'scottish Highlander': Caledonian Canal

Visit 14th-century Cawdor Castle, forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth, and its beautiful landscaped gardens. Continue to Culloden Moor, the site of the final defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. After lunch, cruise to Fort Augustus, passing the south shore of Loch Ness with its abundant wildlife, to moor near Fort Augustus Abbey. Tonight, the local piper entertains on board. 'Scottish Highlander' Barge B L D

Cruise up the staircase of five locks through the village of Fort Augustus. After lunch, visit Urquhart Castle, a ruined stronghold strategically positioned on a rocky peninsula on the banks of Loch Ness. Dine this evening at a local restaurant. 'Scottish Highlander' Barge B L D

After a morning cruise to Cullochy Locks via Kytra, drive through Glen Moriston and highland countryside to romantic Eilean Donan Castle, the idyllic setting for the 1984 film Highlander. 'Scottish Highlander' Barge B L D

Leave Cullochy Locks for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. At Spean Bridge, visit either the bronze Commando Memorial overlooking the village or take the gondola ride to the summit of Aonach M?r in the Ben Nevis range. 'Scottish Highlander' Barge B L D

Visit the evocative battlefields of Glencoe, returning to 'Scottish Highlander' by way of the Ben Nevis Distillery for insight into the secrets of whisky making (including a tipple or two). Your final cruise to Banavie is via Neptune's Staircase, a spectacular flight of eight locks. Then gather for a farewell dinner on board the barge. 'Scottish Highlander' Barge B L D

After breakfast, transfer to The Lime Tree Hotel in Fort William where your journey ends. B

This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks, beginning at The Lime Tree Hotel in Fort William and ending at Glenmoriston Town House Hotel in Inverness.