Get out on the water to make the most of the Scottish canals. The Forth & Clyde and Union Canals are ideal for narrowboat cruising, whilst the Crinan and Caledonian Canals provide important routes for yacht transits through spectacular Highland scenery.

Scotland's canals are an excellent place to learn and develop paddling skills or simply exercise, relax and enjoy some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. Whether it’s a long-distance canoeing challenge, relaxing day paddle, competition level watersports, the canals offer options for paddlers of all abilities.

Explore your local canal for a leisurely stroll or pick up the pace and enjoy getting fit as you jog or run along the canal.

Enjoy a leisurely cycle ride along your local canal or take the family and the bikes off somewhere special to enjoy the outdoors.

Relax on the canal bank and see what's biting. Each of Scotland's canals offers distinctive fishing opportunities and there are plenty of options whether you are looking for free fishing or to buy a licence.

A canal holiday allows you to journey through the country, taking in the landscape and hearing some of the stories of Scotland’s past as you go. Or you might choose a canalside cottage as a base for exploring the canals on foot or by bike.

Get out and about on the water or along the towpath with a variety of activities available at one of the activity hubs on the canal network.

From undertaking an adventure along one of our nation’s breathtaking long-distance routes, or paddling in the shadow of some of Scotland’s natural and man-made and marvels, our incredible canal network has no shortage of wonders to explore. What will you discover by boot, paddle or pedal?

Living on Water is part of an overall strategy to deliver sustainable development and improvements to Scotland’s canals and towpaths.