Cruising Holidays with activities on the Caledonian Canal

Life On Board

View from a green boat

The unhurried pace allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the area as the barge spends just half of each day cruising. You have the option to stay on board and enjoy the fun of the waterway and the canal locks, or you can make the journey under your own steam by walking, cycling, canoeing or sailing.


Once we are safely tied up or at anchor, there are woodland and riverside walks, castles and places of interest to visit and towpaths or off-road tracks for cycling. Quiet canal reaches, rivers, shallow bays, and more challenging stretches of open water give us a variety of sailing and canoeing options.

With just twelve guests, we make a week-long journey along the Great Glen, traversing the Highlands of Scotland from coast to coast between Fort William and Inverness.

We have a great reputation for freshly prepared good food, and our chefs are happy to cater for all dietary needs.

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 for guests who are out and about.

Person on mountain bike riding on a gravel path toward mountains, sunny sky with clouds.

Dinner consists of a main course with two options, dessert and a cheeseboard. Local produce is sourced wherever possible including: fresh fish from Mallaig, wild Scottish venison and Aberdeen Angus beef.


Home-baking often welcomes us back on the boat after an afternoon of activities.


Meals are informal, with guests and crew sitting together around a large table. Stories about adventures are shared, and plans are made for the following day.

Cupcakes with cream frosting, chocolate chips, and strawberry slices, on a white square platter, set on a wooden table.
A filo pastry-wrapped appetizer drizzled with balsamic glaze, garnished with greens, on a white plate.
A person holding a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, grapes, and meat on a boat.

Life On Board Photo Gallery

Three people seated around a wooden table indoors, eating and talking. A California sign is visible on the wall.

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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People seated around a large wooden table, eating in a room with a kitchen area and window.

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Cozy, narrow bunk bed with white linens and sunflower. Photograph of water above.

Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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Small bathroom with a toilet, sink, and mirror. White walls, wooden door frame, and towel rack.

Beyond Boundaries

Visual odyssey across continents
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Bunk beds in a small cabin. Wooden ceiling and walls, white bedding, green curtain, artwork on wall.
Woman in green shirt climbing wooden stairs toward a light.
Interior of a boat with a dining table set for guests, a bright orange doorway, and windows overlooking water.
People eating at a long table inside a boat, surrounded by windows. Bananas and a flower bouquet are on the table.
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Testimonials

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This vacation “cruise” met our needs activity levels perfectly. Dan likes to relax I like to be busy, active – we were able to do both. Still enjoy this experience together.”
Maura and Drew Pare Dean 2023
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Wasn’t sure what to expect, but all experiences were way beyond what we’d thought from looking at pictures and blurb
Stuart and Sheila Johnson 2023
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This holiday was outstanding throughout. The local knowledge the crew have was always given, in an entertaining and interesting way and this was just a smidge of the whole experience. Fun – entertaining – thrilling – exciting – tranquil – friendly.
Julie Watts 2022
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WOW WOW WOW What a wonderful way to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and get back to nature. Far exceeded our expectations.
Dean Gump Paula Selstead 2023
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I had an excellent holiday. It exceeded my expectations and I would recommend a Caledonian Discovery holiday to my friends and family and anyone who enjoys gorgeous scenery, a mix of outdoor activities, delicious food and lots of laughter and fun.
Rebecca Parker 2022