Great Glen Barge Multi Activity Week

Boarding time is 14:00/2pm. After meeting the crew we begin our first cruise of the week, with excellent views of Ben Nevis, to Gairlochy where the barge will be berthed overnight. Walking, cycling and relaxing aboard are all excellent options this afternoon.

Cruise to Bunarkaig Bay on Loch Lochy. Choose to relax on board or to walk or cycle this short section. After anchoring in the bay, the morning activities at Bunarkaig may include an opportunity to sail, canoe or explore, by foot or bike, the Clan Cameron estate. After lunch the barge will weigh anchor and motor up Loch Lochy towards Laggan locks at the north eastern end of the loch. Again you will have the opportunity to walk, cycle or relax on board. The barge will tie up alongside a pontoon at Laggan overnight.

We make our way along the picturesque Laggan Avenue by foot, bike, canoe or barge. The barge will then anchor in the picturesque Castle Bay, Loch Oich, from where it can offer an afternoon of activities on or around the loch. These may include canoeing, sailing, walks ashore and cream teas. The barge will remain at anchor overnight.

There is another chance to participate in a range of activities on Loch Oich before departing for Cullochy and Kytra locks for lunch. The afternoon route takes us towards Fort Augustus. This section can be walked, biked or cruised. An alternative walking option maybe offered that allows for fine views of Loch Ness. The barge will tie up at a pontoon at Fort Augustus overnight.

In the morning we descend the staircase of 5 locks at Fort Augustus and then tie up at the bottom of the locks for lunch. Here you can relax on board, take in some shopping, or explore the local area by bike or on foot. We leave Fort Augustus around lunchtime making the scenic cruise to Foyers pier for the night. From here you can choose to take a quiet-road cycle or relax on board and try and spy the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Foyers is a tranquil spot, home to the lower falls of Foyers, made famous in one of Robert Burns’ poems.

Foyers bay can be an excellent place to participate in canoeing or sailing. For land lovers there are plenty of walks of varying length and difficulty to suit everyone. A walk up to the Falls, on an established path, through the pine forest is a must. You should also keep a lookout for the also elusive Red Squirrel, which can be spied in the forest. The barge will depart around lunch time and cruise down the loch, firstly towards Urquhart Castle on the north shore and then onwards to Dochgarroch Locks where the barge will lie overnight. Cycling along the South shore of Loch Ness is the alternative to cruising on the barge.

Morning cruise from Dochgarroch to Muirtown basin near Inverness. You have the choice to either cycle the route or relax on board. At Muirtown we descend a staircase of 4 locks to lie alongside at Muirtown Basin. Trip concludes approx 11am.