canoe, inverness to fort william
Discussion
el stovey said:
I think there was a clip on the news or countryfile or somewhere like that last week about this journey, it looked a great trip. I think you can camp almost wherever you want, the rules about trespass are very different in Scotland.
Within reason - ie just for a night or two, and a relatively small party. It's down to the Rights of Access, or something.About camping it says the locals arnt to keen, but im sure if you keep tidy and quiet there shouldn't be a problem.
http://homepages.tesco.net/~moosehead/The%20Canoe%...
http://homepages.tesco.net/~moosehead/The%20Canoe%...
Do you have your own canoes?
A local company 'Boots and Paddles' should be able to organise for you if not.
I'd also recommend doing it from Fort William to Inverness as the prevailing wind is South Westerly, i.e from FW to Inv!
You are able to wild camp anywhere, as long as it is not in someones garden or on arrable land etc. There are plenty of spots along the shores of the lochs/canal to camp, plus some proper sites along the route.
You will also need to consider transportation at the ends, but there is a reasonable bus service between FW and Inv, but it will probably take half a day to e.g drive cars from FW to Inv then get the bus back to FW to do the journey.
Check out the British Waterways website for info as well, you should be able to get a key to access the toilets along the route.
Don't underestimate the distances involved and the very changeable weather conditions that can be experienced in a very short space of time. Loch Ness is a massive body of water and waves can build up to a considerable size in the wrong conditions!
Also visit 'Song of the Paddle' website for past blogs of this trip.
A local company 'Boots and Paddles' should be able to organise for you if not.
I'd also recommend doing it from Fort William to Inverness as the prevailing wind is South Westerly, i.e from FW to Inv!
You are able to wild camp anywhere, as long as it is not in someones garden or on arrable land etc. There are plenty of spots along the shores of the lochs/canal to camp, plus some proper sites along the route.
You will also need to consider transportation at the ends, but there is a reasonable bus service between FW and Inv, but it will probably take half a day to e.g drive cars from FW to Inv then get the bus back to FW to do the journey.
Check out the British Waterways website for info as well, you should be able to get a key to access the toilets along the route.
Don't underestimate the distances involved and the very changeable weather conditions that can be experienced in a very short space of time. Loch Ness is a massive body of water and waves can build up to a considerable size in the wrong conditions!
Also visit 'Song of the Paddle' website for past blogs of this trip.
On the Loch Ness stretch consider going up/down the East (Dores-Foyer) side as opposed to the West (Drumnadrochit) side. West side is hemmed by the main road so you have the constant noise of Motorbikes/Cars working their way up and down the gears.
Also the bank tends to be steep most of the way so suitable camping sites are few and far between. The other side is much more peaceful and it is worth the stop at Foyers to view the Waterfall. More than makes up for missing Urquhart Castle.
Nicest stretch is the mile or 2 above Laggan Lock. Good wooded section called the "avenue".
Also at Laggan Lock, if you camp there you will find a barge called the Spreadeagle does fantastic seafood
Link to the Scottish Canoe Association Guide
http://www.three-bridges.co.uk/Canoe.pdf
Also the bank tends to be steep most of the way so suitable camping sites are few and far between. The other side is much more peaceful and it is worth the stop at Foyers to view the Waterfall. More than makes up for missing Urquhart Castle.
Nicest stretch is the mile or 2 above Laggan Lock. Good wooded section called the "avenue".
Also at Laggan Lock, if you camp there you will find a barge called the Spreadeagle does fantastic seafood
Link to the Scottish Canoe Association Guide
http://www.three-bridges.co.uk/Canoe.pdf
I have done the trip onboard a nice comfortable boat.
Whilst the journey through the Caledonian Canal is lovely I wouldn't fancy the journey through Loch Ness in a canoe, it can get a bit tricky through there in certain conditions.
Providing the weather is ok it should be a nice adventure.
Whilst the journey through the Caledonian Canal is lovely I wouldn't fancy the journey through Loch Ness in a canoe, it can get a bit tricky through there in certain conditions.
Providing the weather is ok it should be a nice adventure.
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