HOME

With the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House, Scottish Highlander offers luxury barge cruise vacations along Loch Ness and the Caledonian canal in Scotland

Sunday, Day 1 : Fort William to Banavie

At 4pm we meet at the The Lime Tree Hotel in Fort William and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Banavie. A Champagne welcome is followed by time for a walk or cycle along the towpath or a game of boules, before dinner aboard.

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 choice is the Raceway Karting Centre near Fort William. This Outdoor racetrack is 340 metres long and they have a fleet of single engine karts and have just introduced a twin seater kart for adults and smaller children so they don't miss out on the fun. It has a large seatbelt for added safety. In the afternoon we cruise to Gairlochy. Return to the barge for dinner aboard

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 aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 : Cullochy to Fort Augustus

Cruise across enchanting Loch Oich to Fort Augustus followed by a visit to the Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus. This 17 th 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 may like to join the Chef in the galley for some hands-on barbecue preparation so that everyone can enjoy a barbecue 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. The Drum Farm 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. Dinner aboard.

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 14 th 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 aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 : Dochgarroch to Inverness

Passengers disembark around 9.30am for the transfer to Inverness by minibus after a hearty Scottish breakfast, arriving around 10am.

NOTE: Sample itinerary subject to change. On Alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction.

IN ADDITION, we will be running a treasure hunt and scavenger hunt, plus various other fun competition and games throughout the week.

GROUPS OR INDIVIDUAL CABIN BOOKINGS: Most of our family cruises are for whole boat charter groups but occasionally we are able to offer special Family Cruises for individuals to book on a cabin basis. Please contact our reservations department for further information.

BICYCLES: There are adult bikes on board. Children's bikes for all ages and/or child seats for adult bikes can be supplied usually at no charge if requested to our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Optional activities, for example hot air ballooning, pony trekking, quad biking, bowling, fishing etc may be available on your cruise and can be arranged at an additional supplement. Optional activities usually require advanced booking so please advise our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

BABY/CHILD EQUIPMENT: We are pleased to supply travel cots, high chairs, car seat, bottle warmer, toys, stroller etc at no charge but we must be notified at least 6 weeks prior to departure as to your requirements.