Scottish Highlander
Barging in Scotland

Passengers: 8
Size: 117 feet long
Last Visited: 2000
Rating: Deluxe

2009 Prices

Whole Boat Charter:
$27,200 - Value Season
$31,000 - Regular Season
Individuals:
$3,490 - Value Season
$3,990 - Regular Season
Value Season dates are:  April 5-May 2 and October 4-November 1

Scottish Highlander is not
air-conditioned.

Home to four glorious lochs (lakes) linked to each other, the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea by the Caledonian Canal, the Scottish Highlands offer some of the world's most magnificent scenery; most enduring legends (think Loch Ness Monster); and warmest hospitality. Floating right through this magical area between Inverness and Corpach is the deluxe and supremely comfortable Scottish Highlander.

Enlivened by tartan furnishings and local landscape paintings, she reveals the atmosphere of a "floating Scottish country house." This newly rebuilt vessel offers cabins with twin-to-queen bed configurations and cuisine showcasing fresh and local ingredients. Exclusive moorings under the romantic ruins of castles Urquhart and Invergarry are among the most dramatic in all of barging! Visits to historic battlefields and castles; a bagpipe concert; a whisky tasting; and floating the eight-lock Neptune's staircase round out this authentic and unique experience.

Scottish Highlander
Barge Cruise Itinerary

Banavie to Dochgarroch on the Caledonian Canal
Sunday
Banavie
At 4.00 pm we meet at 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 before dinner aboard.

Monday
Banavie to Gairlochy
In the morning we visit the mystic battlefields of Glencoe, followed by a visit to the Ben Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of Whisky preparation and tast a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to Gairlochy. Return to the barge for dinner aboard.

Tuesday
Gairlochy to Cullochy Lock
This morning there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando Memorial, the woolen mill at Spean Bridge selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron Museum. 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
Cullochy to Fort Augustus
This morning we drive through Glen Moriston and stunning highland countryside to romantic Eilean Doonan castle, setting for the film Highlander. Eilean Doonan castle has an idyllic island setting with commanding views of three sea lochs. Following the abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th Century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. On the way back we visit a deer farm. We rejoin the barge and cruise to Fort Augustus where we dine out tonight at a local restaurant.

Thursday
Fort Augustus
In the morning we have plenty of time to look around the pretty Caledonian village of Fort Augustus before making our way down the staircase of five locks. After lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls(or with family charters explore the Nessie Museum). Dinner aboard.

Friday
Fort Augustus to Dochgarroch
In the morning we leave Fort Augustus and cruise the south shore of Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour, passing Urquhart Castle and seeing an abundance of wildlife en route. This afternoon 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. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday
Dochgarroch to Inverness
Passengers disembark around 9:30am for the transfer to Inverness by minibus after a hearty Scottish breakfast, arriving around 9:45am.

Please note: this is a sample itinerary which may be subject to change depending on local conditions. The route will run in reverse on alternate weeks. Contact The Barge Lady for reservations and more information about Barging in Scotland. Or call us toll free at (800) 880-0071.

Scottish Highlander
Guest Book

"The entire week far exceeded our expectations, which were pretty high. I can't begin to describe how much all of us enjoyed the adventure. Of course we're all now on diets!! FYI, the chef James was simply outstanding. The haggis was even over the top! Ryan, our guide, was fantastic: great knowledge of the area and attractions with a wonderful and personal twist."
- Bruce Abbott and Cara Visconti, 2007

"We had a wonderful time. The food was fabulous and the crew were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and enjoyable. We would give this trip a 10 out of 10."
- John and Kathy Belcher, 2007

"The barge experience allowed us to settle in and truly relax with friends while enjoying the culture and scenery of Scotland. And, on top of it all, we were provided top-notch service and cuisine throughout. A perfect trip and perfect way to see Scotland!"
- Brad and Lynne Davidson 2007

Scottish Highlander Floor Plan

117 Feet long
-One Suite at 147 square feet and 3 cabins at 115 square feet
-"Country house" ambiance, tartan plaid decor
-Large dining room/salon area with picture windows
-Sundeck, fishing equipment available. No A/C.