Water Sports

Fort William sits on the banks of Loch Linnhe, a sea loch which is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) long, and an average of 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) wide.  With access to many other lochs, the Caledonian Canal, lots of rivers, and not too far from the west coast beaches, there are lots of water sports to enjoy.

Activities

• Coasteering Fun are a mobile business that meet you at the venue (usually along the south shore of Loch Ailort) and provide all the equipment and instruction for your half day adventure. (Coasteering is a combination of sea swimming, rock climbing and cliff jumping).
• Vertical Descents offer a number of different water based activities, from canyoning and gorge walking to fun in white water.
• Active Highs in Fort Augustus, is a short drive from Fort William (24 miles), they offer a multitude of water based activities, gorge walking, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting and more.

Boat Trips

• Cruise Loch Linnhe run trips on Loch Linnhe, visiting Corpach and the entrance to the Caledonian Canal, and down the loch to Black Rock.  
• Loch Shiel Highland Cruises run wildlife, historical, bird watching cruises on Loch Shiel at Glenfinnan, where you can also visit the Glenfinnan monument. 
• Arising Marina (1 hour drive way) offer a ferry to the Small Isles of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna.  They also run boat trips and charters.

Standup Paddleboarding (SUP)

• Paddleboard Fort William run guided paddleboard trips in Fort William and Glenfinnan.
• Rugged Coast Glencoe are based at The Isles of Glencoe Hotel and offer paddleboarding and efoiling.

Sea Kayaking

• Rockhopper Sea Kayaking are based in Fort William and run single and multi day tours around the area, they also do sea kayak hire.  

Canoeing 

• Logan and Dean Adventures offer canoe and paddle boarding sessions and hire, in and around Fort William for all levels.

Slipway Access

If you have your own small boat or RIB and want to launch on Loch Linnhe.  Thomas Telford Corpach Marina have public slipway access, and Lochaber Yacht Club offer non-members access to their slipway for a small fee by contacting secretary@lochaber-yacht-club.co.uk. Both have onsite parking and the Marina has a cafe too.

Caledonian Canal

A short distance from Fort William is the southern end of the Caledonian Canal. This ancient water thoroughfare is a hive of activity for all forms of water-borne transport and also follows the route of the Great Glen Way, a sixty mile walk from Fort William to Inverness, through the Great Glen. Much of this walk follows the tow-path or shores of the Lochs; Lochy; Oich and Ness. A very popular location for visitors and locals, with plenty to see on foot, bike or canoe. The Canal links the Atlantic with the North Sea.

Great Glen canoe trail

Scotland’s first formal canoe trail opened in March 2012. Following a rise in the number of paddlers using the Glen, the canoe trail provides guidance and support when planning your adventure, with facilities en route, like toilets and interpretation. For more information please see the Great Glen Canoe Trail website.  Active Highs offer canoe and kayak hire, along with a pick up and drop off shuttle service for an end to end Great Glen hire service.

While staying at Calluna you have access to storage for water sports kit and drying rooms. Check out our availability.