United Kingdom

Hike Ben Nevis & Canoe Through Scotland

6

Conquer the majestic peak of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then, embark on a thrilling 5-day canoe trip through Scotland's stunning countryside, including the famous Loch Ness.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hike up Ben Nevis

We will plan to meet at 8.30 in Fort William and begin with a briefing to discuss weather conditions, equipment etc. for our hike up Ben Nevis. We will then start our day at the Glen Nevis, making our way up towards the 'halfway lochan'. After a quick stop, we will continue up the zigzagging mountain path towards the summit. After some celebratory photos, we make our way back down the mountain path for a well-earned refreshment and meal at our accommodation for the evening.

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The journey begins on the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal, which is a perfect place to learn basic skills before heading out onto the Lochs. Your wild camp spot this evening will be on the picturesque shores of Loch Lochy.

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After a hearty breakfast, you'll get back into your canoe and paddle towards South Laggan, which provides a perfect opportunity to grab some refreshments at the Eagle Barge. After lunch, you'll make your way onto Loch Oich - the watershed of The Great Glen.

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After sunrise, the tranquil paddle along Loch Oich offers you opportunities to explore secluded shores and wooded bays. At the end of the Loch, you'll join the Caledonian Canal towards Fort Augustus, where you can enjoy some food and drink overlooking Loch Ness.

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You'll continue your journey down the famous Loch Ness. With the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands on either side of you and Urquhart Castle guarding the bays. Today you will experience some truly spectacular moments.

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The final day will see you leave Loch Ness for a more relaxing paddle on the canal and on to Inverness. At this point, you will have paddled across Scotland!

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What's Included

Included
  • Accommodation in Fort William for night 1.
  • Highly experienced & qualified guide.
  • On-course transport.
  • Canoes, paddles & buoyancy aids.
  • Waterproof storage, 60ltr barrels per person.
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinners (except for dinner on the first night.
  • Camping stoves, tea, coffee.
  • Inflatable camping mats.
  • Tents (2 or 3 person).
  • Photos from your adventure.
Not Included
  • Lunch and dinner on day 1 (you should bring a packed lunch and we will eat out for dinner).
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Personal spending money for drinks and snacks.
  • Appropriate clothing (see packing list in FAQs).
  • Return transport to Fort William.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

Rated 5.0

6 verified reviews

Sarah
Sarah

(Aug 2023)

Amazing trip with a wonderful group of people led by our fabulous guide Emy

Colm
Colm

(Aug 2023)

Brilliant guides. Lovely food. Amazing scenery.

N
N

(Jun 2023)

This was a brilliant trip. I loved every minute of it! Rory - our guide - was fab, and the other people on the trip were so lovely. And the scenery! Just spectacular. Couldn't recommend it more :)

Paul
Paul

(May 2023)

Awesome experience. We were blessed with superb weather but having done this trip before I know it wouldn't have made any difference. Our guide Rory was excellent throughout, knowledgeable, helpful, easy to talk to and just let us get on with it whilst keeping an eye on us. Plenty of good food and even wine in the evening. Would recommend.

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David
David

(Aug 2022)

An amazing trip with an exceptional guide, who's knowledge and experience was invaluable throughout. Amazing views as mentioned. A perfect adventure trip.

FAQs

Before you go

You will need to have good fitness for Ben Nevis, expect a long day on the hill, around 7-9 hours. With around 1,350 m of ascent.

You will need to have good fitness for Ben Nevis, it is a long day of trekking (7-9 hours) with around 1350 m of ascent. In terms of paddling experience, you don't need any experience to enjoy this adventure - the guides are great at making it enjoyable for all abilities. You'll need a moderate level of fitness, as you'll paddle around 15-20km (about 6 hours on the water) per day. There are some portages that will require a bit of team effort to get the boats around the canal locks. We have trollies to help with these sections. You can expect plenty of rest stops along the way. 

- Waterproofs, top and bottoms - Walking trousers (synthetic materials; jeans or similar are not suitable) - Hiking boots or walking shoes for Ben Nevis - Spare shoes to get wet plus dry shoes for camp - Spare insulating layer - Spare set of clothes for canoeing

Please see the inclusions section above for a full list of what's included and excluded.

Absolutely - try and give the guide as much notice as possible of any dietary requirements. You can do this when completing your trip form after booking (on your Skyhook dashboard). 

On your trip

There will be a maximum of 8 clients, with 2 people sharing a canoe. There is no minimum group size (all trips are guaranteed to run).

The total distance is 100km. Each day you will paddle for up to 6 hours at a moderate pace, with plenty of breaks along the way.

Day 1: Bring your own lunch. Dinner will be at a restaurant in the evening in Fort William (at your own cost). Day 2- 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included Day 6: Breakfast and lunch are included

Inverness airport is only a 10min drive from the pick up on the first morning. We then drive people to Fort William to start the trip, planning to finish in Inverness on the last day If people are driving then vehicles can be left at secure parking in Rose Street, Inverness and be picked up on the last day

Other FAQs

If you book solo we will provide a tent to have your own sleeping space. If you book as part of a group/pair then we would provide either 2 or 3 man tents to share

Yes absolutely! It's a great way to meet like-minded people.  Around 40% of booking are solo travellers.

There are several designated "Wild Camping" locations along the way where the guides will stop for the evenings.

The minimum for this adventure is 18 years. Children from the age of 14 years upwards may join if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Anyone under the age of 18 must share a canoe with their parent or guardian.

Sometimes the weather can deem an activity unfeasible for a set period of time. If this is the case, then your guide will offer an appropriate alternative. Examples of itinerary change could be (but are not limited to) the following; - Doing the itinerary in reverse. The trip is much more enjoyable when you are not battling against the wind.  - Canoeing a different section of water. - Hike the Great Glen trails. 

There will be times that you'll pass by shops throughout the trip How much money you take, depends on your spending habits.  You will also need money for the dinner on evening one.

Your head guide is Stephen

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Scottish Rock & Water, based in Newtonmore.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Stephen