Campers can explore the Scottish Highlands in more ways than you might expect. In addition to traditional hiking or cycling, many travellers take on the challenges of canoeing the Caledonian Canal—a 95-kilometre immersive route filled with breath-taking sceneries and thrilling experiences.
We understand how exciting everything sounds, but before you book your trip, check out our travel guide below. You will find a sample canoe route that will bring you from Fort William on the west end of The Great Glen to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
We will also cover other canoe routes you should consider, our list of trip essentials, and the relevant wild camping laws in Scotland you should bear in mind.
Example Canoe Route in Scotland
Here is a rundown of our favourite 5-day itinerary that showcases the thrills and sights offered by the network of lochs and rivers in Scotland. Each day is a blend of a feast for the eyes and a test of your physicality.
Along the way, you will also get the chance to wild camp in different scenic spots, where you can recharge while reconnecting with nature.
Fort William to Gairlochy – Day 1 (10km)
The journey begins in Fort Williams, where you can warm up and familiarize yourself with boarding and paddling a canoe or kayak. If you’ve got a guide with you, they will likely give pointers on how to stay safe, warm, and energized throughout the trip.
By mid-day at the latest, you should start travelling to Loch Lochy on your canoe so that you will arrive just in time to look for a suitable campsite in Gairlochy and settle in for the night.
Gairlochy to Loch Oich – Day 2 (25km)
Your second day starts in Loch Lochy again. If the weather is in your favour, this leg of the trip is a breeze. On the way to the next point, take your time to admire the surrounding mountains and woodlands. Consider dropping by the Eagle Barge Inn in Laggan Locks for a quick rest and meal.
Resume your journey on Loch Oich, the highest point of the Caledonian Canal. It is home to a diverse set of domestic animals and the fabled—albeit lesser known—Loch Oich Monster. Disembark your canoe when you’re ready to search for a spot to pitch your wild camping tent.
Loch Oich to Loch Ness – Day 3 (24km)
Begin your day early since your next stop is the mythical Loch Ness. Travel along Long Oich until you reach Fort Augustus, a small yet picturesque village on the southwest bank of the loch.
Check out the shops there for souvenirs or to replenish your supplies. We also suggest visiting the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre for a dose of culture and history.
You’re halfway to Inverness at this point, but there is still plenty left to see and experience in Loch Ness. Take in the scenery while paddling your canoe until you find a good campsite near the shores.
Loch Ness to Dores – Day 4 (22km)
In most cases, you still have more than half of Loch Ness left to explore. Capture the moments in the loch through photos and videos. Try your luck spotting Nessie as you make your way to the north.
Look for a nice spot to assemble your tent before the sun sets. To switch things up, we recommend spending the evening at The Dores Inn, a family-run establishment that serves good food and drinks.
Dores to Inverness – Day 5 (10km)
The last day of this trip involves paddling through the gentle Loch Dochfour. You will pass by the Dochgarroch settlement, but you don’t have to stop since Inverness is just a few minutes away.
The Caledonian canal runs through the historic city so that you can continue your journey aboard your canoe or kayak. However, if you plan to check out the city, you will also have enough time to do so. We suggest stopping once you arrive at the Muirtown Locks, which lies on the far west side of the city.
Other canoe routes in Scotland
In addition to the Caledonian Canal, Scotland takes pride in its numerous rivers, lochs, and sea trails where campers can canoe or kayak to their hearts’ content. With so many choices available, it can be tough to choose which ones to try first.
We listed some of the best canoe routes in this section to help you plan your dream paddling adventure in Scotland.
The River Spey
Stretching from Loch Spey in the Central Highlands to Moray Firth in Spey Bay, this river is one of the top tourist destinations in Scotland. Most people head there for the world-class salmon, the Malt Whisky Trail, or the canoe expeditions. With a length of around 172 kilometres, it can take about 2 to 5 days of paddling and wild camping, depending on your preferred stop points. We recommend tapping the expertise of a local guide who can show you the ropes and point you to the most scenic spots in the area.
How can you access the River Spey?
You can access River Spey through various points, depending on where you want to start your canoe adventure. One of the most suggested is through the Laggan Bridge, which is 30 minutes away from Fort Williams via the A82.
Other popular options include the access points in the Speybridge in Newtonmore, the southwest or northeast corners of Loch Insh, and the towns of Kingussie or Aviemore.
What is the River Spey like?
The clear waters of River Spey look stunning against the backdrop of the nearby mountains and forests. It is the country’s fastest-flowing river, so it is not ideal for novices—especially when the water is low, and the rocks are exposed.
Don’t forget to pack your wild camping tent because River Spey offers plenty of excellent remote pitches for its visitors.
Argyll Sea Kayak Trail
As one of the prime destinations for kayaking in Scotland, the Argyll Sea draws in thousands of water sports enthusiasts worldwide. Its sandy beaches and thriving wildlife elevate the 150-kilometre trail into an unmissable experience while visiting the western Scottish coast.
You can choose from the nine routes that are navigable regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an advanced kayaker.
How can you access the Argyll Sea?
Travellers can take on the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail through any of its ten access points between Oban and Helensburgh. We recommend launching in Ganavan because of its proximity to Oban, which is touted as a “kayaker’s heaven.”
Nevertheless, your ideal access point depends on the Argyll Sea route you wish to take. The other launch sites are located in Ardrishaig, Arduaine, Crinan, Dunoon, Helensburgh, North Bute, Tarbert, and Toward.
What is the Argyll Sea like?
The eight sections of the Argyl Sea Kayak Trail offer unique sights and experiences, so we encourage you to go for a multi-day itinerary. Paddlers will enjoy the exciting coastlines dotted with historical locations and charming settlements.
The water is teeming with various marine animals, such as dolphins, otters, and porpoises, while up in the skies, you will occasionally spot eagles and herons.
Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail
This 87-kilometre trail consists of two canals—the Forth & Clyde Canal in Glasgow and Union Canal in Edinburgh. It’s a budget-friendly option for most travellers since you do not have to drive or commute to remote destinations in the country.
Unlike most other recommendations in this article, the Glasgow to Edinburgh Canoe Trail also sets itself apart by letting you paddle amidst the hustle and bustle of the big Scottish cities.
How can you access the Glasgow to Edinburgh canoe trail?
This great canoe trail has multiple access points spread across its five sections. Many experts suggest starting in Glasgow because it is the easier choice between the two. If you’re in that city, the most convenient access point is Spier’s Wharf.
On the other hand, if you opt to start in the Edinburgh End, your choice of access points can be located near Harrison Park, Wester Hailes, Leamington Lift Bridge, and Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
What is the Glasgow to Edinburgh canoe trail like?
This trail welcomes paddlers, no matter their skill level. The water is typically serene, but you must be wary of the passing motorboats and rowboats. In between the two canals is the Falkirk Wheel. You must book your passage to cross from one waterway to the other and vice versa.
River Tweed
Flowing on the Anglo-Scottish border, River Tweed is steeped in history and culture. It has a length of 156 kilometres from end to end and empties to the North Sea.
River Tweed attracts a diverse crowd of visitors—several anglers visit this river during salmon season, while paddlers can take their canoe or kayak to discover everything else it offers. It’s also ideal for wild camping enthusiasts because it is easy to search for a secluded area to pitch a tent.
How can you access the River Tweed?
There are twenty different ways to access River Tweed. The easiest one for a day trip is in Peebles, a small town in the Scottish Borders. Many tourists also go to the access point in Tweed Heads, located near the borders of Queensland.
It has everything you might need for the trip, including equipment rentals, supplies, and expert tour guides.
What is the River Tweed like?
Paddling on River Tweed is generally peaceful, but you will encounter patches of white-water rapids and a few drops at specific points of the river. Those who enjoy preserving memories through photos and videos will also get their fill because of the stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and ancient ruins located along its length.
River Tay
Racing from Ben Lui in the Southern Highlands to the Firth of Tay on the east coast, the River Tay is the longest in Scotland. It is regarded as one of the “Big Four” Scottish rivers, so it has a constant stream of tourists throughout the year.
Most paddlers only go for a few sections, given that River Tay is 193 kilometres long. The river becomes more challenging as you get closer to its mouth in the Firth of Tay. Near its origin, many find it an easy river, perfect for those who want to practice their canoeing or kayaking skills.
On the other hand, the tidal sections are recommended for experienced paddlers who can navigate through rapid waters, bouncy waves, and strong winds.
How can you access the River Tay?
Choosing your access point to River Tay depends on what you expect from the trip. Those who want a peaceful day aboard a canoe travel to Loch Tay in the Highlands. Other entries to the river that are popular among campers and paddlers include the ones located in Pitlochry, Perth, and Grandtully.
What is the River Tay like?
River Tay is considered a classic among wild campers, anglers, and paddlers. Its rich waters offer different challenges worth taking on, given the exceptional scenery and charming Scottish towns you will see along the way. We recommend going on a multi-day river adventure that will take you from the Highlands to the North Sea.
What do you pack for an overnight kayak trip?
The following essentials will make your canoe or kayak trip safer and more enjoyable. As you will learn, there are a few key differences between the things you should pack for a traditional wild camping trip and one that involves paddling on the water for most of the day.
Food for an overnight kayak trip
Though you can technically forage for food and catch fish while canoeing in Scotland, it’s best to reserve your energy for other activities. Therefore, you should bring camping food that you can eat as it is or heat up on a portable stove.
We recommend hearty meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because paddling will likely drain you by the end of the day. Look for variants you can eat directly from its packaging, so you don’t have to worry about washing and drying your dishes afterwards.
Backpacking tarps for an overnight kayak trip
A lightweight but durable waterproof tarp will provide extra protection from the sun and rain if you attach it to trees or sturdy poles. Most camping sites near the lochs and rivers also tend to have moist ground.
A tarp will help keep you and your gear dry if you lay it out as a groundsheet for your wild camping tent. To ensure a balance between portability and function, shop for backpacking tarps made of silicon-coated nylon, polyethene or 210T polyester.
Dry Bag for an overnight kayak trip
Anyone who engages in water-based outdoor activities understands a dry bag’s importance. With this, you can shield your clothes, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, and valuables from getting wet.
A good dry bag is made of waterproof fabric with welded, glued, or taped seams to prevent moisture from getting in. It comes in various colours and sizes, so you can assign different bags for the things you packed for the trip.
We suggest a small, brightly coloured bag for portable items like your mobile phone, glasses, or other portable devices and mid-size or large dry bags for your clothes and sleeping essentials.
Midge Net for an overnight kayak trip
Midges refer to flying insects that can be a minor nuisance or disease-causing, depending on the species. Campers can typically steer clear of them by choosing a breezy campsite or letting the smoke from open fire fend them off.
Since you won’t be camping for most of the day during a canoe or kayak trip, you need a midge net to keep your face and neck from getting bitten. For a more practical option, go for a foldable midge net that covers your entire head while giving you enough room to breathe.
Hydration Pouch for an overnight kayak trip
A hydration pouch makes it easier to stay hydrated while paddling on a loch or river. Some argue that a water bottle is sufficient, but you might have problems securing it while aboard your vehicle since it will roll around or become lost if you capsize the boat.
In comparison, a hydration pouch can be worn on your back or around the waist, and through its hose attachment, you can drink hands-free. If you’re going on the trip during the summer or cooler months, we recommend buying an insulated hydration pouch to keep your drink at your preferred temperature.
FAQs about Canoe Wild Camping in Scotland:
The Scottish government allows canoe expeditions on most bodies of water in the country. The same laws on wild camping in Scotland also apply to this activity. Therefore, you have the right to access rivers, lochs, seas, and other unenclosed water spaces, provided you remain respectful of the environment and other people for the entire duration of the trip.
Unlike in England and Wales, you don’t have to secure a waterway license to engage in canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in Scotland. Explorers have a right to roam most lands or bodies of water, as defined in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Take note that this right must be exercised responsibly to avoid angering the locals or landing in legal hot water.
Yes, canoeing or kayaking in reservoirs is permitted in Scotland. Again, this freedom is bound by the Scottish Access Code, which specifies what you can and cannot do in its public outdoor spaces. We also discourage paddling in reservoirs used by commercial fisheries because of the high waterway traffic in those areas.
Canoe Your Way Across Scotland Now
Exploring Scotland’s vast network of lochs and rivers will give you a new perspective on this magnificent country. We also believe wild camping in the UK will be more unforgettable if you combine it with a canoe or kayak trip.
However, planning this dream adventure is much easier to realize in Scotland compared to its neighbours because of the more accepting laws toward wild camping and paddling.
If you’re keen to experience Scotland this way, start by researching further the suggested canoe routes or trails in this article. Check if the required skill level matches yours, and pay attention to the weather reports to ensure your safety during the trip.
Finally, create a checklist of the necessary items to pack and consider bringing extras since you don’t have to worry as much about baggage weight in this case.