-
Scotland's Caledonian Canal
European Waterways' Scottish Highlander rides high in the Scottish Highlands, traversing the Caledonian Canal. This is just one of the destinations around Europe where the company operates vintage barges converted to elegant hotel and charter vessels.
-
Historic Waterway
Completed in 1822, the Caledonian Canal was built as a safe inland route for commercial shipping between the east and west coasts of Scotland. It never was a commercial success, but it sure makes for a beautiful and relaxed vacation cruise.
-
East to West
The canal, only about 60 miles long, follows the Great Glen, a natural rift valley cutting through the most scenic part of the Highlands from Inverness in the northeast to the Atlantic in the southwest. Only a small portion of the canal is manmade, but it connects the valley's deep natural lakes like Loch Ness and Loch Oich.
-
Storm Brewing
Cruising along Loch Ness, some 1,000 feet deep and nestled between rugged mountains, is a mystical and almost haunting experience.
-
Nessie Sighting
Is there really a Nessie? You'll be sure to be on the lookout for him/her as you cruise Loch Ness. And if you have enough of these from the Scottish Highlander's open bar, you may think you've actually spotted the mysterious monster.
-
Another Kind of Lock
From the North Sea to the Atlantic, you'll pass through 29 locks and 4 aqueducts and under 10 bridges, not to mention meandering by quaint towns and rugged, desolate-looking mountains and moors.
-
Scotland's National Instrument
During your cruise, European Waterways will whisk you around in a comfortable van to tour a few castles and learn a lot about Scottish history and its fight for independence from England, which still goes on to this day. You'll even be serenaded by the haunting wails of the bagpipe.
-
Medieval Ruins
Urquhart Castle, overlooking mystical Loch Ness, dates from medieval times and played an important role in the evolution of Scottish history, clan warfare, and the struggle for independence from England. It is now one of the most visited sites in Scotland.
-
Remembering a Bloody Battle
At the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, you'll learn about the famous battle between Bonny Prince Charlie and English loyalist troops that, some claim, did much to alter the course of Western history. Here a guide in period dress (circa 1745) shows some of the armaments used in the battle.
-
Whisky-a-Go-Go
If Scottish history gets too heavy for you, you might prefer visiting a Scotch whisky distillery or two. There are plenty of them sprinkled around the Highlands.
-
A Toast!
Of course, the best part of a distillery tour is the tasting, and when your vessel travels with only six fellow explorers, you won't be fighting any crowds for a sampling of the good stuff.
-
A Pretty Face
Of course, along the way you're sure to make some new friends. "Bossy" here, one of Scotland's handsome Highland cattle, was looking for a handout of carrots.
-
That Scottish Smile
You'll also enjoy some local lore, Scottish humor, and traditional tunes.
-
Good Eating
Aboard the Scottish Highlander, you'll be well cared for in its cozy main salon and cabins. And you'll enjoy lots of local cuisine with a gourmet twist. Here Sasha, our chef, describes what goes into Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish fish soup made with finnan haddie (smoked haddock).
-
More Scotch Sampling
At cocktail hour (or whenever the mood hits you during the day), there are plenty of great single-malt Scotches to sample aboard the Scottish Highlander, as well as other "top shelf" offerings at the open bar. I made it my mission to sample and compare each of the 20-some Scotches on offer over the course of the trip.
-
And Delicious Dining
Dinners on board were a more formal affair--four courses, but the suggested attire is still casual.
-
Fresh As Can Be
What I really enjoyed about dining aboard the Scottish Highlander was that the meals really did focus on farm- or sea-to-table, with inventive twists on local cuisine and fare that included venison and yes, even haggis--which is a lot better than most folks think or make it out to be.
-
The Fourth Course
Typically British was ending the meal with cheese and fruit. Again, the cheeses were all local and delicious. Whether presenting the evening's wines and cheese or tidying up cabins, Sophie was always a delight.
-
Perfect End to a
Perfect Trip
A rare rainbow frames Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, overlooking Fort Williams on the Atlantic side of the Caledonian Canal.