Scotland’s canals, inland waters and waterways

The Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal is truly the 'international gateway' to cruising in Scotland. Stretching from Inverness to Fort William, it is one of the great waterways of the world, offering visitors - afloat and ashore - spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife to enjoy.

The majority of traffic is leisure orientated. The gateway for visiting yachts from continental Europe, holidaymakers can charter a yacht or power cruiser and enjoy a holiday ‘in command’.

Hotel barges offer either activity holidays, or a more relaxed cruise. The Caledonian offers excellent marina services for both the visitor and those seeking a cost-effective long term berthing solution.

The Crinan Canal

Dubbed ‘Britain's most beautiful shortcut’, the Crinan Canal provides an alternative to voyaging around the Mull of Kintyre. It runs from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne across 9 miles of the picturesque Kintyre peninsula before emerging at Crinan onto the Sound of Jura with the Western Isles beyond.

Crinan is a superb still-water marina base from which to cruise, race or charter high quality yachts. Licences are available from overnight to an annual package, which can include lift out during the winter months.

Once a vital commercial route, most traffic on the canal today is there for pleasure rather than business. As well as the truly magnificent Argyll scenery to enjoy, the canal passes through an area rich in history and wildlife with miles of forest walks and cycle pathways to explore.

The Forth & Clyde Canal

Fully refurbished in 2002, the historic Forth & Clyde Canal provides 35 miles of fully navigable waterway which crosses central Scotland from East to West (from the Forth estuary at the River Carron to the Bowling Basin on the River Clyde). It provides coast-to-coast navigation for those wishing to explore Scotland by sea, while creating a circular network of canals.

The canal passes by large vibrant towns, busy thoroughfares and into peaceful country locations with many interesting places to visit along the way. The highlight is undoubtedly The Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift that connects the Forth & Clyde with the Union Canal.

Bowling Marina

Located less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow, Bowling Marina has proved extremely popular as a cost-effective base for yachts and motor cruisers in both summer and winter. For wintering ashore in particular, potential customers are strongly advised to book early as all spaces have sold out in recent seasons.

Shore power units have been installed, and 24-hour security is provided. Customers holding long-term licenses - 3 months and over - may also visit other Scottish canals at no extra charge.

The Helix Project

From 2013, visitors to the Falkirk Wheel will also be able to enjoy The Helix. This new outdoor recreational area is filled with woodland and parks, a watersports lagoon, pathways, cycleways and the hugely anticipated 30-metre-high landmark sculptures of the mythical water spirits, The Kelpies.

The Union Canal

The Union Canal runs for a little over 30 miles from central Edinburgh to the amazing Falkirk Wheel where it links with the Forth & Clyde.

Famous landmarks on the canal include the Avon, Almond and Slateford Aqueducts which are amongst the finest in Britain.

Boat hire is available to allow you to explore the canal at your own pace or you can join a cruise and even dine in a restaurant boat while someone else steers!