Canal Safety

When on the Canal you should;

  • Look out for and use the Canoe Trail pontoons
  • Paddle on the right hand side
  • Give way to other traffic - canoes are more manoeuvrable than yachts or cruisers
  • Be alert, make yourself and your canoe visible to approaching craft - wear bright colours and don't paddle at night or in poor visibility
  • Watch out for wake caused by larger boats
  • Do not  canoe sail on the man-made canal sections
  • Do not swim in the canal, no matter how tempting it may appear
  • Biosecurity

Always wear a personal buoyancy aid when on the canal, open water or rivers.  It is useful to also have a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch on your person or in your buoyancy aid should you fall out of your boat and need to summon assistance (reception can be patchy in some areas of the Trail).

Remember the canal is home to two fleets of holiday hire cruisers. These are often skippered by novice boaters and you should expect the unexpected when paddling near them!

    Trail Map

    Trail Guide Map

    map of scotland showing the trail

    60 miles in 5 days

    It is an epic 60 mile (95km) journey crossing Scotland in 5 days and conquering the formidable open waters of Loch Lochy and Loch Ness, a challenge in itself.

    From South to North

    It is normally easier to paddle the Trail from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east with the prevailing wind behind you.

    Download the map