Laggan RETURN 3-Night Itinerary

Laggan > Invergarry

5pm-6:30pm

Approx. 1 hr 30 mins | 1 lock | 1 swing bridge

Make your way to your first overnight mooring at Invergarry Castle, just a short walk from the castle ruins. This gentle stretch of canal is ideal for getting into the rhythm of your cruise. Cruise down tree-lined Laggan Avenue, pass into the calm waters of Loch Oich, and continue along the waterway until your mooring appears on the left, just after you catch sight of the castle. With only one lock and one swing bridge along the way, it’s a relaxed and scenic introduction to your holiday. Moor up and settle in for your first night on board at this peaceful and picturesque spot.

• Lock: Laggan locks
• Swing bridge: Laggan Swing Bridge

The above lock and swing bridge closes at 5:30pm.

*Please note: If you’re running short on time and won’t make it all the way to Invergarry before dark, simply moor up just before or after the Laggan Swing Bridge (the first swing bridge along your route) for free overnight mooring.

Dinner at Invergarry Hotel, Invergarry

7pm-9pm

Just a 20-minute walk from the mooring, the Invergarry Castle Hotel offers a beautiful dining experience in a multi award-winning Highland country inn. Their menu features rustic Highland dishes, all thoughtfully prepared with ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Bookings are essential and best to make ahead of time: Invergarry Hotel | +44 1809 501 206

If you can’t get a spot at the Invergarry Castle Hotel, not to worry! The Glengarry Castle Hotel is another fantastic option nearby: Glengarry Castle Hotel | +44 1809 501 254 

Both restaurants offer a truly special dining experience, so be sure to book ahead of time for either.

Invergarry > Fort Augustus

9am-11am

Approx. 2 hrs | 2 locks + a flight of 5 locks | 1 swing bridge

It’s time to make your way into Fort Augustus, known for its lock staircase, charming village atmosphere, and stunning views over Loch Ness. Along the way you’ll pass through Aberchalder Swing Bridge and three locks, including the impressive Fort Augustus Lock Flight (a flight of 5 locks), a highlight of the Caledonian Canal. The Fort Augustus Lock Flight takes around 1 to 1,5 hours to navigate, so be sure to allow plenty of time if you plan to pass through before lunch.

There are plenty of moorings available after the lock flight up ahead on the left.

• Swing bridge: Aberchalder Swing Bridge
• Lock: Cullochy Lock
• Lock: Kytra Lock
• Lock: Fort Augustus Lock Flight
  

Lunch at The Lock Inn, Fort Augustus

1pm-2:30pm

Take a stroll to The Lock Inn, a cosy Highland pub perfectly positioned on the banks of the canal in Fort Augustus. Serving locally sourced food daily, the inn offers a relaxed atmosphere in the main bar, with an upstairs restaurant and outdoor seating overlooking the Fort Augustus Lock Flight. Tuck into favourites like fish and chips, smoked haddock, or a hearty meat pie, and don’t miss the sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

For bookings: +44 1320 366 302 | the-lockinn.co.uk

For another great option, try The Bothy Restaurant and Bar. Conveniently located right beside the locks, it’s open throughout the day and serves a variety of light snacks alongside an excellent selection of real ales and malt whiskies.

Or try this takeaway: DelightfulNess is a local favourite known for its generously filled baguettes. Great if you’re wanting to grab your lunch to go.

Explore Fort Augustus

2:30pm-7pm

Fort Augustus is a charming village at the heart of the Great Glen, Scotland’s stunning natural corridor stretching from coast to coast. Begin your visit at the Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre, where you’ll find engaging displays, a thoughtfully curated gift shop, and a café serving homemade Scottish dishes, Black Isle Dairy ice cream, and fresh coffee.

From there, enjoy a peaceful walk along the canal towpath to Kytra Lock. The broad, well-maintained path runs between the Caledonian Canal and the River Oich, offering lovely views along the way. It’s an easy, accessible walk with a return time of around 1,5 to 2 hours.

Back in the village, explore a handful of inviting craft shops, including The Millshop, a traditional woollen mill, and Iceberg Glass, a glass-blowing studio. Or rent a bike from Morag’s Lodge to explore the area on two wheels: +44 1320 366 289 | info@moragslodge.com 

Don’t forget to pick up a few essentials at the SPAR in the Jet Great Glen Trading Centre for tomorrow’s on-board breakfast and lunch.

Dinner at Station Road at the Lovat Hotel, Fort Augustus

7pm-9pm

Book a table at Station Road, the award-winning restaurant at The Lovat Hotel. Overlooking the canal and just a short walk from the locks, this elegant spot offers a refined, seasonal menu that celebrates the flavours of the Highlands. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced produce, cooked with passion and flair, turning fresh ingredients into beautifully presented dishes.

For bookings and a look at their special menus: Station Road Restaurant | +44 1456 459 250

Prefer something more relaxed? The pizzas at Beaufort House are a local favourite – freshly made, full of flavour, and ideal for a cosy, casual evening. Make a booking: +44 1320 366 845 | stay@beauforthouselochness.com

Fort Augustus > Well of the Seven Heads

9am-12pm

Approx. 3 hrs | 2 locks + a flight of 5 locks | 1 swing bridge

Pass through the Fort Augustus Lock Flight once again, this time with a better idea of what to expect and a chance to put your skills to the test. Enjoy the waterway from a new perspective as you cruise back down the canal toward the Well of the Seven Heads monument, where your lunchtime mooring awaits just out front.

• Lock: Fort Augustus Lock Flight
• Lock: Kytra Lock
• Lock: Cullochy Lock
• Swing Bridge: Aberchalder Swing Bridge

Visit the Well of the Seven Heads Monument

12pm-1pm

Step ashore to discover one of the Caledonian Canal’s more curious landmarks: Well of the Seven Heads. This dramatic monument, tucked beside Loch Oich, tells a tale of murder, clan justice, and Highland revenge. While the well itself may not be especially picturesque, the legend surrounding it reflects ancient Highland beliefs about honour, water, and the power of the human head. Just steps from the mooring, it’s a fascinating stop with a story you won’t soon forget.

Well of the Seven Heads > Loch Lochy

2pm-3pm

Approx. 1 hour | 1 lock | 1 swing bridge

As you make your way toward the familiar surroundings of Laggan, travel through the Laggan Swing Bridge and Laggan Locks, and if there’s time, why not go for a spin on Loch Lochy.

• Swing bridge: Laggan Swing Bridge
• Lock: Laggan Locks

Cruise Loch Lochy

3pm-5pm

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon cruise across Loch Lochy and back, one of the Caledonian Canal’s most scenic stretches. As you glide between forested hills and dramatic mountain backdrops, take in the quiet beauty of the Highlands.

Arranged for a late check-in? Consider crossing Loch Lochy and mooring at Gairlochy for the evening. The next morning, enjoy a relaxed return journey across the loch to ensure you’re back at the base in time for check-out.

Please note: If you choose to moor at Gairlochy, do not pass through the lock gates, moor before them on the right of the canal. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get back to the base before check-out.

Loch Lochy > Laggan

5pm-6pm

Approx. 1 hour

Travel back to the Le Boat base in Laggan for your final night on board. Enjoy the last stretch of open water before mooring for the evening and settling in for a well-deserved dinner.