bestboatingholidays

We recently joined some friends on their boating holiday along the Caledonian canal. The car journey was very scenic up to Fort William, at the start of this canal which passes through the Great Glen. The canal links several lochs from Inverness down to Fort William, so at times you are on quiet an expanse of water, especially Loch Ness.

The boat hire company, Connoisseur, is part of the Le Boat group which have 11 boats based on the Caledonian canal. Our friends met us at Connoisseur Laggan, at Laggan on Loch Oich. After a tour of the boat and equipment, and a short instructional lesson on the workings of the vessel, we were ready for the off! 

Our first task is to pass through the swing bridge which carries traffic across the canal. Once clear of this we were out into Loch Oich. As the loch opens up we decide to keep to the western side so to pass Invergarry Castle quite close. As we approach the castle we notice moorings close by for visiting boats.  The castle also has shops etc. around about the area. It was burnt down in 1746 because Bonnie Prince Charlie visited it during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. The Jacobites were defeated when the army under the Duke of Cumberland caught up with them at Culloden Moor on the 16th April 1746. However, quite a bit of the castle has survived and upon approach it looks impressive!

The first night aboard proves very comfortable. The boat is well equipped with all modern conveniences. We wake to the sound of birds and water gently lapping the sides of the boat. Once up on deck the stunning scenery is breathtaking with the green mountains disappearing into the waters of the loch. As we set off further north we notice many inlets with small groups of houses, all very picturesque.

Although we did not visit, there is a water park – the Great Glen Water Park at Laggan which offers plenty for you and the family to do and enjoy. Everything from white water rafting to abseiling, so if you are looking for an activity based holiday in tantem with your boating experience then why not visit the park?

As we reach the top of the loch, there comes into view Cullochy lock. All the locks on the Caledonian canal are operated by Lock keepers, so as we approach they open as if by magic! Once through these locks we pass along the canal to Kytra lock then we have four more locks to negotiate at Fort Augustus. We moor up for the day and visit the town and Abbey. Very enjoyable and interesting.

We have to leave our friends here and return home, but they plan to journey further north along Loch Ness stopping at Castle Urquhart, which is often photographed for Scottish calendars. From there they will visit Drumnadrochit, which has the Loch Ness Monster Museum, and then Foyers to see the wonderful waterfalls.

If you are inspired by our short holiday break, then why not enquire about booking a boat. Although dates maybe limited for Spring and early Summer, I am told September onwards is still relatively free.

There are loads of things to do on a canalboat holiday! However, it really depends on what you want out of your break? If it is a relaxing time with a good book, then what better place than pottering along at 4 mph passing wonderful countryside?

Tying up for the evening beside a pub, and going in for a lovely meal and a drink. If it is a more adventurous holiday break then why not use the boat as a means to get to exciting places, tie up and get on our mountain bikes to visit the surrounding places of interest.

For the kids, a visit to a theme park etc. can be slotted into the holiday because you have your mobile accommodation with you. The best of both worlds. Kids can also get involved in the lock operation, steering for short intervals, mooring up and all the other messing about on a boat that will make the holiday go well.  Remember to take some games with you – either board games or computer games that the kids can play at certain times of the day and evening. Think ahead and bring stuff that will keep them busy – Bikes, Kites, football, roller blades, dolls etc. can all be used either on board or on the tow path and surrounding areas once you tie up for the day. Fishing rods, toy boats, romote control toys, are all useful. Give them a camera to record the holiday or scrap book to collect items of interest. The list can go on, but do consider the kids because if they are busy being occupied you will get peace to enjoy your holiday too!

When near busy towns or cities you can moor up and go shopping or site seeing. There are loads of activities to do once you do a bit of research before hiring the canal boat.