Caledonian Canal Skipper’s Guide

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 and 11 bridges along the waterway, all of which are operated for you by Scottish Canals’ staff.

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.

Using locks

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.