Scottish Highlander Barging in Scotland

Passengers: 8
Size: 117 feet long
Last Visited: 2008
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
Regular Season dates are:
May 3 - October 3

Cruises begin on Sunday in either Inverness or Fort William (depending on the cruise direction) and end the following Saturday in either Inverness or Fort William.  You will be advised of cruise direction at the time of booking.

Scottish Highlander is not
air-conditioned.

The Barge Lady's Debbie Vaci and her sister-in-law Carol Sowell visited the Scottish Highlander in July of 2008.  See her day-to-day diary of the cruise at The Barge Lady Blog.

The Scottish Highlander looked amazing back-dropped by a magnificent horizon as our van drove up.  This was a perfect setting for what was to come.  We sailed the Caledonian Canal which consists of four natural lakes (lochs as they are known in Scotland) - Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, the famous Loch Ness and Loch Dochfour - all connected by short canals.  I had never seen such unbelievable scenery!  We floated by breathtaking mountains covered in greenery, exquisite castles and of course looked for the legendary Loch Ness monster.

Our four person crew made our vacation wonderful.  They were so charming and friendly. I felt at home immediately with our fellow guests, with whom we became fast friends.  We were very well taken care of - especially at mealtime.  The Chef made many Scottish dishes using ingredients fresh from local markets daily and yes, we did eat Haggis!  It was unexpectedly tasty!  Our group loved the Scottish Porridge for breakfast.  We also had a great salmon dish.  My favorite was the double double chocolate cake.

I loved our tours.  The Highlands is loaded with history and people are very willing to tell you a wee story or two.  The more I saw, the more I wanted to learn about this vibrant culture.  We visited majestic castles, had a whiskey tasting, a bagpipe concert and Captain Dan surprised us on our final evening with some tunes on his accordion.

People in Scotland are friendly and extremely courteous.  They want to stop and talk and tell you all about their local life.  Never have I felt so at home away from home.  It was a cracker of a journey!

Scottish Highlander
Caledonian Canal 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

"We traveled with a wonderful group of people from the U.S., Canada and England.  We were all very compatible, and everyone eagerly participated in all the activities.  What a peaceful and relaxing six days - wedged between visits to Glasgow and Edinburgh - a perfect combination!"
Chuck and Jo Van Zoeren, 2008

"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.