Our Loch Linnhe, Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 6-night cruise is a relaxing, sheltered water cruise which journeys through the very heart of Scotland, through outstanding scenery. The cruise is a luxurious experience aboard Emma Jane, with ensuite cabins, spacious saloons and decks, a gourmet menu, accompanied onshore excursions, lots of wildlife and even a hot tub! Book Now!
Cruise availability
Our 2019 cruises are fully booked apart from one cabin on our Loch Linnhe, Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 6-night cruise. This cruise has two departure dates for 2020 on September 19th and 26th. These dates are currently also available for private cruise charter at a 10% discount.
Here is a typical itinerary for the Loch Linnhe, Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 6-cruise, which may change a little depending on cruising conditions. The itinerary is reversed on September 26th 2020, departing from Inverness. Guests can bring their own cycles on board as there are excellent cycling opportuntiies.
- From Oban, Cruise Loch Linnhe, a stunningly beautiful west coast sea loch, passing the picturesque and quintessentially Scottish castle, Castle Stalker, watching out for dolphins, eagles, seals and otters.
- Anchor off the Island of Lismore, good for sunsets and a coastal stroll.
- Cruise through the Corran Narrows with a “tide race” of fast moving currents. There are stunning views across to Glencoe and Ben Nevis with possible sightings of deer, otters and golden eagles.
- Enter the Caledonian Canal at Corpach and navigate Neptune’s Staircase, just one of the many amazing feats of engineering that make up the Canal. The Staircase is a series of 8 locks and travels up 70 feet in height, the longest staircase lock in the UK..
- Take a shore trip to Clan Cameron Museum and Achnacarry Castle with its lovely gardens and turbulent Ka-Aig Falls.
- Cruise Loch Lochy and into Laggan locks, before entering beautiful Loch Oich. Overnight as Aberchalder, and enjoy a shore side stroll, watching out for pine marten.
- Cruise to Fort Augustus and enjoy the impressive canal lock in the centre of the village. Explore this delightful village which has lots to see, or enjoy a beer watching the boats manoeuvre through the staircase.
- Enjoy an evening walk at Foyers with fabulous views to the west across Loch Ness to watch the sun setting below the hills and maybe a dram at the famous Graigdarroch Inn.
- Cruise across Loch Ness to the famous Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland, with one of the bloodiest histories. The castle ruins are very evocative with a very good audio/visual display and excellent visitor centre. Nessie hunters might want to visit the centre at nearby Drumnadrochit with lots of woodland walks. Anchor at Dochgarroch lock, which is very picturesque with many boats and yachts.
- Cruise Loch Dochfour with a walk ashore along a woodland path redolent of “Swallows and Amazons”, then onwards to Inverness and into the Muirtown basin at the very north end of the Canal for the final night anchorage.
Last year was our first, long awaited trip on Emma Jane. It was an amazing experience, over and above anything we could have hoped for. So on our return we booked this years cruise AND 2025. As skipper James said ‘ you need to do these things while still vertical’! Emma Jane is a beautiful, comfortable vessel to travel on from the well thought out cabins, comfy sofas and books in the salon and multiple outside viewing areas to look out for all the wildlife and scenery. Skipper Charlie found wonderful anchorages, dramatic scenery and safe clean places for the hardy swimmers. Arriving at the Shiants around the north of the islands was a real highlight. This approach allowed us to see the huge and dramatic basalt pillars, that dwarf those at Fingals Cave. Later, with perfect conditions, Charlie and Will ( Guide) took us on the rib to see the formations, caves and birds at really close quarters. Amazing! Will sort out the wildlife at sea and on land with great success. Highlights include both common and bottlenose nose dolphins who came to ride the bow wave. A lovely view of Minke whale. 3 white tailed eagles together on the eastern shore of Raasay and 8 in the sky as we sailed away from The Shiants. Will led us safely on shore trips that were adapted to the ability and wishes of the guests. This includes a dramatic hike up to Hallaig, the abandoned settlement on Raasay. Stunning views in all directions and a golden eagle viewed from above. Charlie (chef, not the shipper!) cheerfully cooked us up 3 lovely meals a day as well of cake for tea, using a great deal of local produce. I loved the fish dishes. She was ably assisted by equally smiley Jasmine, who looked after us, served us meals, made drinks and kept everything spotlessly clean and tidy. It felt as if the whole crew worked together as a well oiled team. I’ve seen it written before on reviews before, but if you are considering a trip with Hebrides Cruises - book it. Will and Sarah
Will and Sarah: 13 May 2024Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles