs. Discount reduces on the 1st of each month (October through to March) by 5% until 1 April 2026 when the full price will apply. Additional chargeable options are available for cabin types, selectable when booking.
Dates:
28th August - 4th September 2026
Sample Itinerary:
Day One: Arrive aboard the yacht in the late afternoon, where you'll be welcomed by our friendly crew with an evening meal onboard and a chance to get familiar with your new floating home. Unpack, unwind and get ready for an unforgettable week.
Day Two: Start the adventure with a mandatory safety briefing, followed by a final familiarisation session as we set sail into the canal and towards the Loch for our first overnight stop.
Day Three to Six: Enjoy three to four tranquil days of canal sailing, stopping to explore some iconic historical landmarks such as the beautiful Urquhart Castle and Invergarry Castle, have a meander through the picturesque village of Fort Augustus and practise your lock manoeuvres at stops such as Gairlochy and Laggan.
Day Seven: Goodbye inland lochs and hello sea loch! For the final leg sail alongside one of the West Coast’s most jaw dropping views, Ben Nevis. Berth for the night in Oban and perhaps head ashore for a beverage to celebrate a week well spent with new friends.
Day Eight: Enjoy one last tasty breakfast, then disembark by noon, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Caledonian Canal adventure.
NOTE:
The cost of this event includes all onboard food, fuel, waterproof and lifejacket hire and berthing charges.
We supply pillows and sleeping bags
Sailing activity is weather dependent. If conditions are too severe activity may be postponed, cancelled or the passage plan adjusted.
Guests will need to arrange their own travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation points.
Unlike many companies, we don’t use your payment before your trip. This means if unexpected disruptions occur that qualify for a refund, your money is safe with us and will be returned quickly and hassle-free. (We also don’t charge a cleaning fee, or make you do the cleaning.. Bonus :-))
luch stop!