Classic Scotland "Honeymoon" Cruise - Dochgarroch to Banavie

Sunday, Day 1 - Dochgarroch
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch near Inverness. Champagne welcome followed by a toast to the newly married couple. Whilst you unpack in your exclusive double suite enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne on ice. A short evening cruise along the heather-lined canal, with only sheep for company, to the winding hole for your first romantic, candlelit dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus
This morning we visit the 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle immortalised by Shakespeare with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor, made famous by the MacDonald and Campbell battle in the 13th century. After lunch we cruise Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus anchoring for tea beneath Urquhart Castle, then cruise the south shore of the mysterious Loch Ness, where there is an abundance of wildlife, and moor near Fort Augustus Abbey a romantic setting for Champagne cocktails before dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Fort Augustus
After breakfast we cruise up the staircase of five locks through the village of Fort Augustus, which gives us plenty of time to shop and look around this pretty Caledonian gem. Lunch today is a luxury, romantic lock-side picnic for 2 with the local piper discreetly in attendance. After lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls. Fort Augustus has a charming heather-laced 9 or 18 hole golf course, where the official green keepers are sheep! Later in the day, when available, we watch a sheepdog trial demonstration. You dine out tonight at a local restaurant where we have arranged for you to be seated at the best table.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Fort Augustus to Cullochy Lock
We leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Cullochy Lock via Kytra. After lunch we drive through Glen Moriston and stunning highland countryside to romantic medieval Eilean Donan Castle, setting for the film Highlander. Eilean Donan Castle has an idyllic island setting with commanding views of three sea lochs and frequent sightings of otters, dolphins and the Isle of Skye. Following the abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins of the castle were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. Champagne cocktails before your romantic, candlelit dinner on board.

Thursday, Day 5 - Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy
Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan, and through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron museum. Champagne cocktails before your candlelit dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Gairlochy to Banavie
Morning visit to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back visit the Ben Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks that is a spectacular feat of engineering. Farewell Captain’s Dinner on board.

Saturday, Banavie
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus

On alternative weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Scotland "Cycling" Cruise - Dochgarroch to Banavie

Sunday, Day 1 - Dochgarroch
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch near Inverness. 'Champagne Welcome' followed by a short cruise along the heather lined canal. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Dochgarroch to Loch Ness
After breakfast we ride from Culloden to Inverness where we can take in the views over Moray Firth. In Inverness we join General Wade's military road on the east shore of Loch Ness. After passing through the village of Dores the road hugs the bank of the loch, where you should keep an eye open for "the Monster" in the deep, dark waters as you look across Urquhart Bay and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. At Foyers we stop to enjoy the spectacular Falls of Foyers before rejoining the barge for lunch. Afternoon cruise followed by dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Loch Ness to Fort Augustus
This morning we begin with a climb following the river, past the upper falls and on to a high section before the steep drop to Fort Augustus. Take time to explore this pretty village and view the boats going through the 6 canal locks. Join the towpath for a level ride to Oich Bridge and from here we follow the forest track. Returning to the barge for lunch followed by an afternoon cruise to Fort Augustus. Dinner ashore this evening at a local hostelry.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Fort Augustus to Invergarry
Begin this morning on a quiet minor road, which runs alongside Loch Eil. The road continues to Loch Linnhe and across the water you will see mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain. Follow the loch side road to Corran, cross on the small ferry and return to the barge by minibus to save those tired legs. Afternoon cruise to Invergarry. Dinner onboard.

Thursday, Day 5 - Invergarry to Gairlochy
After breakfast the minibus takes us to Clunes to join part of the Great Glen Cycle Route. The fairly level forest track runs parallel to Loch Lochy for nine miles to Laggan and after another more hilly section we arrive in Invergarry. After lunch there is a steep climb in the forest before descending to the Bridge of Oich and onto the towpath. Afternoon cruise to Gairlochy. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Gairlochy to Banavie
This morning we visit "Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis" whisky distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of whisky preparation and a tasting. Alternatively there is plenty of opportunity for shopping possibilities in Fort William. After lunchtime for more cycling along the towpath to Banavie. Dinner on board.

Saturday, Banavie
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus

On alternative weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Scotland "Family" Cruise - Dochgarroch to Banavie

Sunday, Day 1 - Banavie
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at moored at Banavie near Fort William. A 'Champagne Welcome' is followed by time for a walk or cycle along the towpath or a game of boules, before dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Banavie to Gairlochy
This morning we visit the Treasures of the Earth Centre. This is one of Europe's finest collections of gemstones, crystals and fossils set in simulated caverns and mining scenes. Alternative choices are the Raceway Karting Centre near Fort William with its 340 metres track and go-karts suitable for all ages (payment is made on the day, by clients, directly to the provider), or a trip on the steam train that featured in the Harry Potter movies, across the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct back to Banavie. In the afternoon we cruise to Gairlochy. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Gairlochy to Cullochy Lock
Morning visit through the Glen Morriston, past stunning highland countryside to romantic Eilean Doonan castle, setting for the film Highlander. Alternatively we can visit the local leisure centre and enjoy the swimming pool with waterslides and a game or two of 10-pin bowling. Leave Gairlochy for an afternoon cruise via two locks at Laggan, through Lochs Oich and Lochy and through Cullochy, mooring below the lock. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Cullochy Lock to Fort Augustus
Cruise across enchanting Loch Oich to Fort Augustus followed by a visit to the Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus. This 17th century living museum offers live presentations on 'Ancient Highland Life', with clothing and weapon demonstrations. The Scottish armoury includes a range of swords, sgians, axes and clothes that can be made to order. There is also a Celtic craft shop specialising in local crafts and Celtic jewellery. A chance for everyone this afternoon to enjoy golf today at Fort Augustus charming heather laced 9 holer where the official green keepers are sheep or a game of tennis at local courts! Tonight the children can join the Chef in the galley for some hands-on preparation for a delicious BBQ on deck.

Thursday, Day 5 - Fort Augustus
This morning we have time to look around the pretty Caledonian village of Fort Augustus before making our way down the staircase of five locks. After lunch we transfer to Drum Farm Centre in Drumnadrochit, which focuses on children's play centred around a sunny courtyard. Within the converted farm steading there are playbarns, mini tractors, ball pond, sandpit and trampolines. Alternatively we take a visit to either Urquhart Castle, or explore the Nessie Museum. Ice skating at the local rink can also be offered today for the more active. Later in the day, when available, we watch a sheepdog trial demonstration. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Fort Augustus to Dochgarroch
This morning we have a full day out at Black Isle Wildlife and Country Park an ideal place for the whole family. Feed the geese and swans on the many ponds. Make contact with the friendly goats and cuddly rabbit. See pot-bellied pigs, rare sheep and cattle. Learn all about how chicks develop in the egg and finally break through their shell in the incubators. Picnic lunch today and also time for the children to enjoy the Park's play area whilst parents relax with a glass or two of chilled wine. Alternatively a visit to 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We would then also visit Culloden Moor made famous by the MacDonald's and Campbell clash. Afterwards we cruise to Dochgarroch to our final moorings. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Dochgarroch
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus

On alternative weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Scotland "Golf" Cruise - Dochgarroch to Banavie

Sunday, Day 1 - Dochgarroch
We meet you at the designated meeting place and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch near Inverness. 'Champagne Welcome' followed by a short cruise along heather-lined canal finishing back in the sleepy village of Dochgarroch in time for dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus
Depart at 8.30am for the Royal Dornoch Golf Course (2 hour drive) for a round on the Championship Golf Course, one of Scotland's famous links courses designed by Tom Morris. (Tee Time of 11.30am) Dornoch dates from 1616 and is internationally acclaimed. Return to the barge for a cruise to Fort Augustus anchoring for tea beneath Urquhart Castle on the way. Dinner on board. (18 holes, 6,514 yards Par 70: buggies and pull carts available) approx 2hr transfer from barge to golf club.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Fort Augustus
After breakfast we take a packed lunch and journey to Nairn Golf Club (1 hour drive) where we play on the Championship Golf Course. (Tee times of 11.30am). Nairn's reputation is well founded, hosting many professional and amateur events. Several holes border the North Sea and whilst Scotland's driest course, it is possibly the windiest! Dinner on board. (18 holes, 6,705 yards, Par 72: buggies and pull carts available) approx 1 hour transfer from barge to golf club.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Fort Augustus to Cullochy Lock
Morning ascent of the 5 lock flight with time to wander the village and visit antique and craft shops. We also show you the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center and see an original '30's film of the Gondolier, one of the fastest passenger paddle steamers of its time. After lunch on board we have a round of golf at nearby Fort Augustus Golf Course, (tee time 2pm) probably the only course in the world kept manicured by a herd of sheep! Featuring 18 tees and 9 holes in a challenging canal side setting. On our return we cruise to our overnight mooring at Cullochy Lock. Dinner on board. (18 tees, 9 hole, 5,454 yards par 67: pull carts available) 10 minute transfer from barge to golf club.

Thursday, Day 5 - Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy
Morning cruise along the tree lined canal avenue and across Loch Lochy, past forest and mountain scenery, to the pretty hamlet of Gairlochy. During the afternoon we visit Spean Bridge Woollen Mill selling traditional knitwear and tweeds and the Glen Nevis Whisky Distillery where the elaboration of whisky is explained with a tasting. Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Gairlochy to Banavie
Morning cruise to Banavie and Neptune's Staircase of locks. After lunch onboard we transfer to Newtonmore Golf course (Tee time 2.00pm). Newtonmore (established 1893) is a comparatively flat, easy-walking, parkland course full of exciting and invigorating challenges. It nestles appealingly in the midst of the Monadhliath and Grampian Mountains and on the banks of the River Spey. Afterwards we return to the Scottish Highlander where we usually entertain the local piper with a wee dram before the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board. (18 holes, 6041 yards, Par 70, pull carts and buggies available) approx. 30 minute transfer from barge to golf club.

Saturday, Banavie
Passengers disembark after a hearty Scottish Breakfast for their transfer back to the designated drop off point by minibus

On alternative weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.