Sailing Adventure
Inverness to Fort William - Caledonian Canal Cruise
6th to 13th May 2023
Overview
Cruise the Caledonian Canal aboard Asante, a luxury 57ft Oyster sailing yacht. Join us for 7 nights on the 60-mile passage through the Highlands of Scotland. 200 years ago, this waterway was created by Thomas Telford. Marvel at the engineering as we pass through the many locks culminating in the wonder of Neptune’s Staircase. Gaze at the spectacular scenery where history has unfolded over the millennia, from castles bearing the battle scars of the Jacobite Revolution to the dark and mysterious waters of Loch Ness. This is Scotland at its finest.
Itinerary
| Saturday May 6th | Join us aboard Asante at 4pm. | |
| Sunday May 7th | Inverness to Urquhart Bay. | 13NM |
| Monday May 8th | Visit Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness Visitors Centre | |
| Tuesday May 9th | Urquhart Bay to Fort Augustus. | 14NM |
| Wednesday May 10th | Fort Augustus to Laggan Locks. | 9NM |
| Thursday May 11th | Laggan Locks to Fort William. | 14NM |
| Friday May 12th | Descend Neptune’s Staircase | |
| Saturday May 13th | Depart Asante 10am |
Saturday May 6th Step aboard and let us introduce you to your fellow travellers and learn your way around the yacht with a welcome drink followed by canapes and evening meal.
Sunday May 7th We make our way through a series of locks and swing bridges before the waterway widens into Loch Dochfour and onward to Loch Ness. On this vast expanse of water, we will raise our sails and glide quietly along allowing us to appreciate the beauty that is the Highlands. We will drop anchor in the protected waters of Urquhart Bay in sight of the awe-inspiring Urquhart Castle. A night at anchor can never be underestimated.
Monday May 8th A chance to explore. Let us ferry you ashore where you can explore Urquhart Castle. Founded almost 800 years ago it has played host to King David II back in 1395 before becoming in the 19th century the romantic ruin that it now is. After visiting the castle make your way to the outstanding Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition where you explore Loch Ness from its beginnings to the third millennium. Let us then ferry you back to the yacht for another night at anchor.
Tuesday May 9th We sail onward through Loch Ness to our next port of call – Fort Augustus. This historic hamlet offers us an opportunity to stretch our legs, visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre or simply relax in one of the numerous coffee shops.
Wednesday May 10th. Start our day by making our way through a series of locks before cruising along the canal which opens up into Loch Oich before once again narrowing to lead us into Laggan Avenue where we will moor up for the night. Here we hope to visit The Eagle Barge Inn. A great little cosy barge pub offering good beer and friendly service in this remote location.
Thursday May 11th. Pass through the locks at Laggan and motor into the waters of Loch Lochy. This is a final opportunity to get our sails up and appreciate the spectacle of the Grampian Mountains. As we near Fort William we will get our first glimpse of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain with a summit of 4413ft. We will moor up for the night and prepare for the descent of Neptune’s Staircase
Friday May 12th Make our way down Neptune’s Staircase. This is the longest staircase lock in Britain taking us the final 70 feet of our journey down to sea level.
Saturday May 13th. Depart Asante 10am
Price - £1,880 per person
What’s Included
- Welcome drinks
- All meals aboard
- A Pre-dinner drink
- Wine or beer with your evening meal
- All bedding including towels
- All canal transit fees
- All fuel and marina cost
- Lifejackets
- Your own cabin
- Daily tuition
- Use of Paddle Boards
What’s Not Included
- Meals Ashore
- Entrance fees to visitor centres
- Sailing & Travel Insurance
- Travel to and from Asante
- Waterproof Clothing
