glens, which results in the wind being either with you or against you. It stretches 50 nautical miles from Fort William to Inverness, following the natural fault line of the Great Glen through the Highlands. About a third (19nm) comprises of man made canals that link a chain of fresh water lochs. Designed by Thomas Telford, the canal was Britain’s first state-funded transport project and took 19 years to build, opening in 1822. This route passes dramatic scenery: the Great Lochs of Lochy and Oich, the infamous Loch Ness and the historic castle of Urquhart Castle. It offers the opportunity to drop anchor in some tranquil spots and you will pass through Chanonry Narrows at the entrance to the Moray Firth, which is reputedly the best place in the UK to see dolphins. If you do take this route, don’t just take the shortest route to or from the canal at the Fort William end. One couple cruised around Canna, Skye, Rum and Staffa before heading south. I would strongly recommend this, otherwise you will miss out on some stunning cruising
