AllanD

That's encouraging to hear. Thanks.

Had a walk along the Forth Clyde canal today from Wynford Lock down past the Falkirk Wheel to lock14. Stopped for a bite to eat and watched the Wheel rotate. Only boat movements I saw was the Wheel trip boat, a Seagull Trust trip boat and one hired boat coming through lock 16. Very quiet for the holiday period with no private craft appearing to be on the move. Is this a sign of things to come?

Sorry for straying off topic.

At Drumnadrochit we were Moored in the faraway corner on the same side as the Lifeboat Station. The moorings filled up in the course of the day and was quite tight when we were leaving the following morning. One nervous private owner came out to check that I didn't bump into their boat. I let all ropes go except for the aft starboard spring and with engaging astern our bow swung slowly to port easily clearing the craft opossite. Into neutral and engaging ahead, we left the Harbour with a "well driven" by the onlooker.

No bow thruster needed when you know how to use fore and aft warping techniques learned over a number of years.

6 berth dual position motor cruiser. I was a little dismayed that I did not see many yachts under sail even on the wide open spaces of Loch Ness and Loch Lochy.

Had a wonderful week on a cruiser from Le Boat at Laggan. Beyond my expectations.

Our hire boat from West Highland Sailing at Laggan last week was fitted with a Waeco crx50 if that's any help. It ran fine all week on 12v. I would think that hire companies use well proven equipment.

How true, Jokar. When came up the flight in Fort Augustus last week we shared the locks with 5 other vessels. One was a Dutch couple in a hired cruiser, one was an English crew also in a hired cruiser, one yacht was crewed by guys from Northern Ireland and 2 yachts crewed by Europeans circumnavigating Britain. A route via the Forth Clyde, Crinan and Caledonian canals would surely be a good thing.

There are some weirs which would hinder you. The first one you would encounter going up river is in Glasgow city centre at Glasgow Green. You travel by canoe and indulge in portage around the weirs.

Used to cruise the Clyde with the RNXS in the late 70's and early 80's. Loch Goil and Carrick Castle was my favorite location but the trip through the Kyles and up to Inveraray was always spectacular especially in the frosty winter days.

Hi Jokar, we got our boat from Le Boat at Laggan and we're given the cruise map which would appear to be that one from Caley Cruisers. You can download it from the internet. The charts show all the navigation buoys and approaches you will need. There are no mooring fees for hire craft at Urquhart Harbour but I believe that private craft need to pay the £10 fee for 24hrs. Vistor moorings are shown on the chart indicating facilities such shore power, toilets etc. Anything else I can help you with, just let me know. Enjoy.

Hi Jokar, enjoy your time on the Caledonian Canal. I was there last week and it was totally different from any inland boating I have experienced. The secret, I believe is to set your body clock to "Highland Time", sit back and relax.

From Bowling down the Clyde and then across Rothesay Bay through the narrows proceeding south down the Kyles of Bute. Turn the corner and head west then north up Loch Fyne to Ardishaig.

Lovely morning sunshine in Banavie would follow us for the rest of the day as we cruised back to Laggan for our last night on board. Through Gairlochy Lock where the lockeeper passed down a rope from the lock side for us to use because the depth of it makes it difficult to throw a line up. We virtually had Loch Lochy to ourselves for most of the way. This trip has exceeded all my expectations.

Left Kytra lock after a very peaceful night, idyllic place to moor. Through Cullochy lock and over Loch Oich. Weather was a bit blustery so gave the pontoons of Invergarry castle and the Well of Seven Heads a miss headed for Loch Lochy. Through Gairlochy lock and onto Banavie. There were a lot of boats and yachts about given that the school holidays haven't begun.

Left Urquhart Harbour this morning around 8am and arrived at Fort Augustus at 10.45am. Due to boat traffic heading north and lockeeper's lunch we did not enter the bottom lock till 2.00pm. The lock was filled with 3 hire cruisers and 3 yachts. We left the top lock at 4pm. Moored at Kytra lock overnight.

Spent the morning at Urquhart Castle and then tried to head back to Fort Augustus but gave up as the headwind, waves and swell was too much and turned around and returned to Urquhart Harbour. Took advantage of the pick-up and drop-off service by Cobbs restaurant at the Clansman Hotel. Excellent meal and service from everyone involved. Would recommend it highly. Are heading to Inverness tomorrow by bus and as the weather will have improved head to Fort Augustus on Wednesday. Fantastic moorings at Urquhart Harbour and I can confirm without doubt that they are free of charge for ALL hire craft.

Picked up Crusader class boat from West Highland Sailing at Laggan yesterday afternoon and due to the weather we overnighted at our berth. This morning we went through Laggan Lock onto Loch Oich and through Cullochy lock and got our gold stars from lady at Kytra lock. Good passage through Fort Augustus and now moor in Urquhart Harbour. This is everything I dreamed it would be and more.

Sorry, I didn't get a chance. But judging by the locks and including the Drop-lock the amount of debris gathered would indicate that they have not been used recently.

Are SC planning boat movements between Bowling and Clydebank? There was a water-borne weed cutter moving east from Old Kirkpatrick this morning. Due to the fact that no one is able to cruise much at the moment, weed growth is already giving the canal an "abandoned" look!!

First of all I want to thank everyone for their input into my initial enquiry, I have gleaned a lot of information to help me best experience the holiday. I am wondering if anyone has holidayed there in recent months and can any updates on moorings, facilities and of course eating out. Thanks again.

Stevie put my 42 footer in the water when it came up from down south. The timing for the lift is dependent on water levels both alongside the crane and for passage under the Kerse road bridge. Hope all goes well for you. Allan

I have seen boats on hard standing at Auchinstarry and there is a slip there too. I don't know who controls them.

Thank you, Ronnie for the photos. I can remember when the Maid had the white hull when I was on her in the 60's. At that time I believe she was still part of The Caledonian Steam Packet Company which in turn was part of British Rail. It meant that my Father's free rail pass was valid. I recall sailing from Balloch, to Balmaha, Rowanderran, Luss, Tarbet, Inversnaid and then to Ardlui. Fond memories.