Caledonian Canal Explorer

Arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh and embark Lord of the Highlands

At Armadale, on the Isle of Skye, we discover the epic history of Clan Donald at the Museum of the Isles before cruising around the most westerly point of the British mainland, Ardnamurchan, to the Isle of Mull and its capital, Tobermory. Built as a fishing port in the late 18th century, Tobermory is a picture-postcard town where brightly painted houses line the waterfront.

After a morning sail to Craignure, we visit the sacred Isle of Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings and where St. Columba introduced Christianity to Scotland. Here we can discover the tranquility of the restored Benedictine Abbey and take in the special atmosphere of this tiny island.

This morning, we sail to Oban, to tour the Oban Distillery, one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland with just two pot stills. Our tour offers the chance to witness the traditional craftsmanship of whisky production first-hand, before enjoying a complimentary dram. We spend a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe, passing mysterious lochs and islands until we reach the Caledonian Canal at Corpach.

At the Glenfinnan Monument Visitor Centre, we discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the moving tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause, framed by dramatic Highland scenery. From sea level, Lord of the Highlands ascends the spectacular eight interconnected locks of Neptune’s Staircase to Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis, and we spend a relaxing afternoon on board as we sail through Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to Fort Augustus, which takes its name from a fort built after the defeat of the 1715 Jacobite uprising.

A scenic sail of Loch Ness leads us to our final visit of Culloden, the infamous battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite forces were defeated in 1746, and observe the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns, ahead of the farewell reception and dinner at our overnight berth in Inverness.

Disembark in Inverness after breakfast, for the onward journey home.