Caledonian canal with kids

[ctva]

We've done the Cally Canal several times with the kids from a young age. Rest assured that at every possible stop there is plenty of scope for the kids to play and explore. Our particular favourites are;

Neptunes Stair Case which has a nice 2mile walk along the old coastal path through Caol to Fort William
Lagan Locks with some forest and beach combing walks as it is the west end of Loch Lochy. There is also the pub canal boat.
Loch Oich, lots to do from the outdoor centre (Great Glen Watersports) to having afternoon tea in the Glen Garry Hotel which has a lovely pontoon in a forrest to explore and if you ask at reception you can borrow tennis gear for their private court.
Cullochy is just remote and fantastic to let the kids run about with a lovely old lock keeper.
Fort Augustus lots to see and do.
Don't bother stopping at the Castle Urquhart pontoon unless you are a member of whichever org owns it as you will be chased!!
Dochgarroch has lots of ducks to feed.
Tom na hurich bridge is an unknown good stop as it is very close to a superb swimming pool with slides, waves and an outdoor bit too! Also visit the Whin Park with great climbing stuff (big kids too) and a ride on model railway.
Seaport Marina being in the middle of Inverness has lots to do.

Being based in the west we he added straight through to Inverness as quick as possible usually 2 days, and then meandered back so removing any time pressures. Your young kids will find handling the lines very easy and the lock keepers are all friendly

If you do it once, you'll want to go back again. Btw, never had to use midge repellant.

Enjoy

 

[FishyInverness]

Tom na hurich bridge is an unknown good stop as it is very close to a superb swimming pool with slides, waves and an outdoor bit too! Also visit the Whin Park with great climbing stuff (big kids too) and a ride on model railway.

Damn good point CTVA, I'd totally forgotten how full of amenities the Tomnahurich is. I would also add the Skatepark, Ice Rink and The Ness Islands to that little list, all within short walking distance from Tom bridge there's also a campsite integral to the Leisure Centre, secure and enclosed. And a really nice new little Beefeater restaurant 5 minutes walk from the swing bridge.
(You could also have fun trying not to mow me down as I overcorrect my paddle strokes and swing around wildly in front of you on the way down the canal...)