Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge
Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge
7 Days Starting in Inverness, Scotland and ending in Corpach, Scotland
Visiting: Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, Gairlochy, Corpach
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge tour, where you'll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland from Inverness to Fort William. This unique adventure combines invigorating walks along the Great Glen Way with the comfort of a floating hotel. Marvel at majestic mountains, serene lochs, and picturesque canal sections as you walk the breadth of Scotland. Enjoy daily walks ranging from 3 to 7 hours, with highlights including views of Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the charming highland villages. Relax each evening aboard a cozy barge, sharing stories with fellow travelers and savoring delicious meals prepared by an onboard chef. This tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, making it an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Scotland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Embark Inverness, Walk To Dochgarroch (3Hrs)
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Dinner
We will board the barge at 14:00 (2pm) today and after meeting the crew and other guests, we walk to Clachnaharry Sea Lock, the easternmost point of the Caledonian Canal, to start our coast to coast journey. The canal which was constructed in the early 19th century connects the east coast of Scotland, from Inverness to Fort William. This afternoon we will follow the barge to Dochgarroch, a picturesque settlement located on Loch Dochfour, where we'll stay for the night. The walk follows the towpath with the Caledonian Canal on your right and the River Ness on your left.
Distance: 7 miles/11km; Height gain: 15m/49ft
Day 2 : Join The Great Glen Way To Drumnadrochit (7Hrs)
Location: Drumnadrochit
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day’s walk begins with a climb through the forest to join the Great Glen Way above Loch Dochfour. We stop for lunch at the weird and wonderful Abriachan Eco-Café, a popular stop-off point for both hikers and cyclists along the trail. The afternoon walk is mostly downhill, providing our first glimpses of Loch Ness. The barge will pick us up at Drumnadrochit, a village located on the western side of Loch Ness, and we'll cruise to Foyers, on the eastern side, for the night's mooring.
Distance: 14.5 miles/23.2km; Height gain: 350m/1148ft
Day 3 : Continue Through Pine Woods To Alltsigh (6Hrs)
Location: Fort Augustus
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the morning with a breakfast cruise back to Drumnadrochit where we will continue our walk. From the mooring we head through the village, before ascending the trail, with views back over the town and the loch. Our lunch stop today is at the charming Grotaig Pottery gallery, which has a small walkers cafe with tables in the garden or inside the gallery. In the afternoon we'll descend through some beautiful pine woodland back to the loch side, where the barge will pick us up at Alltsigh. We will then cruise to Fort Augustus where we will spend the night.
Distance: 13 miles/21km; Height gain: 400m/1312ft
Day 4 : Walk To Fort Augustus Via A Low Or High Route (6 Or 7Hrs)
Location: Fort Augustus
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will once again cruise during breakfast back to Alltsigh, where the barge will drop us ashore. The initial section of today's walk will take us to Invermoriston, a highland village located on the northern shores of Loch Ness where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we have the choice of two walking routes both with converge at Fort Augustus. The High Route which takes us above the trees offers breath-taking views over the Monadhliath Mountains (Grey Mountains). The Low Route which stays below the tree line provides walkers with viewpoints across Loch Ness. The barge will meet us at Fort Augustus where we will overnight.
Distance: 13 miles/21km; Height gain: 200m/656ft (High Route: +1 mile/1.6km, +300m/984ft)
Day 5 : Views Of Loch Ness Enroute To Laggan Locks (5.5Hrs)
Location: Fort Augustus
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk out of Fort Augustus this morning takes us up a small hill (120m) which commands awesome views over the full length of Loch Ness. These will be our last glimpses of the loch, as the route then takes us back down to the canal towpath to meet the barge at Cullochy Lock for lunch. Our afternoon walk is almost entirely flat following an old railway bed and General Wade’s Military Road along the shores of the picturesque and secluded Loch Oich. The barge will be awaiting our return at the far end of Loch Oich at Laggan Locks. The fascinating water lock gates here connect the highest waters of the Caledonian Canal, at Loch Oich with the lower water levels of Loch Lochy.
Distance: 11.5 miles/18.5km; Height gain: 140m/460ft
Day 6 : Follow The Shore Of Loch Lochy With Views Of Ben Nevis On A Clear Day (7Hrs)
Location: Gairlochy
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following close to the shore of Loch Lochy, our morning walk provides some dramatic views of the Munros (a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet or 914.4 mt) to the North and, on a clear day, our first sight of Ben Nevis to the South. We stop for lunch on the shore of the loch, before heading inland past Chia-Aig Falls and Loch Arkaig. We continue into the Achnacarry Estate, home of the Clan Chief of the Camerons of Locheil. We return to the loch side, passing wonderful native woodland along the shores, before returning to the barge which will be moored at Gairlochy, a small hamlet located on the southern shore of the loch.
Distance: 14.7 miles/23.5km; Height gain: 140m/460ft
Day 7 : Finish The Walk At Corpach Sea Lock (3.5Hrs), Return To The Barge, Trip Concludes
Location: Corpach
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final morning walk follows the canal towpath, passing the only hand wound bridge left in the Great Glen at the small village of Moy. The path offers fantastic views of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain at 1,345 m (4,413 ft). We conclude our walk at Corpach Sea Lock, the most westerly point on the canal and the end of our coast to coast journey. A taxi will return us to the barge for our final goodbyes and departures.
Distance: 8 miles/13km; Height gain: -20m/65.5ft
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights barge -
6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners Breakfast includes porridge, cereal, yoghurt and fresh fruit, followed by toast and a hot cooked option. At lunchtime we have home-made bread, soup and fresh salads. Packed lunches are individually prepared. Dinn
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Daily tea and coffee
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6 nights accommodation aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and on a request basis (supplement applies).
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Boat crew consisting of skipper, chef, walking guide (who accompanies the group on the daily walks) and bosun.
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip
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Drinks - payable locally
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Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
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Entrance fees and excursions not specified
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Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend GBP20-25 per person (to be distributed between the leader, captain and crew).
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, good walking boots / shoes, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.
Grading
Introductory to moderate, walking approx 8 miles/ 13 km to 14.7miles/ 23.5km. 3-7 hours The route has many flat sections close to the canal and lochs but also includes some short steep hills and longer hills. There is an option to stay on board should you not want to walk some sections.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip is included. Daily walks are supported by a barge that follows the route, providing a floating hotel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins feature split level beds, and single cabins are available on request with a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, and 6 dinners. Breakfast options include porridge, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast, and a hot cooked option. Lunches consist of home-made bread, soup, and fresh salads, with individually prepared packed lunches. Dinners are also provided.
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What kind of accommodation is available on this tour?
Accommodation is provided aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and available on a request basis with a supplement.
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Is there a guide available during the walks?
Yes, the boat crew includes a walking guide who accompanies the group on the daily walks.
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What should I carry during the walks?
You only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, good walking boots or shoes, a water bottle, lunch supplies, a mobile phone, and sun protection.
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Are there any optional activities or routes during the tour?
Yes, on Day 4, there is a choice between a High Route and a Low Route for the walk to Fort Augustus. The High Route offers breath-taking views over the Monadhliath Mountains, while the Low Route provides viewpoints across Loch Ness.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walks are graded as introductory to moderate, covering approximately 8 miles (13 km) to 14.7 miles (23.5 km) and taking 3-7 hours. The route includes many flat sections close to the canal and lochs, as well as some short steep hills and longer hills.
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Is there an option to stay on the barge instead of walking?
Yes, there is an option to stay on board the barge if you do not want to walk some sections of the route.
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Are drinks included in the tour package?
Daily tea and coffee are included, but other drinks are payable locally.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory, and cruise cover may be required. You should check with your insurer.
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Are tips included in the tour price?
Tips are not obligatory but it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide, it is recommended to tip GBP20-25 per person, which will be distributed between the leader, captain, and crew.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.