The Caledonian Canal runs between the mountains of the Great Glen, linking Loch Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and Loch Linnhe. Climbing and descending through spectacular lock systems to emerge on Scotland's wild west coast at Fort William, there are wonderful views of Ben Nevis before sailing to the Isle of Mull and Oban.
The scenic Great Glen follows a diagonal fault-line between north-east Inverness and Carpach to the south-west. The project to join its lochs was led by Thomas Telford and began in 1803, creating a navigable route of sixty beautiful miles. The locks at Fort Augustus comprise six of the twenty-nine, dropping to Loch Oich. Weave through islets, passing forests and romantic castles en route to Loch Lochy.
Admire mountain scenery as you sail to Banavie. Navigate the dramatic 8-rise locks of Neptune's Staircase to emerge in Fort William, overlooked by Britain's highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis. See the famous brightly-painted waterfront of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and visit Duart Castle before sailing to Oban.
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Spring and Autumn in the Highlands Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 - Inverness
Embark ship in Inverness and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board. Moor in Inverness overnight.
Day 2 - Loch Dochfour - Loch Ness
Sail in the morning via the first man-made section of the Caledonian Canal into Loch Dochfour, before reaching Loch Ness. The 21 mile transit of Loch Ness provides for a brief photo opportunity by pausing in front of the ruins of Urquhart Castle before reaching Fort Augustus. The afternoon is free to explore Fort Augustus where everything is close to hand. Moor Fort Augustus overnight.
Day 3 - Loch Oich - Loch Lochy - Banavie
Your ship is elevated from the shores of Loch Ness with the assistance of six inter-connected locks than run through the centre of Fort Augustus, before entering the stunningly impressive tree-lined Laggan Avenue. Later continue into Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and finally to Banavie in the very shadow of Ben Nevis itself. The afternoon is reserved for a passage on the scheduled West Highland train from Banavie to Glenfinnan Viaduct. Moor Banavie overnight.
Day 4 - Corpach - Tobermory
Descending the spectacular eight inter-connected locks of Neptune's Staircase your ship is lowered to sea level at Corpach and then it is out to sea for a passage along the sheltered waters of Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull before reaching Tobermory. Tobermory is best explored on foot and there is plenty of time in the afternoon to visit the famed gaily painted waterfront. Moor Tobermory overnight
Day 5 - Craignure - Oban
The voyage concludes with a call at Craignure (Mull) for the visit to Duart Castle. Later sail to Oban, followed by an afternoon walk to include a Whisky Distillery & Mcaig's Folly. Farewell reception and dinner this evening. Moor Oban overnight.
Day 6 - Oban
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Inverness.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary if weather conditions prevent the ship from calling at a scheduled port of call.