Loch Oich: Laggan Locks to Aberchalder

Put in at the canoe pontoon above Laggan Locks and follow the Caledonian Canal north-east through Laggan Avenue, a deep cutting lined with tall trees, to the swing bridge where the canal opens into Loch Oich. The line then follows the boats' channel up the middle of the loch, past the ruins of Invergarry Castle on its rock on the west shore, to Aberchalder at the far end, where the canal resumes. Take out by the A82 swing bridge at Bridge of Oich, beside the old suspension bridge over the River Oich.

It is 9.3 km one way, about 7 km of it on the loch; allow about 2 hours in a canoe or kayak and 2¾ on a paddleboard. There are no locks to carry round. The grade is Moderate because of the open water: Loch Oich is the smallest and most sheltered of the Great Glen lochs, but a south-westerly can raise short, steep waves along its length, with little shelter mid-loch. If the wind gets up, keep close to one shore.

No licence is needed in Scotland; Scottish Canals ask paddlers to register their trip in advance, free. Motor cruisers use the same channel. There is a pay car park at Bridge of Oich. Wear a buoyancy aid and check the conditions before you set off.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap waterways (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.