canal boat trip scotland

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13 Scenic Boat Trips in Scotland

From thrilling, high-speed RIB trips and serene canal boat journeys that are perfect for a family day out, to epic excursions out to some of the remotest islands in the country, there are a wide variety of boat experiences that are ideal for an unforgettable day trip in Scotland.

Take a look at our pick of 13 amazingly scenic boat tours in Scotland, from short wildlife-spotting excursions to longer Scottish island cruises.

Bass Rock North Berwick, East Lothian

The Bass Rock seen from the Seafari Explorer - Seabird Cruise

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

• Depart: Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick
• Cost per adult: £24 – £135
• Length of trip: 1 hour – half day

Located in the middle of the Firth of Forth, the Bass Rock is the remains of an ancient volcano and is now home to a huge population of gannets – over 150,000 in peak season. Book your boat trip with the  Scottish Seabird Centre  to see the rock and its resident bird populations up close.

Isle of May Anstruther, Fife or North Berwick, East Lothian

View of the Isle of May Cliffs showing the South Horn lighthouse.

• Depart: Anstruther in Fife or North Berwick in East Lothian
• Isle of May Ferry , Anstruther: £38
• Isle of May Boat Trips , Anstruther: £36
• Seafari Adventures Forth , North Berwick: £48 (also includes visit to the Bass Rock)
• Length of trip: half day

Located at the eastern edge of the Firth of Forth, the beautiful Isle of May is home to a huge variety of seabirds who visit the island over the summer months to breed, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

• Cafe or Restaurant

Forth Bridges and Inchcolm Island Firth of Forth

The Forth Bridge in South Queensferry at sunset

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved

• Depart: Hawes Pier, South Queensferry
• Maid of the Forth : £20 (includes boat trip and landing)
• Forth Boat Tours : £20 boat trip and £6 landing
• Length of trip: 3 hours (includes 1.5 hours on the island)

See the stunning Forth Bridges from a new angle on a boat tour from South Queensferry out to Inchcolm Island. On your 1.5 hour visit to the island you can see the well-preserved architecture of Inchcolm Abbey, which dates from 1235, and the lovely views around the island.

Eyemouth RIB Trips Eyemouth

St Abbs Head Lighthouse

• Depart: Eyemouth
• Cost per adult: £25

Explore the rugged coastline around Eyemouth and St Abbs on a high-speed RIB boat with Eyemouth RIB Trips – guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping! See the picturesque coves and caves and keep your eyes peeled for seals and seabirds.

Canal Boating on the Falkirk Wheel Falkirk

The Falkirk Wheel

• Depart: Falkirk Wheel
• Cost per adult: £14.50
• Length of trip: 50 minutes

Take in the views as you’re swept high into the air aboard your canal boat on The Falkirk Wheel. This magnificent engineering marvel is the world’s only rotating boat lift and was ingeniously designed to connect the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

• On Public Transport Route
• Pets Welcome
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets

Lady of the Lake on Loch Katrine Aberfoyle

The steamship Sir Walter Scott trails a wake across Loch Katrine, past islands and steep, wooded hills.

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

• Depart: Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine
• Cost per adult: Starting from £15
• Length of trip: 1 hour

Hop aboard the  Lady of the Lake  to soak up the stunning views around Loch Katrine, located in the magnificent Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Named after Sir Walter Scott’s famous poem, enjoy an unforgettable journey where you’ll be treated to historic tales of the loch’s past, see stunning mountains in all their glory and catch a glimpse of the resident wildlife in action.

Three Isle Tour from Isle of Skye Elgol, Isle of Skye

Elgol, Isle of Skye

• Depart: Elgol, Isle of Skye
• Cost per adult: £72
• Length of trip: 3.5 – 4 hours

Search for wildlife, such as dolphins, whales, eagles and puffins, as you tour three unique Inner Hebridean islands with AquaXplore. The Puffin Run/Three Isles Tour visits the enchanting islands of Soay, Canna and Rum. You can choose between a high-speed AquaXplore RIB or the more traditional island cruiser.

Staffa Mull

Staffa National Nature Reserve

• Staffa Tours : Isle of Iona and Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull
• Staffa Trips : Isle of Iona and Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull
• Turus Mara : Ulva Ferry on the Isle of Mull
• West Coast Tours : Oban
• Seafari Adventures : Easdale, near Oban

Made up of hexagonal basalt columns which were formed millions of years ago by lava, the enchanting island of Staffa has an other-worldly appearance that has to be seen to be really appreciated. Visit the island to see the puffins and spectacular Fingal’s Cave.

Corryvreckan Whirlpool Ardfern

Corryvreckan Whirlpool

• Depart: Easdale, near Oban
• Cost per adult: £55
• Length of trip: 2 – 3 hours
• Depart: Isle of Seil
• Cost per adult: £68 – £75
• Length of trip: 3 – 5 hours
• Depart: Isle of Jura
• Cost per adult: £70
• Length of trip: 3 hours

Book a trip to see the world’s third largest whirlpool, located to the northern tip of the Isle of Jura, off Scotland’s west coast. The Corryvreckan whirlpool is particularly dramatic during new and full moons and many of the tour operators combine trips to the whirlpool with wildlife searches, where you might see dolphins, whales, seals and more.

St Kilda St Kilda

© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

• Depart: Leverburgh, Isle of Harris
• Cost per adult: £285
• Length of trip: 11.5 hours
• Cost per adult: £260
• Length of trip: 11 hours
• Depart: Isle of Berneray
• Cost per adult: £255
• Length of trip: 10 hours
• Depart: Isle of Barra/Isle of Eriskay
• Cost per adult: £265
• Length of trip: 12 hours
• Depart: Stein Jetty, Isle of Skye
• Cost per adult: £280
• Length of trip: 13.5 hours

The dramatic archipelago of St Kilda lies 41 miles west of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and is the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. This boat trip is an epic one – with crossings taking between 2.5 and 4 hours one way – but it’s a trip that you’ll never forget. Land on the island of Hirta to see the abandoned houses (the last remaining islanders were evacuated in 1930) and seabirds – almost 1 million!

Sea Stacks in the Outer Hebrides Outer Hebrides

Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

• Depart: Miavaig, Isle of Lewis
• Cost per adult: £53
• Length of trip: 2 hours

Head out on a fast RIB with  Seatrek  to see the impressive sea stacks, islands and towering cliffs on Lewis’ west coast. As well as admiring the towering cliffs (90 metres high in places!) look out for seals sunning themselves on the rocks and kittiwakes sheltering in sea caves.

Seabirds and Noss National Nature Reserve Shetland

Noss National Nature Reserve

• Depart: Lerwick
• Cost per adult: £50
• Length of trip: 2 – 2.5 hours

Departing from Shetland’s main town of Lerwick, head east to the beautiful nature reserve of Noss island, one of Europe’s finest wildlife sites. Over 25,000 gannets make their homes here, along with numerous other seabirds. See them plunging into the water to catch fish before using their impressive 1.8 metre wingspan to power back into the air.

Loch Lomond Loch Lomond

Walkers on Conic Hill

• Depart: Balloch
• Cost: From £10.50
• Length: 1 hour intro to island exploration, or sunset cruises
• Depart: Luss, Tarbet or Inveruglas
• Cost: From £15
• Length: 1 hour or 2 hours 15 minutes

Take in the infamous loch from the water to enjoy unique views of the surrounding mountains, numerous islands and curious wildlife.

Search for more boat tours in Scotland , plan an island hopping adventure or read our ideas for calming escapes by the water .

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Canal Holidays Guide to the Edinburgh to Glasgow Canal

This pleasant and leisurely cruise covers the Union and the Forth and Clyde canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland.

The route includes canal transfer between the canals using the 115 foot high Falkirk Wheel.

Cruising the Scottish Canals

Cruise out of Edinburgh over the Slateford Aqueduct, through the Wester Hailes Linear Park to Ratho (home of Edinburgh Canal Centre). The magnificent Almond Aqueduct takes you to Linlithgow. From the canal basin there are panoramic views over the town, its Palace, Loch and the hills behond. The Union Canal passes high above the town of Falkirk as you approach the Falkirk Interchange. The breathtaking Falkirk Wheel takes us down to join the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Falkirk provides countless areas of interest to visit. Scotland's Roman heritage is never far away as the Forth & Clyde Canal carries the boats through splendid scenery to Kirkintilloch, then on to Cadder Village and into Glasgow. The Arm to Port Dundas affords us views over the city and features many historic buildings, including those of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The Falkirk Wheel is 115 foot high - the equivalent of eight double-decker buses. It is 115 feet wide and 100 feet long. The wheel will lift loads of 600 tonnes (300 at each end) - the approximate weight of 100 adult African elephants. The structure stands in a 330 foot wide circular basin with moorings for over 20 boats.

The first wheel-based boat lift was proposed by a German engineer at the beginning of the last century though it was never built. The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first rotating boat lift and the first boat lift to be built in Britain since the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire which dates from 1875. The total project cost was approximately £17 million and work took 22 months. The wheel is designed to last for at least the next 120 years.

Please Note

When cruising from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. The cost is £15 for up to three nights and £25 for any holiday over three nights. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. This payment will be taken on the first day of your holiday on arrival at the office at the Falkirk base.

Distance, Time, and Locks

• Usually covered in a week.
• Short breaks available from Falkirk to Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Narrowboat bases on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Canal

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

Places of Interest

Lochrin Basin Ratho (Edinburgh Canal Centre) Almond Aqueduct Niddry Castle Linlithgow Palace and Loch Avon Aqueduct Falkirk Wheel, old locks and tunnel Rough Castle (Roman Fort) Banknock Auchinstarry Twechar Cadder Church Possil Loch Nature Reserve Port Dundas (Glasgow) The Union Inn

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Home / Our Locations / Scotland

CANAL Boat Hire SCOTLAND

Our boating holidays in Scotland show a different side to the canals than you’d experience in England and Wales. Discover scenic beauty combined with breath-taking engineering – find Discover more out more about our canal boats in Scotland now.

The Scottish Lowlands canals offers a narrowboat experience that’s unlike any other – discover the Falkirk Wheel in Falkirk, while having the opportunity to travel to Scottish hot-spots Glasgow and Edinburgh along the waters.

Falkirk Canal Forth and Clyde

The Scottish Lowland Canals are quite different from the canals typical of England and Wales The Forth and Clyde is much wider than the average English canal. The Union Canal is a contour canal and has no locks at all or bridges that have to be opened. 

Canal holidays in Scotland

Still deciding on the best boating holiday in Scotland for your next trip along the waters? See our wide selection of canal routes and boats for more information about UK boat hire from ABC Boat Hire.

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Falkirk Canal Boat Hire

Begin your adventure at falkirk.

Our narrowboat hire base in Scotland at Falkirk offers short breaks or longer holidays to two of the best know cities in this beautiful country.

You can choose to spend a relaxing week cruising the British waterways from Falkirk to Glasgow or Falkirk to Edinburgh, or alternatively, you can explore major cities and lowland canals in Scotland in the opposite direction, heading east, on the Union Canal between Falkirk and Edinburgh.  If you fancy a more strenuous short break you can reach one of these cities and return, or many of our guests enjoy a two week trip here to take in both of these sights .

Routes from Falkirk Canal Base

Edinburgh and Return

Glasgow and Edinburgh

Falkirk Hire Base

Falkirk Wheel, Lime Road, Tamfourhill, Falkirk  FK1 4RS

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Glasgow & Edinburgh canal boat holiday

Edinburgh and return canal boat holiday hire

Falkirk Short Route

Rover ticket.

If travelling from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. This will be a flat charge of £25 for any holiday over three nights. Use up to three days will be charged at £15. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. Payment will be taken on the first day of the holiday at the office in Falkirk.

Based at the Falkirk Wheel, one of the most stunning backdrops anywhere on the canals, we are ideally suited for boat trips halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Choosing Falkirk canal boat hire means that you can visit both of these historic cities in Scotland on your cruising route, time permitting.

Your canal boat holiday in Scotland can start by heading east to Edinburgh. Go up the Falkirk Wheel and the following three locks and then enjoy a relaxing cruise into Edinburgh on the long lock-free Union Canal.

The Falkirk Wheel is 115 feet high – the equivalent height of eight double-decker buses and offers visitors a real treat.

Canal boat hire from Falkirk then permits you to travel west to Glasgow. You will cruise along the Forth and Clyde Canal through various locks and swing bridges, meandering through pretty villages such as Auchinstarry and Kirkintillock to Cadder Village on boat trips before arriving at Glasgow.

All locks and swing bridges are operated by Scottish Canal staff, giving you a more relaxing cruise.

Narrowboats available to hire from Falkrik

Below are the boat types that are available to hire for narrowboat holidays from this base. When you start your canal holiday search all the boat options and dates that closely match your desired departure date and party number will be presented to you.

Boat Availability

START DAYS : SAT 2.30PM – WED 9.30AM

Princess 2 Signature  | Princess 4 Signature  | Duchess 4 | Princess 6 Signature

START DAYS : FRI 2.30PM – MON 2.30PM

Princess 2 | Shakespeare 4 | Lautrec 4

BASE INFORMATION

SKIPPERS’ GUIDE

Skipper’s Guides are your complete reference guide to boating on the Scottish Canals: Click here to read more

HOTELS/GUEST HOUSES

Best Western Park Lodge Hotel , Camelon Road, Falkirk, FK1 5RY  Tel . 01324 628331 Double / single rooms – £65. Rates include breakfast. www.bw-parkhotel.co.uk

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

National Rail Enquiries : www.nationalrail.co.uk   Tel : 08457 484950 www.thetrainline.com   Tel : 0871 244 1545 www.scotrail.co.uk

Nearest Airport : Edinburgh –  www.edinburghairport.com   Tel . 0131 333 1000 Nearest Railway Station : Falkirk High station / Falkirk Grahamston

Taxi/Minicabs:

• Bruce’s Taxis  Tel : 01324 636000 /  www.brucetaxis.co.uk
• Express Taxis  Tel : 01324 622100 /  www.expresstaxis.net 
• Stenhouse Taxis  Tel : 01324 551161

Approximate prices: (Prices courtesy of Bruce’s Taxis – subject to change)

• Falkirk train station to Falkirk: £8
• Edinburgh Airport to Falkirk: £48
• Glasgow Airport to Falkirk: £54

Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons are all within a ten minute drive from the Falkirk Wheel. Alternatively, shopping can be ordered on-line through the tesco website and delivered directly to the Falkirk base. You will need to access the website, login on as [email protected], using the password:  Boatshopp1ng . It will need to be paid for on your own card – just remember not to save the card details to the account!

HOW TO FIND US

By train : Catch a train to Falkirk High station or Falkirk Grahamston station.

HOW TO FIND US BY CAR

From Edinburgh : Take the A8 for Glasgow and the West. At Newbridge roundabout take the M9 West for Stirling. Take the slip road off for Falkirk (Junction 5). Signs on the M9 indicate you should continue straight ahead for the Falkirk Wheel, but if you do not leave the motorway at junction 5 you will end up at the wrong car park. Once off at junction 5, follow the signs for the Falkirk Wheel/Mariner Centre, which will take you past Falkirk Football stadium and an ASDA distribution centre. This will eventually bring you to the Rosebank Beefeater restaurant at the Forth and Clyde canal. At the roundabout take a left and cross the canal (signposted for the Falkirk Wheel Service and disabled entrance). Immediately across the canal at the mini roundabout turn right. ***You will now be driving with the canal on your right-hand side and can follow the yellow AA Falkirk Wheel signs from here. At the second mini roundabout (with the Union Inn in front of you), go left up the hill and then take the first right. At the next mini roundabout, turn right to enter the Falkirk Wheel site. Park on the right, come down the hill, walk through the reception, turn right and our office is facing you.

From Glasgow:  Take the A80 to the north of Castlecary and join the M876 towards Stirling. Exit at Junction 1 and follow the signs for Falkirk – (it is a severe left hand bend) and turn left at the junction. You will almost immediately come to a large roundabout and again follow the signs for Falkirk (straight through). Approximately 4 km on and you will see the new Falkirk Wheel Park & Ride area to your right and the new roundabout. THIS IS NOT THE CAR PARK YOU WANT TO BE IN. Continue to drive through into Camelon until you reach the Mariner Centre (on left) and a large roundabout about 100 yards further on. From here drive straight on towards Falkirk town until you reach the Rosebank Beefeater restaurant/Premier Inn on your right. At this roundabout go straight through then immediately right, you have now crossed to the correct side of the canal. Now follow instructions in previous paragragh ***(from Edinburgh)

Falkirk Reviews:

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• Phone: +44 (0) 1463 236 328
• Email: info@calycruisers.com

Weekly or short-break self-charter boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal

We operate a large fleet of modern, high quality motor cruisers, all fully equipped and available for weekly or short-break self charter cruises on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal .

With 28 vessels and a  range of 10 different styles  to choose from, whichever boat you choose, you can be assured it will be the perfect vantage point to explore 60 miles of Europe’s most beautiful inland waterway . Our existing fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness. 

Our fleet is specifically designed for our unique waterway, each vessel being fitted out at our premises in Inverness…

Based in  Inverness , in the north-east of Scotland, this is both the pick up and return point for all cruises with us. Conveniently located just a few minutes drive from the city centre, we are just 2 miles from Inverness Train Station and 10 miles from  Inverness Airport . 

Instructional Videos

We hope you enjoy watching these short films. They should provide you with a good picture as to what cruising the Caledonian Canal is about.

Meet Our Team

To keep our fleet in tip top condition, we have dedicated a team who look after all aspects of maintaining the hire fleet, from the rudder, shaft and engine right through to interiors and furnishings.

Established in 1969, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2019 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay.

Customers love their holidays and come back time and again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 405 customer reviews.

Latest news & updates from Caley Cruisers

Islay Class – new for 2024

Come and explore our new boat with us.

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• 17 May 2024

Charity Partner for 2024

We are delighted to announce our new charity partner for 2024. SNAP exists to improve the lives of young people with additional needs by providing social experiences, building self-esteem, and…

• 15 February 2024

New Boats to Join our Fleet in 2024

We are delighted to announce that we are adding two new boats to our fleet next year. Islay (1) (Pet Free) will join in May 2024 for Friday and Tuesday…

• 28 September 2023

Kinging-It Travel Blog

We were delighted to work with Craig and Aimee on their new blog with Visit Scotland and Scottish Canals. They tried boat life for 72 hours. Was it for them?

• 31 August 2023

The Highlands are one of the “Best of the World” destinations to visit in 2023!

It’s no surprise that the Highlands are one of National Geographic’s top 5 places to visit in the world in 2023. Check out the full story here:

• 28 October 2022

New STV advert published

We are delighted to present our latest STV promotional footage. We think this gives potential customers a real feel for what their potential holiday will be like.

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• 26 February 2024

Torridon – ‘I Wanna Know’

Eye spy with my little eye Torridon filming on a Torridon. It was great to have the guys with us at the end of last year filming their new single.…

Our beautiful  Kintail class  was featured on Channel 4’s “ Great Canal Journeys ” with Timothy West & Prunella Scales.   Kintail, and every other vessel on our fleet , was   fitted out by our own team  and is specifically designed for our unique cruising area. The spectacular scenery, combined with a beautiful cruiser and our first class service will ensure your holiday with Caley Cruisers is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. We are sure you will find the ideal boat to suit your party whether your looking for something to suit a couple, family or large group.      Established in 1970, we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020 and during our many years of operation we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen. No previous boating experience or licence are necessary (approximately one third of our customers are completely new to boating) and we provide a comprehensive handover with 24 hour support service during your stay. You will find a lot of detailed information about our boats, cruising area and our service contained within this website and we hope it provides the answer to any  questions   you may have. However, please please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any specific queries – we would be delighted to assist.  Book you perfect boating holidays Scotland.

  You can check  LIVE availability  on our website and place a booking this way at any time. Please note that due to the online booking system in place, the availability is subject to change at any time. We therefore recommend booking online.  We are already well booked up for 2021 and it is possible to book for 2022 (please see our  free cancellation offer for advance bookings). 

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Get in Touch

The Reservations Team

Tel: 01463 236328 Email:  [email protected]

Caley Cruisers have been offering boating holidays on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal since 1970 and we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2020! Weekly or short break charter is available from April to October inclusive. No previous boating experience necessary as full training given. Cruising 60 miles of Europes most beautiful inland waterways will be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever have. So if you are looking for the perfect boating holiday in Scotland , or Caledonian Canal boat hire look no further.

Join us for a boat trip down the Forth and Clyde canal

Navvies Barge is a 10 foot wide canal boat built in the 1990s. It started its life as a home and maintains this welcoming characteristic. Inside she has a comfortable seating area leading to a fully equipped galley (kitchen), a toilet and then our history snug to the rear of the boat.

We encourage customers to call Navvies Barge home for their time on board. Bring food, drink and enjoy hours spent on the canal with loved ones. Inside the boat will be yours for the duration of the trip. Your trip will be skippered and you are more than welcome to join us at the back of the boat to have a go at steering. The front of the boat is open, a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by (my mum's favourite place to sit with a book).

Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival. How you spend your time with us is entirely up to you, come and chat to us about life on the canal, its history and its challenges, or sit with friends with a glass of something nice making memories.

2 hour trip

Our two hour boat trip leaves Applecross Basin and takes us past the Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve . These are a reclaimed nature reserve managed by the local community. This beautiful spot is home to an array of wildlife and swiftly begins the journey into a wildlife corridor through North Glasgow. Keep eyes to the left here for beautiful views of the West End and the University of Glasgow.

The next key landmark along this route is Firhill Stadium , home to Partick Thistle. Here we navigate slowly past moored boats, expect a wave from our lovely neighbours!

The trip then continues along the canal running parallel to Maryhill Road. This beautiful run of water couldn't feel further from the business of the city, onboard the boat you see this beautiful corridor in a completely different way and get lost for a couple of hours.

The half way point of the trip is the new Stockingfield Bridge . A beautiful landmark that sought to reconnect communities separated by the canal for 200 years. This is the point of the trip we will need to be especially careful of creatures lurking by the canal. Bella the Beithir , the 121 metre snake calls this section of the canal home. An incredible installation created by local community groups made up of thousands of tiles. A truly impressive sight well worth a visit.

We will turn around here and make our journey back to Applecross Basin. This trip celebrates what is called the “Glasgow Branch”, it was the beginning of the Monklands canal which it has been separate from since the construction of the M8.

Half day trip

Our half day trip will take the same route as our 2 hour trip, however at the Stockingfield Bridge we are presented with several choices.

Another variation of this trip can take us up towards Bishopbriggs through the Possil Marshes . This trip opts against moving towards the Clyde and goes in the direction of the Forth for an hour and a half. For this we go past the stables and into a more open landscape with views of the campsies before turning back.

The half day trip gives us a little more flexibility so either let us know what you would like to do or we can decide on the day.

Full day trip

The long boat trip takes us to Kirkintilloch , the so called Canal Capital of Scotland. This trip navigates along the Glasgow branch and then takes a turn in the direction of the River Forth when we get to see Bella the Beithir at the new bridge.

This is our longest trip and gives you the opportunity to see the landscape slowly shift as we gently cruise out of Glasgow. Cadder is a particularly beautiful section of the canal, trees overhang and reflect on the water making it feel like a magical place to be. The open fields with views of the Campsie Fells in the distance make this a wonderful diverse trip along the canal.

This is a full day out on the boat and takes roughly two and a half hours to reach Kirkintilloch. The majority of our trips call in for lunch at The Stables Pub . Alternatively, Cadder Wharf is a beautiful spot along the canal for a picnic. We have a fully working kitchen on board so feel free to stay on the boat and have lunch.

Single ticket

This year we are introducing single ticket boat trips. These trips will follow the route of the 2 hour boat trip described above. The trips will be available for up to 6 people and you will share the boat with others (limited to 6 max). Again feel free to make the boat home for this trip. Bring food and drink and make new friends. If you are interested in joining for one of these let us know and we can let you know the dates we have available.

Our Reviews

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Narrowboat Nomad

Caledonian Canal Boating Holidays: Exploring the Scottish Highlands by Water

Boating holidays are a popular way to explore the scenic waterways of the UK including Wales , England & Scotland. The Caledonian Canal is one such waterway that draws visitors from all over the world. Built in the early 19th century, the canal stretches 60 miles from Inverness to Fort William , passing through stunning landscapes and historic landmarks along the way.

A Caledonian Canal boating holiday offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Scotland. With a range of boats available for hire, from luxury cruisers to traditional narrowboats, there is something to suit every taste and budget. The canal is a haven for wildlife, with otters, seals, and a variety of birdlife to be seen along the way. Visitors can also explore historic sites such as the Caledonian Canal Centre , Neptune’s Staircase , and the ruins of Urquhart Castle .

Overview of Caledonian Canal Boating Holidays

What is the caledonian canal.

The Caledonian Canal is a man-made waterway that stretches for 60 miles through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, connecting Inverness in the east to Fort William in the west. The canal was opened in 1822 and consists of 29 locks, 4 aqueducts, and 10 bridges. The canal passes through stunning mountain scenery, including the famous Ben Nevis, and three lochs – Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich.

Types of Boats Available

A variety of boats are available for hire on the Caledonian Canal, including cruisers, yachts, holiday barges, motor cruisers, and hotel boats. The fleet is well-maintained and offers a range of sizes and styles to suit different needs and budgets.

What to Expect on a Boating Holiday

A boating holiday on the Caledonian Canal offers a unique waterway experience in the heart of Scotland’s stunning mountain scenery. The pace of life is slow, and the canal traffic is light, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing break. Boaters can explore the canal at their own pace, stopping off at charming villages, historic sites, and scenic spots along the way.

Benefits of a Boating Holiday on the Caledonian Canal

A boating holiday on the Caledonian Canal offers a range of benefits. The stunning mountain scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for cruising, and the slow pace of life allows for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Boaters can enjoy fishing, climbing, and other outdoor activities along the way, and the canal’s locks offer an exciting challenge for those looking for a bit of adventure. Instruction is available for those new to boating, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Overall, a boating holiday on the Caledonian Canal is a unique and unforgettable experience, offering a chance to explore the heart of Scotland’s stunning mountain scenery at a leisurely pace.

Choosing the Right Boat for Your Caledonian Canal Boating Holiday

When planning a Caledonian Canal boating holiday, choosing the right boat is essential. There are several factors to consider to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your vessel.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boat

Size and type.

The size and type of boat you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. If you are travelling with a large group or family, you may want to consider a cruiser or yacht, which can accommodate more people. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more intimate experience, a holiday barge or hotel boat may be a better option. Motor cruisers are also a popular choice, as they offer a good balance of speed and comfort.

Experience and Skill Level

Before selecting a boat, it’s important to consider your experience and skill level. If you are new to boating, you may want to choose a vessel that is easy to handle and comes with instruction and service. On the other hand, if you are an experienced boater, you may want to opt for a more advanced vessel that allows you to explore the inland waterways at your own pace.

Boat Safety and Regulations

Safety equipment.

When choosing a boat, it’s important to ensure that it comes equipped with all the necessary safety equipment. This includes life jackets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the location and proper use of each item before setting out on your journey.

Regulations

It’s also important to be aware of the regulations that apply to boating on the Caledonian Canal. For example, all vessels must have a valid license and insurance, and must comply with speed limits and other rules of the waterway. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations before setting out on your journey.

In conclusion, selecting the right boat for your Caledonian Canal boating holiday is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the water. Keep in mind the factors mentioned above, and make sure to prioritize safety and compliance with regulations.

Planning Your Caledonian Canal Boating Holiday

The best time to plan a Caledonian Canal boating holiday is between April and October. During these months, the weather is mild and the days are long, giving you plenty of time to explore the canal and its surroundings. It is important to note that the canal can be quite busy during peak season, so it is recommended to book your trip well in advance.

Itinerary Planning

When planning your Caledonian Canal boating holiday, it is important to consider your itinerary carefully. There are many interesting sights to see along the way, including Loch Ness, Inverness, and Fort William. You may want to plan your itinerary around these destinations, allowing time to explore each one.

It is also important to consider the amount of time you have available for your trip. The Caledonian Canal is approximately 60 miles long and has 29 locks and 10 swing bridges. It is recommended to allow at least a week to fully explore the canal and its surroundings.

Navigating the Caledonian Canal

Navigating the Caledonian Canal can be a challenge, especially for first-time boaters. However, with some preparation and careful planning, it can be a rewarding experience.

Before setting off, it is important to familiarize yourself with the canal’s locks and bridges. The Laggan locks, for example, are the longest staircase locks in Britain and require careful navigation. It is also important to be aware of canal traffic and to follow the rules of the waterway.

For those who enjoy climbing, there are many opportunities to explore the Scottish Highlands and take in the stunning mountain scenery. West Highland Sailing offers a range of climbing and walking trips, which can be incorporated into your boating holiday.

Overall, a Caledonian Canal boating holiday is a unique and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the beauty of Scotland’s waterways and mountains. With careful planning and preparation, it is a trip that is sure to be remembered for years to come.

What to Bring on Your Caledonian Canal Boating Holiday

When planning for a Caledonian Canal boating holiday, it is essential to pack carefully to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some things to consider bringing:

Clothing and Personal Items

• Warm and waterproof clothing : The Scottish weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack warm and waterproof clothing. Bring a good quality waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as warm layers such as fleeces and thermal underwear.
• Sun protection : Although it may not seem likely, the sun can still be strong in Scotland, especially during the summer months. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Comfortable shoes : Bring comfortable, non-slip shoes for walking on deck and exploring the area around the canal.
• Toiletries : Pack your usual toiletries, including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and any medications you may need.

Boating Equipment

• Life jackets : Safety is a top priority, so be sure to bring life jackets for everyone on board. Check with your boat rental company to see if they provide life jackets.
• Navigation equipment : If you plan to do some cruising, bring a map or navigation equipment to help you navigate the canal.
• Mooring equipment : You may need to moor your boat at some point during your trip, so bring mooring lines and fenders to protect your boat.
• Lock keys : If you plan to travel through locks, bring the necessary keys to operate them.

Food and Drink

• Provisions : Bring plenty of food and drink for your trip, as there may not be many opportunities to stock up along the way. Pack non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, and snacks.
• Cooking equipment : If you plan to cook on board, bring pots, pans, utensils, and a portable stove.

Other Considerations

• Entertainment : Bring books, games, or other forms of entertainment to enjoy during downtime on board.
• Camera : The Caledonian Canal is a beautiful area, so bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Mobile phone : Although you may be in a remote area, it’s a good idea to bring a mobile phone for emergencies.

By packing carefully and considering all the necessary items, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Caledonian Canal boating holiday.

Boating holidays along the Caledonian Canal offer a unique and unforgettable experience for those who love the water and the Scottish scenery. With its peaceful lochs, stunning mountains, and rich history, the Caledonian Canal is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to explore Scotland’s natural beauty.

During a Caledonian Canal boating holiday, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, hiking, and cycling. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, seals, and eagles.

There are many different types of boats available for hire, ranging from small, two-person vessels to larger, luxury cruisers. Visitors can choose to travel at their own pace, stopping at picturesque villages and towns along the way, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the water.

One of the main advantages of a Caledonian Canal boating holiday is the flexibility it offers. Visitors can choose the length of their trip, the route they take, and the activities they participate in. This makes it an ideal holiday option for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Overall, a Caledonian Canal boating holiday is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to explore Scotland’s stunning scenery, the Caledonian Canal is the perfect destination.

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Caledonian Canal Cruising in Beautiful Scotland on a Self-Drive Le Boat

Jul 26, 2022 | 0

Caledonian Canal Self-Drive Cruising

By Robin McKelvie

Quite simply there are few waterways in the world as dramatic and grand as Scotland’s Caledonian Canal. Indeed, the term ‘canal’ doesn’t do this epic feat of engineering justice.

The Caledonian Canal is an aquatic artery connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea that also forges through Scotland’s Great Glen on rivers, a quartet of lochs (including famous Loch Ness) and two remarkable lock flights that are a photographic dream.

The canal was the brainchild of perhaps Scotland’s greatest ever engineer — Thomas Telford .

He was commissioned to build this link between Fort William and Inverness so that shipping could avoid the longer — and often tempestuous — haul around the northern fringes of Scotland and the dreaded Pentland Firth.

In 2022 the Caledonian Canal celebrated its 200th birthday with an overhaul that has ensured its survival and the future enjoyment of generations of boaters.

To cruise the 60 miles of the Caledonian Canal is a sheer joy; a greatest hits of Scottish tourism. This is the land of Braveheart and Outlander ; of sweeping forest, glowering glen and majestic mountain.

VIDEO: Robin shows us the beauty of the Caledonian Canal, below.

You forge through this landscape, along aquarium-clear lochs beneath towering 3,000-foot mountains, feeling the enormity and grandeur of the Scottish Highlands, one of Europe’s last great wildernesses.

En route there are castles, distilleries and cute villages — you are cruising through a postcard of Scotland. And it’s a postcard we thoroughly enjoyed on our 7-night Le Boat Caledonian Canal cruise.

RELATED: Read more about Scotland’s canals.

RELATED: Enjoy Robin McKelvie’s review of a Spirit of Scotland cruise he took on the Caledonian Canal. 

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Our “Magnifique” Canal Houseboat

Le Boat’s Magnifique houseboat is classified as the middle of Le Boat’s 3 categories. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

The comfortable Magnifique houseboat, in the middle “Comfort” level of Le Boat’s three categories of boats, was an ideal choice for our party of two families — four adults, three teenagers and one 11-year-old.

It had four cabins: two doubles fore and two twins (with two single beds) en suite aft.

The layout of the interior deck of Le Boat’s Magnifique. * Photo: Le Boat

One of the pair of twin cabins on Magnifique. * Photo: Le Boat

Theoretically you can squeeze 10 people on to Magnifique , but the conversion of the sofa area into an extra bed wouldn’t be ideal.

Our cabin was compact, with limited storage space, but a decent size double bed. We were a little jealous of our kids, who had a shower and toilet in their cabins, while the four adults shared a toilet and shower room.

One of the Magnifique’s double-bedded cabins. * Photo: Le Boat

I’d advise choosing moorings sheltered from the wind as much as possible for restful nights.

TIP: One bath towel and hand towel are provided for each person, so you may want to bring more, given it’s hard to dry things on the boat and you may enjoy wetsuit-clad dips in the lochs.

The main deck is open plan. The lower galley area has a three-ring stove, oven, microwave, cafetière (French press coffee pot), kettle and two fridges, with limited freezer space.

The lower galley area on Magnifique. * Photo: Le Boat

Magnifique’s interior dining saloon, a few steps above the galley. * Photo: Le Boat

Dishes, glasses and crockery were clean. Cooking and BBQ utensils are all provided as are dishcloths. One omission was a cheese grater.

There was also a small TV, as well as USB ports and electricity sockets located throughout the boat. The main steering position is located on the Main Deck with an auxiliary position on the upper sundeck, which we preferred to use as the views were better.

We were advised to use the upper position as the canal is also used by working boats, small cruise ships and canoes on the Great Glen Canoe Trail.

TIP: Pack hand soap, paper towels and spices since they are not provided.

Our group spent most of our days on the upper outdoor deck, with its small fridge, large table (with waterproof cushions) and seating.

Enjoying drinks and snacks on the upper open deck, while moored in Urquhart Bay Harbour. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

We preferred to drive the boat from the steering position as it gives a much better range of view.

No rain cover/sun shelter was provided, meaning the person at the helm was often left alone when raining.

There are plastic chairs for sunnier days.

TIP: It’s essential to bring Smidge, a locally available spray, if you’re cruising in the summer months. That is when the — impervious-to-DEET and most bug sprays — Highland midge bites in spirit-sapping swarms.

No Boat Driving Experience Needed

No previous boating experience is required to captain a Le Boat Magnifique houseboat.

Even so, being solely in charge of a 14.5m x 4.10m vessel is initially unnerving if you’ve no experience.

Saying that, full tuition is given and Le Boat stress you don’t need any experience at all.

Our instructor had us off and running well within an hour given our experience. But he said it often takes two hours.

Reassuringly he stressed they won’t let people out until they’re comfortable and on occasion they will offer extra tuition en route.

Our friendly instructor, Brian, showed us how to read the information gauges and operate the stove and electricals etc. He took us for a spin around Ceann Loch at Laggan and also made sure we could berth again safely, and then we were off.

I recommend all adults make themselves at least familiar with basic rope work, which comes in handy if you suddenly have to tie up at a transit mooring after a swing bridge operator changes his mind to accommodate an ambulance, as happened to us.

The steering is simple, with a wheel similar to what you find on a car. Handily if you head west you have a two-hour loch traverse to begin with, which allows everyone to get a feel for steering and how response time is very different to a car.

Think slow, gradual movements for a straight course, rather than jerking the wheel and zig-zagging around.

The boat had “fenders” and speed is limited to 5mph in the canal sections to cut down wash. The charts provided by Le Boat were excellent and handily waterproof. They clearly mark the channels to be used entering and leaving lochs.

Driving the Magnifique on the Caledonian Canal requires no previous experience. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

TIP: If you are a novice, spend a little time beforehand learning about basic navigation. Make sure you have a data plan on your phone. Google Maps was very helpful as a supplement to the maps and navigation guides on board, as you can see just how far down the lochs you are. As Loch Ness is basically an inland sea it’s especially useful here.

Our 7-night Caledonian Canal Route

On our first day most Le Boat guests went east so…we sailed west.

This gave us a clear run towards Fort William. From there we turned tail for the 60-mile haul to Inverness.

Be mindful that if you want to ‘complete’ the whole journey you need to plan for the long sail across Loch Ness (at least four hours) and to get through the lock flight at Fort Augustus, or you risk not making it back to base in time.

The Caledonian Canal & Le Boat route. * Map: Le Boat

Day 1 – Laggan Locks to Gairlochy Locks

Easing away from Laggan we set sail along Loch Lochy, down the barrel of the Great Glen, mountains rising up on either flank. Cruising Loch Lochy and Loch Ness is easy as they are wide with plenty of room for maneuver.

There was time too for coffee and biscuits as we eased along scanning the shoreline for otters, the land for red deer, and the sky for soaring eagles.

Just a couple of hours later we spotted the white tower that heralds the entrance back into the canal itself.

As the lock-keeper had clocked off for the day (they normally work 8am-6pm) we moored at one of the pontoons.

Moored for the evening at the Laggan Locks base, with other Le Boat vessels. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

The Le Boat Navigational Chart outlined all the pontoons you can overnight at. Ropes tightened, we moored up and plunged off for a swim in the loch. We swam every day of our trip — or used the paddle boards we’d brought with us.

We were glad we brought wet suits as the loch waters were still very chilly, even in summer.

Wild swimming the first night. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

I’d recommend a buoyancy aid unless you’re a very strong swimmer.

We dined on the upper deck enjoying the sun refusing to really set, a real treat in a Scottish summer. And then, of course, enjoyed a wee first night dram, a single malt from the nearby Ben Nevis Distillery .

Day 2 — Gairlochy to Banavie (Fort William)

The canal tow paths are ideal for walking, cycling and jogging — we did a spot of the latter before a traditional porridge breakfast, without the optional dram in it.

VIDEO: Robin shows us the scenic tow paths along the Caledonian Canal.

Our vessel was low enough to slip under the Gairlochy swing bridge. And after navigating our first lock, we were on our way for a short sail to Banavie, the end of the cruising area.

The industrial-size locks are all manned by professional lock-keepers and they keep you right with the ropes.

Do bring gloves as it can hurt naked flesh when letting ropes in and out. The main thing to remember is to keep your ropes tidy and ready for use at all times, plus make sure they are not snagged around anything on deck.

Don’t worry if you struggle to tie even your shoelaces, as they can teach you basic tie-up at the Laggan base.

It’s a spectacular denouement to the Caledonian Canal as you approach in the shadow of Ben Nevis , at 1,345 metres the highest mountain in the British Isles.

Then you moor at the top of Neptune’s Staircase, a jaw-dropping lock flight that leads down to the Atlantic.

Neptune’s Staircase, an aerial view. * Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neptune%27s_Staircase_2017_left.jpg

As it was a dreich (the onomatopoeic Scots word for inclement weather) day, we spent it in Fort William, a $15 USD cab ride away.

The new Highland Cinema does superb Neapolitan-style pizzas, and shows Hollywood blockbusters, as well as films on the local scenery. If you’re after a gift shop this is the place too.

We retreated for a cozy night of card games as the rain pattered on the windows and roof, with Ben Nevis looming in and out of the scudding clouds.

Day 3 — Banavie to Invergarry

Turning back east we gunned along Loch Lochy, propelled by a tailwind in plenty of time to take on the locks at Laggan and enter Laggan Avenue, one of the most picturesque sections.

Huge trees veer up on either side of the channel as you ease along.

The super scenic Laggan Avenue portion of the Caledonian Canal. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

After this bucolic interlude it was time to stop the traffic on the main road from Fort William to Inverness at the Laggan Swing Bridge . Easing through we were in Loch Oich, a comparatively small and shallow loch where you need to keep your wits about you.

The Laggan Swing Bridge. * Photo: Jo Turner at https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Laggan,_Great_Glen

Red and green markers (green to your right heading east, green to your left heading west) guide the way, but we had to pay special attention to dogleg around into our overnight mooring at Invergarry.

Get it wrong and you end up run aground by an island.

The green and red markers. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

Invergarry proved our favorite mooring. There are minimal facilities (not even electricity or water), but what do you really need when you’ve got a craggy castle ruin hovering above, a wee beach and a shipwreck to paddle board out to, to investigate?

Invergarry proved our favorite mooring. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

We spent longer than intended here, overnighting with a delicious meal at Rokeby Manor , a half hour walk away by a gushing river. I recommend the spicy rich fish dish kedgeree, which dates from the days when Scots served in India during the British Empire.

Invergarry Castle may be closed on health and safety grounds, but it’s fun to ramble around as it’s every bit the storybook Scottish castle.

Day 4 — Invergarry to Fort Augustus

If you want to sail all of the Caledonian Canal you have to keep moving, but we decided to slow our trip and enjoy more time with the kids.

A morning splashing around in Loch Oich was followed by Scottish beef burgers and cheese from the island of Orkney cooked over a driftwood open fire.

Pushing on further east we had to be careful as we navigated a couple of dozen canoeists, who were slowly working their way along the Caledonian Canal.

Again, we stopped the road traffic as the Aberchalder Swing Bridge swung open for us to allow us back into the canal, where we negotiated two locks — passing through them had become second nature by now — to reach the top pontoons at Fort Augustus.

Don’t assume you’ll be able to get down the Fort Augustus flight if you arrive in the afternoon as there is a flight of five locks and a swing bridge to get through. We arrived late so moored up for a takeaway overlooking those locks.

We were advised locally that the restaurant Monster did the best fish ‘n’ chips and it proved a great tip.

Fort Augustus Locks. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

Day 5 – Fort Augustus to Urquhart Castle

That it attracts crowds of tourists tells you how dramatic the quintet of locks are at Fort Augustus. Unusually you switch off your engine and then step off the boat to walk your boat through.

It proved a really social experience as we chatted to our fellow boaters, many who we’d already waved at during the trip.

We looked like some strange cult, a dozen of us bedecked in the same bright orange lifejackets.

Fort Augustus boasts plenty of cafés, bars and wee shops if you want to hang around, but Loch Ness is the big draw. After another traffic-stopping swing bridge we were out into spectacular Loch Ness.

To give you an idea how unique Loch Ness is, all the water in all the lakes in England and Wales put together would not even fill this vast loch.

It’s got a decent fetch too and can be tough to tackle in strong winds, so plan your traverse well.

Moorings are very limited on Loch Ness, so we headed early to Urquhart Bay. It was a spectacular approach, coming around the rugged ruins of loch-side Urquhart Castle, said to have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s ‘Brave’.

VIDEO: Approaching Urquhart Castle on the Magnifique houseboat.

You can visit the castle half an hour walk away or catch a bus for the half an hour trip into Inverness.

As we weren’t sailing all the way to Inverness, we chose the later to visit the Highland capital.

Beautiful Urquhart Castle. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

Day 6 – Urquhart to Invergarry

This day was our laziest as we sailed up Loch Ness back to Fort Augustus. After negotiating the lock flight and swing bridge we pushed on to Loch Oich for another overnight at our favorite mooring.

Cue more campfires, barbecues and loch swimming.

One of the beauties of hiring a houseboat is that you decide the pace of the day.

Cooking burgers over the cast iron grill Robin brought along (barbecue grills can also be rented from Le Boat). * Photo: Robin McKelvie

Day 7 – Fort Augustus to Laggan Locks

Our last day was a relaxed breeze too as we’d already made it up the Fort Augustus locks. After a chilled morning in and out the water, we pushed back through the canals, locks, swing bridges and Loch Oich in search of our base at Laggan Locks.

You need to hand your boat back at 9am, so it makes sense to be in position the night before.

Our last night brought a barbecue down on Loch Lochy.

We toasted to Thomas Telford, his remarkable Caledonian Canal and our well-equipped houseboat, which had quickly become a welcome second home, as well as a brilliant way of exploring some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

A great time on the Caledonian Canal. * Photo: Robin McKevlie

Why Go on Caledonian Canal Le Boat Cruise?

• For a luxury boating experience with many of the comforts of home
• To enjoy a cruising experience where you decide the destination and pace each day
• For a unique perspective of Scotland’s longest glen and the remarkable Caledonian Canal
• For an opportunity to learn to captain your own boat without having previous boating experience
• Cooking is a pleasure with a decent kitchen and the chance to cook over the campfire ashore

Caveats of a Le Boat Caledonian Canal Cruise

• The weather can be unpredictable so you’ll need to bring rain gear.
• While cellular phone service was usually available, the internet speeds varied, so streaming and email service was patchy.
• Be sure to make reservations ahead of time for meals on shore, especially in summer as places can be booked up days in advance.

Planning a Caledonian Canal Houseboat Trip — What to Keep in Mind

• Boats range in size and level of comfort.
• There are 4 Magnifique houseboats on the Caledonian Canal, which are in the “Comfort” category.
• In total, Le Boat offers 27 self-drive boats on Scotland’s Caledonian Canal  — 13 Budget, 13 Comfort & 1 Premier.
• There’s a 3-night minimum for rentals.
• The boats come with a fully equipped eat-in kitchen.
• There are two driving positions (indoor and outdoor).
• Each boat has a top deck with seat and a table.
• Le Boat has been operating in Europe since 1969 with boating holidays in France, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland, The Netherlands, Italy and Germany. They also operate in other parts of the world including Canada.

Caledonian Canal Le Boat Houseboat Cost

Le boat prices include:.

• Rental of the boat and its onboard equipment
• Boat damage waiver
• A fully-equipped kitchen
• Towels and linen for all passengers
• A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
• Telephone support
• On-board maps and visitor information
• Passage through locks manned by lock-keepers
• A compulsory moorings fee is included in the price quoted

Not included in the price:

• Food and drink
• Travel to and from the embarkation point
• Electricity at moorings – GDP£4, payable in cash to lock-keeper
• Cancellation plan and any travel/personal insurance

Extras you can purchase or rent from Le Boat:

• Paddleboards
• Grocery packages

Getting There 

If you are arriving by plane, the closest major international airport is Edinburgh, Scotland — you can rent a car for the three-hour drive to the Le Boat Base at Laggan Locks.

Note to set your sat nav to Le Boat Laggan Locks to end up on the correct side of Laggan Locks.

Weather on the Caledonian Canal

Caledonian Canal houseboating season is May through October.

High season: Scottish Highlands weather is warmest in the summer months of June, July and August with highs of 22 degrees Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) and lows of 6 degrees (43 Fahrenheit).

Low season: May and October are cooler months with highs of 18 degrees Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) and lows of 2 degrees (36 Fahrenheit).

With the changing of the leaves in the fall, September and October are ideal months for leaf-peeping.

Pack rain gear and dress in layers that can be adjusted throughout the day as temperatures and the winds vary loch to loch, and lock to lock.

A spectacular June Le Boat cruise along the Caledonian Canal. * Photo: Robin McKelvie

Interested in this Cruise?

Cost for a self-drive Le Boat vessel like our Magnifique, starts at approximately $4,600 USD for a 7-night rental based on high season (fuel extra).

More details here.

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© This article is protected by copyright, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the author. All Rights Reserved. QuirkyCruise.com.

About The Author

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish based travel writer and broadcaster specialising in cruises, especially small ships. A native Scot, Robin has been published across five continents in magazines and newspapers including CNN Traveller.

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21 best canal boat trips in the UK

Watching the world go by from a narrowboat or barge may not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s a wonderful way to discover some of the UK’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. Rolling countryside, quaint market towns, historic mill villages and UNESCO-listed industrial heritage – along with some truly cutting-edge modern additions to the canal network; you can see it all when you take these canal boat trips on Britain’s amazing inland waterways.

• Northern England
• Central England
• Southern England

Canal boat holidays

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Canal boat trips in northern England

Standedge tunnel, west yorkshire.

Let’s start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths.

Boat trips into the Standedge Tunnel start from Tunnel End near the village of Marsden in West Yorkshire. They’re operated, like a few of the boat tours on this list, by the Canal and River Trust , a charity which looks after 2000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales.

After your 30-minute journey into the tunnel, you can explore a small museum which describes the arduous building of the tunnel in the late 18th century, its decline when the railways came, how it was abandoned for decades and was finally brought back to life in 2001 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.

Read more about visiting Standedge Tunnel

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton is a gorgeous market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The Leeds and Liverpool canal arrived in Skipton in 1773, carrying coal, cloth and other cargo across the country from the ports at Liverpool and Hull (via the Aire and Calder Navigation).

Skipton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and gliding through it on a canal boat trip is the perfect way to see it. From Skipton’s pretty marina in the centre of town, you can take a 1 hour trip to discover the canal, or 2 hour trips to enjoy an afternoon tea on the water.

If you’re thinking you might like to skipper your own boat for a canal boat holiday, a day cruise on the wide, lock-free stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal south of Skipton is a good place to perfect your skills. There’s even a handily-placed canalside pub for lunch.

The team at Skipton Boat Trips will give you all the tuition you need to take the helm of your hire boat with confidence, even if you’re a complete novice. If you love it, you can hire a boat for a short break canal holiday or a full week or more, depending on how many miles of waterways you want to explore.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

15 miles south east of Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find Saltaire. Saltaire is a picturesque model village built by Sir Titus Salt to house the workers from his enormous mill in hygienic, morally sound and intellectually improving surroundings.

Salts Mill and the village surrounding it are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of my favourite places to visit; the mill now holds an art gallery, interesting shops (including the most amazing bookshop) and cafes. Across the river, there’s a lovely park, and down on the canal you can buy ice creams from a barge and take 30-minute boat trips on the narrowboat Titus . Trips run from the end of March to the end of October.

Read more: visiting Salts Mill and Saltaire

Manchester owes a lot of its existence to canals. Canals allowed Manchester’s industrialists to bring raw materials into the city, along with coal to power the machines that would turn raw cotton into finished cloth.

At first, products were transported out of Manchester by barge on the Bridgewater Canal or later by rail, but this didn’t provide enough capacity for Manchester’s factories and mills.

This all changed when the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, providing a wide channel all the way to the sea at Liverpool. Manchester became Britain’s 3rd busiest port, despite being 40 miles from the sea.

Taking a guided canal boat trip is a great way to understand the history of Manchester. Boat trips run along the Manchester Ship Canal and the navigable parts of the River Irwell, passing Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, plus the old Pomona docks. You can book your Manchester river and canal tour here .

Burscough, Lancashire

After the drama of the route across the Pennines, the Leeds and Liverpool canal spends its last few miles before arriving in Liverpool meandering across the west Lancashire landscape. This part of northern England is full of small towns and huge skies, and spending a couple of hours on the water is the perfect way to see it.

Lancashire Canal Cruises operate two cruises from Burscough, a small town near Ormskirk and Southport.

Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

Ashton under Lyne is just to the east of Manchester, and the town’s Portland canal basin marks the point where the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Peak Forest Canal meet and the Ashton Canal begins its journey to Manchester city centre.

The 1800s canal warehouse at Portland Basin has been turned into a lively family museum with recreations of a 1920s street and the interior of a normal family home. There are also exhibitions on the history of Ashton’s three canals. Outside the museum, the Tameside Canal Boat Trust operate seasonal trips on the Ashton Canal on their narrowboat Still Waters .

Northwich, Cheshire

Together with the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the Anderton Boat Lift is one of the most impressive sights on Britain’s canal network and is the world’s oldest working boat lift. The boat lift was built in 1875 to lift cargo boats 15 metres up in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal and is still operational today.

You can experience the “cathedral of the canals” for yourself with a canal boat trip on the Edwin Clark , named after the engineer who built this amazing structure. The Anderton Boat Lift is having some refurbishment work done at the moment but boat trips are expected to resume after Easter 2023.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The transhipment dock at Ellesmere Port, where the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Shropshire Union Canal all meet, used to be a noisy, bustling spot at the height of the Industrial Revolution, but it’s now a peaceful spot for a family day out. The warehouse is now home to one of the Canal and River Trust’s three museums. The museum is a fascinating place to visit, with regularly-changing exhibitions, special events and themed “Canal Sundays” during the summer months.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust run occasional canal boat trips from the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. If there’s a group of you, you might want to hire one of their barges and skippers for a longer trip – they have a range of full day and short day options from £125, some of which stop off at canalside pubs for lunch.

Canal boat trips in central England

Cromford, derbyshire.

Cromford is a village on the edge of the Peak District and home to one of the great wonders of the industrial revolution, the huge Cromford Mills complex. Built in 1771 by the inventor and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills was the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Like Sir Titus Salt in Saltaire, Arkwright built a village to house his workers, and today Cromford is a lovely place to visit, with shops, cafes, a large mill pond and quaint streets. The UNESCO-listed mill has a museum about the mills, plus craft workshops and more shops and cafes.

The 14.5 mile long Cromford Canal was critical to the success of Arkwright’s mills, but it also carried people! An enterprising man named Nathaniel Wheatcroft started the first “fly” boat service from here, carrying passengers to Nottingham twice a week.

Boat trips from Cromford Basin run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and take a 2 hour route from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and back on board the narrowboat Birdswood . There’s also an occasional option for a premium cruise which includes refreshments and a guided tour of the historic places to visit along the route, including Leawood Pumphouse and High Peak Junction, where you can see the oldest extant railway workshop in the world. You can book both the regular and the premium tour on the Friends of Cromford Canal’s website .

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The oldest canal in Britain is the Fosse Dyke Canal, which was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent, and from there to the North Sea. Lincoln is a beautiful cathedral city, and spending a relaxing hour on this historic canal is a lovely way to see the wider area.

You can take a guided boat trip along the Fosse Dyke on the Brayford Belle which operates between Easter and October each year. The Brayford Belle has two decks, the lower one with central heating and the upper one with outside seating and a fantastic view.

Birmingham famously has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam – over 35 miles of them. The canals arrived in Birmingham in 1768, and grew to a peak of 160 miles of canal across the city. Canals were essential to fuel Birmingham’s growth during the industrial revolution, bringing in raw materials and coal, and sending out finished goods.

You can explore Birmingham’s history by taking a canal boat trip with Brindley Cruises or Sherborne Wharf . Routes cover part of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Telford’s New Main Line (revolutionary for its time) and Gas Street Basin. If you’re visiting Birmingham at Christmas, you can even take a “Search for Santa” canal trip.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the outskirts of Birmingham to the heart of historic Stratford, Shakespeare’s home town. The canal was built to transport coal from the Midlands down to Oxford and London, without needing to use the network through Birmingham. The route was near-derelict by the 1930s, but was rescued thanks to the efforts of the Inland Waterways Association, the National Trust and local volunteers.

Today, the 25 miles of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal is navigable again and visitors to Stratford can take 40 minute canal boat tours along the canal and the River Avon . Stratford’s resident swans often follow the boat, and there’s a good chance you’ll also see tufted ducks, herons, coots and perhaps a kingfisher too.

Dudley, West Midlands

Just as at Standedge, the main attraction for canal boat trips in Dudley is going underground. The Dudley Tunnel is the UK’s second-longest tunnel, but unlike Standedge, it isn’t continuous and instead emerges at points into canal basins.

The rock in this area is particularly rich in fossils and other geological features. The area was once heavily mined for its limestone, creating amazing caverns that the boat trip passes through. One of these, named the Singing Cavern, is even available for weddings!

Canal boat trips into Dudley Tunnel are run by the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust . You can just turn up for the regular 45 minute trips or book online for longer trips. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Black Country Living Museum , which has a canal area featuring a collection of historic boats.

Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Oxford Canal meanders 78 miles from just north of Coventry, down through Rugby and Banbury and on until it meets the River Thames at Oxford.

While there are lots of river cruises on offer in Oxford itself, you’ll need to go to Banbury for canal boat trips on the Oxford Canal, unless you want a self-drive boat. Tooleys Boatyard Trust in Banbury offer regular, 40-minute canal boat trips on their day boat the Dancing Duck . Their Facebook page is the best place to check for boat trip times and dates.

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds are more famous these days for picturesque villages and trickling streams in a rolling, rural landscape, but there are canals here too. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779 to link Stroud to the River Severn and from there to the sea. Ten years later, the Thames and Severn Canal opened, extending the route to the River Thames at Lechlade and providing a cross-country route.

Both the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal fell into decline, with sections being filled in, but the Cotswolds Canal Trust have worked tirelessly to bring parts back into use. It’s expected that the Stroudwater Navigation will join up with the national waterways network again in 2025.

The Cotswolds Canal Trust run canal boat trips on the navigable parts of the Stroudwater Navigation at the Saul visitor centre, Ebley Wharf and the Wallbridge Lock visitor centre. At Lechlade, you can take a boat trip on the River Thames from St John’s Lock to see the start of the old Thames and Severn Canal.

Canal boat trips in southern England

The Regent’s Canal in London is an 8.6-mile link between the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames near Canary Wharf.

The canal weaves its way prettily through some of North London’s most attractive and interesting areas, including Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Town and the Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross.

Canal boat trips on the Regent’s Canal tend to run between Little Venice and Camden Town. On a tour with the London Waterbus Company you’ll be entertained by a commentary, which points out key sights along the route, including London Zoo, Maida Hill Tunnel and the homes of the rich and famous.

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the UK canal network’s most popular waterways. Stretching from the Bristol channel, through the beautiful city of Bath then on through Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury to the Thames at Reading, it’s an outstanding route, passing through quintessentially English countryside.

One of the most beautiful towns on the Kennet and Avon is Bradford-on-Avon. Bradford-on-Avon is 10 miles from Bath and the tow paths are a popular walk between the two. At Bradford-on-Avon you can take a canal boat trip on the impressively large Barbara McLellan , a 65ft wide-beam boat that seats 40 and is operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

From Bradford-on-Avon, the Barbara McLellan sails west to Avoncliff Aqueduct and east to Widbrook winding hole. There are also a range of themed cruises throughout the season.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust have four other boats along the canal and also offer canal boat trips in Devizes , Hungerford , Newbury and Reading .

Canal boat trips in Wales

Llangollen, denbighshire.

The Llangollen Canal in North Wales is one of the most scenic canal trips in the UK, but you’ll need a good head for heights! The amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars over the valley of the River Dee and is the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world. It was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, who was also involved in building Standedge Tunnel.

You can walk along the tow path to see the view from the aqueduct, but for the full Pontcysyllte experience, complete with checking out the sheer drop from the side of the boat on the canal side, Llangollen Wharf offer both motor and horse-drawn canal trips over the aqueduct.

The 5 mile route can be done in either direction, starting at Llangollen or Froncysyllte (near the aqueduct). The journey takes two hours; for an extra cost you can enjoy afternoon tea onboard. At the end of the trip, a courtesy bus will take you back to where you started.

Brecon, Powys

The peaceful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (also known as the Mon and Brec) is one of the UK’s most scenic routes. 35 miles are currently navigable, and many of those are within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Things weren’t always so quiet and serene around here though; the canal transported coal, stone and iron ore from the Welsh hillsides down to the iron works at Blaenavon (now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site ) and other industrial sites in the area. Cruising along the canal today you can still see traces of its heritage including wharves and lime kilns.

If you’re visiting this lovely part of Wales, Dragonfly Cruises have public canal boat trips departing from Brecon canal basin and including a journey over the Brynich Aqueduct which takes the Mon and Brec over the River Usk. They can also provide a skipper and guide for a canal trip through the area’s picturesque villages.

Canal boat trips in Scotland

Inverness, highlands.

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles across Scotland, from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William, connecting the lochs of the Great Glen; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. The man-made connections between the lochs were built by Thomas Telford and opened in the early 19th century.

You can take a combined cruise of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness by joining a boat trip at Dochgarroch Lock. The trip will take you through the locks and on to Loch Douchfour, past the old Bona Lighthouse and into Loch Ness as far as Urquhart Castle. You can book online through online ticket seller Get Your Guide .

The Falkirk Wheel is one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the whole UK canal network. Opened in 2002, the Wheel is a rotating boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The best way to see the Falkirk Wheel is to take a spin on it. Canal boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel take around 50 minutes. First you’ll go into the canal basin, then enter the Wheel’s gondola, ready to be lifted into the air as the Wheel rotates.

At the top, you’ll sail along the aqueduct, through the Roughcastle Tunnel and to the start of the Union Canal. The boat will turn round and take you back to the Wheel for another spin, this time back down to the canal basin.

If day trips aren’t enough for you, there are lots of companies offering canal boat hire, either to stay put and use the boat as a base, or to explore the UK’s miles of navigable waterways at your own pace on a narrow boat holiday.

VRBO has narrow boats, house boats and barges for rent with all the comforts of home, while specialist hire firms like Waterways Holidays have canal boat hire across the country. There are lots of local companies as well; if you’re interested in a particular starting point, you might like to talk to a local specialist who can advise you on canal routes and the best places of interest to see along the way.

Have you taken one of these canal boat trips, or have I missed out your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts

If you enjoyed this post, you might find these other posts interesting:

• Visiting Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO-listed radio telescope near Manchester
• 5 of my favourite heritage railways you can take a ride on
• Things to do in Whitby, a historic fishing town on the Yorkshire coast
• Visiting Thermae Bath Spa, the UK’s only naturally-heated thermal bath

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2 thoughts on “21 best canal boat trips in the UK”

A Great shame you did not include The Horse-Drawn Barge in Tiverton Devon as it is now one of the last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and operates Trips along the very beautiful Grand Western Canal.

Thanks Philip, that sounds amazing, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the south west 🙂

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About Helen

9 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)

7 of the best holidays in italy in september.

The best things to do in Scotland with kids

Jun 13, 2023 • 8 min read

With inspiration for the perfect family trip, here are the best things to do with kids in Scotland © Paul McGee / Getty Images © © Paul McGee / Getty Images

Scotland is a stronghold of child-friendly favorites, and you’re here for superlative, soul-stirring experiences that ambush parents as much as itchy-footed kids.

Take the road north from Edinburgh — leaving behind three fantasy brick-block castles and passing through a storied countryside home to tales of giant water spirits and a humped, ancient loch monster— and, between the fairy glens and newfangled Harry Potter tradition, you’ll find yourself transported into a moody landscape ripe for a travel-bragging family adventure.

This is a country brimming with family-first cultural and wildlife encounters and a wealth of hill, loch and river adventures for bigger kids. Plus, it tastes as good as it looks — sugar-sweet fudge, tablet, shortbread, Tunnock’s teacakes and fizzy Irn Bru will fuel even the stubbornest, tantrum-throwing toddler. 

Indeed, a trip to Scotland is the connoisseur’s alternative to an all-inclusive resort or theme park holiday — less a Disneyworld, more a Caledonian magic kingdom — and, at the end of it all, the reward isn’t so much the place, but the open-armed hospitality and absurdly friendly people.

Is Scotland good for kids?

In one word: yes. Traveling with children is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy (as locals say) and the combination of plenty of public amenities, wallet-friendly family tickets at attractions and short distances to travel (compared to many other kid-friendly destinations, at least) is an irresistible proposition. Then there’s Scotland’s trump card: the great outdoors. It’s a brazen, open-air playground and escapist joy, with trees for climbing, beaches for castle building and rivers, waterfalls and lochs to splash and dip toes in.

Comfort is also king. Breastfeeding in public is widely accepted and encouraged by government campaigns, while restaurants regularly have high chairs, dedicated children’s menus and kids-eat-free deals. Equally critical to know is licensing laws mean pubs have to have a special Children's License for children to be able to eat there. Check with the bar staff to be sure.

For those with little ones, a stroller or buggy is also perfect for roaming all towns and cities, even if Edinburgh’s medieval cobblestone parades take no prisoners; at times, you feel as if you’re mere moments away from a puncture. Also a non-negotiable for outdoorsy families is a baby carrier or backpack. 

Perhaps the biggest factor to consider before visiting is the weather. Notoriously fickle, heavy rain and midge clouds can blot even the most glorious summer day, while a simple forest walk, picnic, or bike ride can be ruined by a carousel of conditions. A sturdy pair of shoes or waterproof jacket is no match for the lashing rain and high velocity gusts that often play peekaboo from Perth to Paisley to Portree . 

Where is best in Scotland for kids?

From the galleries of Glasgow to the bike trails of the Borders to the fabulous beaches of Fife , it’s obvious why so many families carry grins as wide as the Clyde. 

You’re in Scotland for the history, so start in Edinburgh with its rock-topped castle and wizard-worthy Royal Mile; equally, Stirling is a more manageable version for those with short legs. Leave for Aviemore in the Cairngorms , a mountain amusement park with plenty of adventures, then Loch Ness , where the prospect of realizing the childhood fantasy of monster hunting is only a short boat trip away. To the west, Glencoe and Glenfinnan deliver Harry Potter movie magic. And the beaches ? You’re spoilt for choice in Argyll and the Northwest Highlands, particularly on Barra, Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides .

Best things to do in Scotland with babies and toddlers

Cruise the kelpies by canal boat .

The Kelpies , two gigantic, 30m-high (98ft) equine sculptures at the eastern gateway of the Forth and Clyde canal, deliver more than a wow factor for wee kids. Rather, they have come to embody a new-found spirit around Falkirk in Scotland’s Central Belt. 

Start close by examining the almost dragon scale-plates, then head to the nearby monster-sized playground at Helix Park. Better still is to cruise from the Falkirk Wheel — the only rotating boat lift in the world — to eyeball them, pirate-style, from the water. For the uninitiated, Scottish myth holds that kelpies are water spirit demons with humongous horse heads — maybe, best not tell any younger kids that.

See a show at the world-beating Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Over the past few years, the world’s largest arts festival has had to evolve, with venues changing to become more accessible and the program for children more inclusive than ever. From master magicians and puppet dragons to balloon-bending acrobats and a soap bubble circus, this month-long cultural extravaganza every August has something for every age group, every taste, every mood, every huff. 

For first-time parents, there’s no shame in being intimidated. Count around 3500 shows across 300 city-wide venues and it can be hard to know where to start. Ask around: locals rely on newspaper and digital reviews as well as word of mouth to find out what not to miss. Lastly, book ahead. It means you’ll miss the freedom of spontaneity, but this is particularly advised when traveling with younger children — especially as the most popular shows tend to sell out long in advance. 

Best things to do in Scotland with kids

Follow the whale trail in the hebrides .

The Isle of Mull , with its cliffs tumbling down to pogoing seas, has many of the magic properties of the west coast islands. But it is also an entry point for the Hebridean Whale Trail, a self-guided route that encourages accessible, low-impact wildlife-spotting from land. Silhouettes creep from the depths. Shadows swirl below the surface. Rolls of dark skin emerge from the water.

In total, 33 sites have been tagged for their extraordinary marine diversity and these are scattered from Mull right along the west coast, around Ardnamurchan and all the way to the tip of Lewis. For kids and adults who have never seen bottlenose or common dolphin, harbor porpoise, basking shark, or humpback, minke, fin, beaked, pilot, or killer whale, the prospect is a pure, undiluted thrill.

Feel the magic of Harry Potter

Diagon Alley is based on Victoria Street in Edinburgh. George Heriot’s School is the precursor to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Several wizards, witches and mad-eyed loons are named after those laid to rest in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard . 

J.K. Rowling was inspired by the city’s magician’s hat spires, Gothic steepled schools and squiggly lanes and, just as Edinburgh is the city of Harry Potter, Scotland is a Potter fan’s dream. For the ultimate kid-friendly trip, follow The Road to the Isles towards Mallaig, stopping in Glencoe, Glen Nevis and then Glenfinnan. All were production locations for the big-screen wizarding saga and few can resist stopping to see where Harry Potter and pals rode the Hogwarts Express over the Glenfinnan Viaduct railway bridge. 

For further literary inspiration, check out Dumfries . It’s home to the National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling , and where Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie found inspiration for Neverland.

Best things to do in Scotland with tweens and teenagers

Go wild in the cairngorms.

The itinerary looks like this: canoeing on Loch Morlich in the morning, off-trail biking through stag-filled Rothiemurchus Forest shortly after lunch, then finishing with a trip up Cairngorm Mountain on Britain’s only summit funicular. The problem with Aviemore, the basecamp for adventures in Scotland’s largest national park , isn’t the lack of things to do. It’s having time to catch your breath.

Timing in the Cairngorms is everything, of course. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the buzzwords, while summer is for watersports galore and autumn brings out the rutting stags — an off-road Highland safari to see osprey, black grouse and red deer has a bit more grit for the older kids. 

A word of warning: Aviemore can get mobbed in summer, so book your activities in advance. For a quieter, if more expensive alternative, consider Braemar on the eastern side of the national park in Aberdeenshire .

Bike the 7Stanes

There’s no better way to pull teenagers away from their smartphones — and, possibly, out of their comfort zones — than to take them downhill biking in southern Scotland. Both the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are wellsprings of gnarly biking trails and home to the 7Stanes , a matrix of dedicated centers including competitive hot spots Glentress, Innerleithen, Glentrool, Newcastleton and Kirroughtree. 

While many of them are all about the teen- and adult-appropriate downhill roller coasters, wooded chicanes and face-slapping descents, there are plenty of easier routes for novices and kids keen to push their skills beyond the pump track.

Planning tips

As easy as it is to travel with children around Scotland, a few in-the-know insider tips will certainly help you — and your budget — go the extra mile.

Traveling at the weekend? ScotRail’s Kids for a Quid promotion means tickets only cost £1 return each for up to four children for every paying adult at the weekend. Added to that, kids under five always travel free.

Many museums and galleries are also free of charge for all ages. Three standouts are the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow and V&A Dundee on the city’s river esplanade. Otherwise, plenty of attractions, activities and transport options offer discounts and savings for families.

With so many islands to explore , island-hopping by ferry is an affordable and thrilling way to see everywhere from Islay all the way to Shetland in the far northeast. A more digestible journey to Gigha, Cumbrae or Arran — from 20 minutes to less than 1 hour — is a great way to introduce toddlers to sea travel, but bear in mind Atlantic swells can make journeys uncomfortable and sailings do get cancelled. Check the forecast before travel. 

This article was first published May 18, 2021 and updated Jun 13, 2023.

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