Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

102 Views
7 Days From

$2062

$1970

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

7 Days Starting in Inverness or Banavie (Fort William) and ending in

Visiting: Scotland

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

GGB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

8 - 12

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From:
$2062
$1970 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$93

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this hike and barge cruise offers the opportunity to walk from one coast of Scotland to the other. During the weeklong trip, the barge stops are planned to suit the walking stages, breaking them into manageable day walks of between 10 and 15 miles. Guided along the route by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace walk will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. In the evening, share stories of your day with like minded travellers and relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland.

Highlights

  • Absorb the impressive views of majestic mountains and large expanses of open water

  • Discover smaller atmospheric lochs and pretty canal sections along the Great Glen Way

  • Relax on board your floating hotel in the company of like minded fellow travellers

  • Relish in the accomplishment of walking the breadth of Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Embark Inverness, Walk To Dochgarroch (3Hrs)

Meals Included: D

We will board the barge at 14:00 (2pm) today and after meeting the crew and other guests, we walk to Clachnaharry Sea Lock, the easternmost point of the Caledonian Canal, to start our coast to coast journey. The canal which was constructed in the early 19th century connects the east coast of Scotland, from Inverness to Fort William. This afternoon we will follow the barge to Dochgarroch, a picturesque settlement located on Loch Dochfour, where we'll stay for the night. The walk follows the towpath with the Caledonian Canal on your right and the River Ness on your left.
Distance: 7 miles/11km; Height gain: 15m/49ft

Day 2 : Join The Great Glen Way To Drumnadrochit (7Hrs)

Meals Included: B, L, D

The day’s walk begins with a climb through the forest to join the Great Glen Way above Loch Dochfour. We stop for lunch at the weird and wonderful Abriachan Eco-Café, a popular stop-off point for both hikers and cyclists along the trail. The afternoon walk is mostly downhill, providing our first glimpses of Loch Ness. The barge will pick us up at Drumnadrochit, a village located on the western side of Loch Ness, and we'll cruise to Foyers, on the eastern side, for the night's mooring.
Distance: 14.5 miles/23.2km; Height gain: 350m/1148ft

Day 3 : Continue Through Pine Woods To Alltsigh (6Hrs)

Meals Included: B, L, D

We start the morning with a breakfast cruise back to Drumnadrochit where we will continue our walk. From the mooring we head through the village, before ascending the trail, with views back over the town and the loch. Our lunch stop today is at the charming Grotaig Pottery gallery, which has a small walkers cafe with tables in the garden or inside the gallery. In the afternoon we'll descend through some beautiful pine woodland back to the loch side, where the barge will pick us up at Alltsigh. We will then cruise to Fort Augustus where we will spend the night.
Distance: 13 miles/21km; Height gain: 400m/1312ft

Day 4 : Walk To Fort Augustus Via A Low Or High Route (6 Or 7Hrs)

Meals Included: B, L, D

This morning we will once again cruise during breakfast back to Alltsigh, where the barge will drop us ashore. The initial section of today's walk will take us to Invermoriston, a highland village located on the northern shores of Loch Ness where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we have the choice of two walking routes both with converge at Fort Augustus. The High Route which takes us above the trees offers breath-taking views over the Monadhliath Mountains (Grey Mountains). The Low Route which stays below the tree line provides walkers with viewpoints across Loch Ness. The barge will meet us at Fort Augustus where we will overnight.
Distance: 13 miles/21km; Height gain: 200m/656ft (High Route: +1 mile/1.6km, +300m/984ft)

Day 5 : Views Of Loch Ness Enroute To Laggan Locks (5.5Hrs)

Meals Included: B, L, D

The walk out of Fort Augustus this morning takes us up a small hill (120m) which commands awesome views over the full length of Loch Ness. These will be our last glimpses of the loch, as the route then takes us back down to the canal towpath to meet the barge at Cullochy Lock for lunch. Our afternoon walk is almost entirely flat following an old railway bed and General Wade’s Military Road along the shores of the picturesque and secluded Loch Oich. The barge will be awaiting our return at the far end of Loch Oich at Laggan Locks. The fascinating water lock gates here connect the highest waters of the Caledonian Canal, at Loch Oich with the lower water levels of Loch Lochy.
Distance: 11.5 miles/18.5km; Height gain: 140m/460ft

Day 6 : Follow The Shore Of Loch Lochy With Views Of Ben Nevis On A Clear Day (7Hrs)

Meals Included: B, L, D

Following close to the shore of Loch Lochy, our morning walk provides some dramatic views of the Munros (a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet or 914.4 mt) to the North and, on a clear day, our first sight of Ben Nevis to the South. We stop for lunch on the shore of the loch, before heading inland past Chia-Aig Falls and Loch Arkaig. We continue into the Achnacarry Estate, home of the Clan Chief of the Camerons of Locheil. We return to the loch side, passing wonderful native woodland along the shores, before returning to the barge which will be moored at Gairlochy, a small hamlet located on the southern shore of the loch.
Distance: 14.7 miles/23.5km; Height gain: 140m/460ft

Day 7 : Finish The Walk At Corpach Sea Lock (3.5Hrs), Return To The Barge, Trip Concludes

Meals Included: B

Our final morning walk follows the canal towpath, passing the only hand wound bridge left in the Great Glen at the small village of Moy. The path offers fantastic views of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain at 1,345 m (4,413 ft). We conclude our walk at Corpach Sea Lock, the most westerly point on the canal and the end of our coast to coast journey. A taxi will return us to the barge for our final goodbyes and departures.
Distance: 8 miles/13km; Height gain: -20m/65.5ft

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights barge

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) 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 i

  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and on a request basis (supplement applies).

  • Daily tea and coffee

  • Boat crew consisting of skipper, chef, walking guide (who accompanies the group on the daily walks) and bosun.

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 6 dinners 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. Dinn

  • 6 nights accommodation aboard a category C+ barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with split level beds. Single cabins are limited and on a request basis (supplement applies).

  • Emergency hotline

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from the start and end point of the trip

  • Drinks - payable locally

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Entrance fees and excursions not specified

  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend GBP20-25 per person (to be distributed between the leader, captain and crew).

  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer

  • A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers)

  • Optional transfers available - from the disembarkation point back to the embarkation point (eg, if you have driven and parked your car), or to/from the bus or train station at the town near to the start/end point. This must be booked at least 2 months in

What You Carry

As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, good walking boots / shoes, water bottle, lunch supplies, mobile phone and sun protection etc.

Grading

Introductory to moderate, walking approx 8 miles/ 13 km to 14.7miles/ 23.5km. 3-7 hours The route has many flat sections close to the canal and lochs but also includes some short steep hills and longer hills. There is an option to stay on board should you not want to walk some sections.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

M. Reeve(Burwood, Australia)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Fabulous trip with very professional and personabl

Fabulous trip with very professional and personable crew. Now if you can just arrange fine sunny weather......ha ha!

P. Scrivenor(Elizabeth Bay)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

The guides were excellent. They were both full of

The guides were excellent. They were both full of local and historic knowledge that was passed on to us and this made the trip so much more interesting. The accommodation was excellent.

N. Blain(Ontario, Canada)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Amazing staff- organized and professional. Food e

Amazing staff- organized and professional. Food exceeded expectations and accommodation (hot and powerful showers) was comfy after a long hike.

K. Weller(Courtenay, Canada)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

This was the most amazing booked travel experience

This was the most amazing booked travel experience I’ve ever done! I loved it from start to finish …even the afternoon walking in the rain.

G. Alford(United Kingdom)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Excellent trip, great crew, leader and cook. Lovel

Excellent trip, great crew, leader and cook. Lovely barge accommodation. Small number of guests, very homely. Would highly recommend!

M. Goodwin(Australia)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

A great week with some beautiful scenery and frien

A great week with some beautiful scenery and friendly crew.

M. Blum(Tucson, USA)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Absolutely wonderful trip in every way. Barge and

Absolutely wonderful trip in every way. Barge and crew fantastic. Everyone friendly, accessible, professional, sincere.

Kathryn Wilson(Mill Bay, British Columbia, Canada)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Everything was fabulous, walking wasn't too challe

Everything was fabulous, walking wasn't too challenging, food and accommodations were excellent. Staff was friendly and helpful. Great mix of people too.

K. Legassick(Guildford, United Kingdom)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

Thoroughly enjoyed this walking holiday. The views

Thoroughly enjoyed this walking holiday. The views were magnificent and the barge (Fingal) was charming. Our guide Ankia, was knowledgeable and ensured we were all keeping up and walking at a comfortable pace. The skipper, Adam and Ankia made a great team explaining our route with the aid of pictorial maps. Lucy fed us well and Steve ferried us safely back to the boat at the end of our walks. They were a great team and nothing was too much trouble for them. I would certainly recommend this holiday with this crew. Memorable.

M. Spreckley(Malvern East, Australia)  

Scotland Coast to Coast Walk and Barge

This was an excellent holiday.

This was an excellent holiday.

Read all 15 reviews

Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Friday

May 25, 2024 - May 31, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Sold Out

Saturday - Friday

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Sold Out
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Jul 06, 2024 - Jul 12, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Saturday - Friday

Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Saturday - Friday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
$2227 $2127 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$100 (USD)

Sold Out

Saturday - Friday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024
$2075 $1982 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$93 (USD)

Sold Out

Saturday - Friday

Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
$1935 $1848 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$87 (USD)

Sold Out
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2062 $1970 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$93 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2062 $1970 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$93 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

May 03, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

May 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2354 $2248 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$106 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2202 $2103 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$99 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2202 $2103 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$99 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Friday

Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$2062 $1970 (USD)

Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$93 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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