27-17 Ontdek de Schotse Highlands: Caledonian Canal naar Inverness

Highlights of the trip:

• Sail along the historic Caledonian Canal – a masterpiece of Scottish engineering.
• Cross the legendary Loch Ness – you might even spot “Nessie”.
• Walk the Great Glen Way – a beautiful trail through the Highlands.
• Admire views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain.
• Enjoy the combination of canal and coast – relaxed sailing with a touch of adventure.

About the Caledonian Canal

The Caledonian Canal, opened in 1822, is one of Scotland’s most impressive waterways, connecting the east of Scotland with the west coast. The canal cuts through the Scottish Highlands and winds its way through several lochs, including Loch Ness. Originally built to avoid the dangerous journey around the Scottish mainland and to promote trade, the canal offers not only an important route but also a unique way to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland. Sailing through the Caledonian Canal is a journey through time, where you can discover both majestic nature and rich history.

Day-to-day programme – Caledonian Canal voyage

Day 1 – Welcome on board in Oban

Your Highland adventure begins at 13:30 in Oban. You board Steady, meet the crew and your fellow travellers, and have time to settle in. We then hoist the sails and sail through Loch Linnhe, surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes. We spend the night anchored in a quiet loch.

Day 2 – Hoist the sails

After a relaxed morning ashore, we head north through Loch Linnhe. With the wind in our sails and steep green hills around us, we sail towards the entrance of the Caledonian Canal. You can take the helm, help with sailing or simply enjoy the view.

Day 3 – Entering the Caledonian Canal

Today we enter the legendary Caledonian Canal, with mighty Ben Nevis in the distance. The scenery shifts from open sea to calm freshwater lochs and wooded hills. In the afternoon, we pass the famous Neptune’s Staircase: a series of eight impressive locks and a true highlight of the journey.

Day 4 – Through the heart of the Highlands

We continue inland through the heart of the Highlands. Mirror-like lochs, ancient forests and rugged mountain peaks define the landscape. At the end of the day, we moor at Gairlochy, on the edge of the famous Loch Ness.

Day 5 – Crossing Loch Ness

Today we cross Loch Ness. Along the way, we enjoy views of castle ruins and forested shores. We continue to Fort Augustus, where there is time to explore the village and enjoy the atmosphere along the canal – and of course keep an eye out for Nessie.

Day 6 – Final leg to Inverness

The final sailing day takes us via the Caledonian Canal to Muirtown Marina, just outside Inverness. We relax on deck, take in the final views and end the journey with a shared dinner.

Day 7 – Disembarkation

After breakfast at 09:00, we say goodbye in Inverness. You return home with memories of rugged nature, great company and an unforgettable sailing journey through the Scottish Highlands.

Sailing with Steady is often rewarded with impressive wildlife encounters. Seabirds such as puffins, skimmers and guillemots are often seen in large numbers, while sea eagles soar majestically along the rugged coastline. On land you may spot impressive red deer, and with a bit of luck even an otter in the bay. The surrounding soundscape is magnificently overwhelming, with the calls of seabird colonies echoing against the cliffs, especially during the breeding season. Puffins, razorbills and guillemots add their distinctive calls to the scene. While sailing through Scottish waters you may also see seals curiously lifting their heads above the surface. The Scottish coasts host many seals and it is not uncommon to see them resting on rocks or sandbanks in the sun.

Dolphins are frequent visitors: common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and white-beaked dolphins are often spotted, and occasionally Risso’s dolphins or Atlantic white-sided dolphins appear. Whales, including minke whales, are regularly seen. Sometimes humpback whales appear, but the real star is the local group of orcas – an unforgettable experience if you see them. Keep your binoculars ready and enjoy the spectacle!

Do you love adventure, nature and good company? Then this trip is exactly what you are looking for! Whether you are an experienced sailor or setting sail for the first time — everyone is welcome. This journey is ideal for those who enjoy being active, discovering new places and experiencing the outdoors in great company.

Our trips in Scotland are suitable for travellers aged 16 to 75 years who:

• enjoy variety and new experiences;
• like travelling in a small, friendly group;
• want to be active but also relax;
• regardless of experience, both beginners and experienced sailors who want to help out and learn along the way.

On board, you will learn everything you need to actively participate in sailing — at your own pace.

Mobility and Safety on Board

Life on board requires a certain level of agility. You need to be able to move independently through narrow spaces, over stairs and high thresholds. For your own safety and comfort, it is important that you:

• can move safely on a moving vessel, both on deck and below deck;
• can pass through narrow spaces (minimum 60 cm wide) and use stairs.

Our hikes are ideal for active walkers. Routes vary in length from 10 to 18 km and offer varied landscapes with both climbs and descents. Occasionally you will encounter steeper sections, but the hikes remain manageable for those in reasonable physical condition. The routes may take you over rugged rocky paths or through wet grassy terrain. Because the landscape can sometimes be unpredictable, it is important to be well prepared. Therefore, when booking we provide a packing list with everything you should bring in your day backpack.

These hikes are for those who enjoy a light challenge and love experiencing nature in its purest form, along rugged and often untouched trails. Jan-Willem and Mariëlle guide the hikes so that we can discover the most beautiful places together as a group.

Steady has been sailing in Scotland for over 10 years with the Dutch husband-and-wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world is clear for guests to see, and they are well versed in all the hidden gems and secret spots.

Getting involved

Steady lives up to her name with a simple rig and an easy-to-use winch system, making her a great platform for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own, but they actively invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm and setting the sails to basic navigation and rope work, everything is done in a safe and supportive environment.

A typical day

After a hearty breakfast, the sails are set with the aim (weather permitting, of course) to sail for 4 to 7 hours. A secluded anchorage is then found, away from the tourist hustle and bustle, to settle in for the night. Lunch is served either under sail or at anchor, freshly prepared by Jan-Willem and Marielle in the spacious galley.

In the afternoon there is time to explore ashore before enjoying a delicious freshly prepared dinner on board, sharing sea-faring stories and stargazing from the deck.

Sleeping and relaxation

The main deck is well designed with plenty of open space and a cockpit ideal for alfresco dining. The covered deckhouse features 360-degree windows, perfect for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or for shelter when the Scottish weather changes.

Below deck you will find a beautifully appointed galley and a generous, comfortable saloon, recently refitted to a high standard. Forward along a small corridor are four well-designed twin bunk cabins, with a toilet and a separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are located in the stern.

What’s included

As with all Steady sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased on board. Single occupancy is available with a 50% surcharge. All cabins are provided with bedding and towels. There is a suggested age limit on Steady’s trips; if you are over 75 years old and interested in sailing with Steady, please contact our office.

Enjoy healthy, varied and above all delicious meals on board, carefully prepared by Mariëlle. Whether you prefer vegetarian meals or have other dietary requirements, we make sure every meal can be enjoyed with fresh and local ingredients.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer vegan meals, but we are happy to accommodate other dietary wishes. All meals on board are included in the price, along with drinks such as tea, coffee, milk and orange juice. A glass of wine is served with dinner.

For safety reasons, alcohol is not served before or during sailing. Additional drinks are not included and will be settled at the end of the voyage.

Guest berths: 8   Rig: Staysail Ketch

Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too. She has a modern rig and a simple winch system, so she is a great boat to learn the ropes.

Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape, you may be lucky enough to encounter rare wildlife up close and have time to soak up the unique history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.

Steady is true to her name, with a sturdy steel hull, and was initially built as a charter vessel, offering a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests’ comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins, with a shared shower and a separate toilet. The galley and saloon sit at the heart of the boat, featuring a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.

On deck, there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and additional seating—perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too, to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle, who love sharing their passion for Scotland, the environment and nature with their guests.

Deck plan

• All meals are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets and duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Walking guides
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and from the boat
• Lifejacket
• Musto sailing waterproof suits whilst on board (standard sizing)

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining and leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing insurance (please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has appropriate personal accident travel insurance while on board, in addition to standard travel insurance that covers the period between booking and departure. These policies can sometimes be combined, so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance Guidelines page.

Steady has limited space for personal belongings, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases; please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend travelling light with plenty of lightweight, quick-drying layers. Below is a list of suggested items. These are not mandatory, and those with sailing experience may have their own preferences.

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling gloves work best)
• Walking boots or shoes for onshore use, plus light shoes or trainers with good grip
• Wash towel – microfibre is lightweight and quick-drying
• Swimsuit and swim towel
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops)

It can be several degrees colder out at sea, so please bring plenty of layers even if the forecast suggests a warm week.

• Warm, windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers (some offshore MUSTO waterproof sailing jackets and trousers are available for guest use on board; these must remain on the boat and availability is limited, so please let us know if required)
• Waterproof boots or clean Wellington boots
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco-friendly products where possible)
• Smidge insect repellent
• Sunglasses and a warm hat or cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera and/or binoculars
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco-friendly products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices (12V USB sockets are available on board)
• A good book to read
• We recommend sleep masks and/or earplugs

Important information: ETA required for travel to Scotland from 5 March 2025

From 5 March 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required for travellers to the United Kingdom, including Scotland.

What you need to know

• An ETA is a digital travel authorisation required for your journey. Without an ETA you cannot enter the UK.
• The application costs £19 and is usually processed within 3 working days.
• Your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

How to apply for an ETA

You can easily apply for your ETA via the official UK government website:
www.gov.uk/get-an-eta

Please make sure to arrange this in time so you can fully enjoy your sailing trip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Guarantee scheme

This offer is covered by the STO Garant guarantee scheme. The terms and conditions can be found on the STO Garant website:
www.sto-garant.nl/downloads