1. Event co-ordinator: Sally Soady
2. Trip leader: John Soady
3. Trip type: 4-day kayak camping trip across the Caledonian Canal from West to East, though subject to revision if there is a strong NE wind. Sea kayaks only
Day 1 – meet at the top of Neptune’s staircase, Banavie, nr. Fort William, pack boats and organise shuttle, 10k paddle to Gairlocky, wild camp.
Day 2 - 23km paddle to Loch Oich, wild camp at Leiterfearn Trailblazer rest site
Day 3 – 27km paddle to campsite at Foyers, alongside Loch Ness
Day 4 – 29km paddle to Inverness, stay in Inverness (Premier Inn Inverness West), sort out the shuttle and go out for a meal in the evening.
4. Level of ability: Intermediate. Be aware that although there are stretches of canal, most of the journey is on lochs and wind and waves can be big on Loch Ness, with rocky shores and long stretches without landing places.
5. Date: Wednesday 17th – Saturday 20th April
6. Venue: Caledonian Canal
7. Meet location / time: Top of Neptune’s staircase, Banavie, nr. Fort William
8. Meet to share lifts at: It would be good to share lifts.
9. Notes: Trolley important for the locks, esp. at Fort Augustus. There is only space for 6 tents at Gairlocky, so this will set the limit for this trip.
Event details
