Discover The Great Glen Canoe Trail

Whether you are looking for a long distance canoeing challenge or a relaxing day paddle, the Caledonian Canal offers fabulous options for paddlers of all abilities.

Over 4,000 paddlers visit the waters of the Caledonian Canal each year. Some undertake the challenging 3-5 day long distance expedition, whilst others enjoy a day out on the canal.

We recommend that paddlers are experienced in long distance or open water canoeing before tackling the lochs. Remember to plan your journey carefully. If you are new to canoeing or kayaking, you should seek the guidance of more experienced paddlers or specialist instructors. Much of the route involves paddling on open water rather than on the canal.

The route

Download our handy map to help plan your paddle along the Great Glen Canoe trail. Our information panels will also give you lots of useful information and ideas along the route.

View The Great Glen Canoe Trail map

Trail safety

To help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable paddle, we ask you to respect the canals as you would do any body of water and to familiarise yourself with the following safety advice. You can find out more by going to our Paddling - Etiquette and best practice page.

We’re expecting this year to be another busy year for paddle visits, so the route is likely to be much busier than usual.

To reduce the pressure on the sensitive environment of the Great Glen, we’re encouraging paddlers, walkers & cyclists to book accommodation in commercial campsites, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses or hotels rather than wild camping on their journey.

Important Information - please read

Following these simple guidelines will help us to ensure these designated spots are available for other users in the future. Responsible informal camping is permitted in designated spots on the following basis only:

• Trail users must be on ‘human powered’ transport – no cars, vans or motorbikes
• Each site has a strict maximum number of small tents and people for single nights only 
• Please only use the marked pitches
• If pitches are full you MUST travel further along the route to camp elsewhere. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
• Please be considerate of residents in nearby houses - respect their privacy
• Please keep noise levels to a minimum
• Take all your litter away with you
• DO NOT light campfires – camping stoves only
• Leave NO ‘Poo-lution’