Caledonian Canal Skippers' Guide

Welcome to the Caledonian canal

Useful boating information such as navigation data, safety and facility provisions can be found in the Caledonian Skippers Guide. 

The minimum transit time is 2.5 – 3 days subject to any adverse weather conditions, delays or traffic issues.  

Transiting the Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is approximately 60 miles (50 nautical miles) in length, of which 22 miles are man made, the remainder being formed by natural fresh water lochs. 

There are 29 locks, 9 road bridges and 2 Network Rail bridges along the waterway.

Caledonian Canal Information

Length of natural lochs: 38 miles (61.16Km)

Length of canal cuttings: 22 miles (35.4 Km)

Total length of canal: 60 miles (96.56Km)

Summit level at Loch Oich: 106 feet (32.31m)

Number of Locks: 29

Number of Bridges: 11 

Boat dimensions

Maximum permitted vessel dimensions are: 

Length 45.72 m (150ft) 

Beam 10.67m (35ft) 

Draft 4.1m freshwater (13.5ft) 

Clearance under the Kessock Bridge, which is outwith the canal area is 27.4m (89.8ft)

Maximum mast height in the canal is 35m (115ft) 

Vessels with a freshwater draft over 3.8m (12.5ft) must contact the Canal Office on 01463 725 500 before arrival

Locks and bridges

Passage through Locks and bridges on the Caledonian Canal are managed and manned by Scottish Canals and are open in line with the canal opening times. 

Lock and Bridge operations take some time to complete, so please arrive at each location in time for the operation to be completed before closing time.

Road bridges

The main road bridges at Muirtown, Tomnahurich, Fort Augustus and Banavie are used daily by people driving to and from work. 

Scottish Canals assists traffic flow by allowing road vehicles priority at peak times.

Rail bridges

To assist the flow of rail traffic the bridges at Clachnaharry and Banavie are periodically closed to canal traffic.