Essential Guide to Canoeing the Great Glen Way

Though travelled for many years, 2012 was the official opening of the Great Glen Way as a paddling route. A variety of crafts from canoes and paddleboards to chartered yachts, commercial barges and working vessels share these waterways.

Canoeing across Scotland is truly magnificent, though this journey is also a challenge. It is a physical trip where paddling and portaging for 5 days takes a toll on the body. The weather brings its own element of challenge. Paddlers shouldn’t forget the infamous Scottish midge which makes an appearance during the Summer months. However, being prepared in terms of kit, knowledge of your journey, and travelling with an experienced guide combine to make a trip of a lifetime.

Below are some top tips to consider when paddling the classic canoe route the Great Glen Way with Wilderness Scotland.

As Emerson suggests, when canoeing the Great Glen Way at your own pace, giving you plenty of time to explore and immerse yourself in the wilds of Scotland.

Paddling across Scotland while camping under the stars for five days allows you to experience the beauty of Scotland by water. Canoeing between the Great Glens of the Highlands, you’re surrounded by rugged mountains, thick pine forests and bodies of water. Everywhere, the history that makes Scotland what it is today surrounds you.

The trip has designated wild campsites for each night. Some days include more paddling than others and the weather can affect the time it takes to reach these campsites. In some cases, there’s a possibility of changing campsites, though in such cases, you’ll be informed by your guide.

During your epic journey, you’ll pass historic feats of engineering that created the Caledonian Canal. Paddle past ruined castles where Jacobite rebels took refuge. Gaze upon a memorial to a brutal Clan battle and look out for the famous Loch Ness Monster. Instead of speeding along, this is a journey meant for full immersion in the culture and history around you.

Canoeing can be challenging especially if you’ve never paddled on a multi-day expedition before. It can be frustrating if it is only your boat zig-zagging along the canal whilst others maintain a straight line. But not to worry – your Wilderness guides are there to support you and help you increase your paddling skills.

The first day is a relaxed start to the trip when you are getting to grips with paddling the canoe, learning the strokes and becoming comfortable on the water.

It is your trip. You’re on holiday so take your time, immerse yourself in nature, search the skies for birds of prey overhead. You’ll get to where you are going all in good time – remember, it’s not a race, but rather a journey. And what an amazing journey it is!

For many people, the thought of going to the toilet outside is not high on the “to do” list. But when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.

The Great Glen Way has lock gate facilities and access to composting toilets en route so there are places to use with privacy. It’s important to note that these facilities are only available at certain locations along the route. This means there will be times when finding an appropriately hidden spot is the only option. Your guide will inform you of where these are so you can prepare yourself for the day ahead.

A provisions bag is carried on the trip for when the outdoor loo experience has to happen. Along the way, your guide will remind you of outdoor toilet etiquette. Using the bathroom outdoors is something that will happen on this trip so hopefully, it won’t be too much of a shock.

There are places to take a shower along the route. There is also always the option of taking a swim in the freshwater lochs of Scotland. Remember to pack a towel and your bathing suit.

Sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag can be perfectly luxurious if you get them set up properly. Making sure your sleeping mat is fully inflated will give you a warmer and more comfortable nights’ sleep. An inflatable pillow packs easily into a barrel – an ideal luxury item to bring on the trip. The next best thing is your spare layers tucked into a dry bag or the hood of the sleeping bag.

Spending your night under the stars after paddling during the day adds that ‘something special’ aspect to your trip. The Scottish Highlands are well known as great stargazing destinations. In fact, we have some of the largest expanses of Dark Sky in Europe. Due to lower levels of light pollution along the Great Glen, experience dark skies and witness shimmering stars, distant planets, shooting stars and perhaps a glimpse of the Milky Way.

Canoeing the Great Glen Way is an adventure trip of a lifetime. Traversing the country by water, travel along the historic Great Glen trail. Paddle across open lochs, through sweeping glens and immerse yourself in the Scottish Highlands. Revel in the nature, beauty and history of the area whilst keeping some of those “must-have” comforts close at hand.