Loch Ness & Caledonian Canal

Setting Sail from Inverness

Your voyage begins in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, situated on the River Ness near the Moray Firth. The city has a compact centre, historic buildings and attractive riverside walks, making it an enjoyable place to explore before joining the ship.

If you arrive a day early, take a walk along the River Ness and across the bridges connecting the city centre with the Ness Islands. St Andrew’s Cathedral, with its distinctive red sandstone architecture, and the historic Old High Church are both worth visiting. Inverness also has a good selection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants.

For those wanting to explore further, the surrounding Highlands offer plenty of possibilities. The battlefield at Culloden and the prehistoric burial cairns at Clava are within easy reach, while the Moray Firth is known for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins.

The Caledonian Canal begins on the outskirts of Inverness, providing the gateway to the Great Glen. When you join Eye of the Wind, the crew will welcome you aboard, introduce you to the ship and explain the plans for the voyage. There will be time to settle in and meet your fellow guests before beginning the journey west.

Along the Way

Leaving Inverness, Eye of the Wind follows the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen, a natural geological fault running across the Scottish Highlands. The waterway stretches for approximately 97 kilometres, linking a series of freshwater lochs with man-made canal sections, locks and bridges. Travelling at a leisurely pace, there is plenty of time to appreciate the surrounding mountains, wooded hillsides and small waterside communities.

One of the most memorable stretches is Loch Ness, a long, deep freshwater loch surrounded by steep hills and forests. From the water, there may be views towards the ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking the western shore. Continuing south-west, the route passes through Loch Oich and Loch Lochy, with changing views of the Highland landscape. Along the way, the ship navigates a series of historic locks, including Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie, where eight consecutive chambers raise or lower vessels by approximately 20 metres.

Passing through the canal is as much about the journey as the destination. Guests can watch the crew manoeuvre Eye of the Wind through narrow channels and locks, learning how a traditional sailing vessel is handled in confined waters. Once clear of the canal, there will be opportunities to help hoist sails, handle ropes and take a turn at the helm under the guidance of the professional crew. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no previous sailing experience is necessary.

At Corpach, the canal opens into the tidal waters of Loch Linnhe, with views towards Ben Nevis and the mountains surrounding Fort William. The landscape gradually changes as the ship heads towards Scotland’s west coast, passing wooded shores, rocky headlands and small coastal settlements. Seals, porpoises and seabirds may be encountered along the way, while the sheltered waters of the sea lochs provide an interesting contrast to the freshwater canal.

Depending on the weather and time available, Eye of the Wind may continue through the Sound of Mull for a visit to Tobermory, known for its colourful waterfront and sheltered harbour. Alternatively, the ship may explore the coastline around Loch Linnhe before making her way towards Oban. The captain will choose the route to suit conditions, making the most of the sailing opportunities and scenery.

Arriving in Oban

Your voyage finishes in Oban, a lively harbour town on Scotland’s west coast and an important gateway to the Inner Hebrides. Fishing boats, ferries and visiting yachts share the busy waterfront, while the surrounding hills offer extensive views across the bay towards the islands.

If you have an extra day before travelling home, Oban is well worth exploring. A walk up to McCaig’s Tower, the town’s distinctive circular landmark, rewards visitors with panoramic views across the harbour and towards Kerrera and Mull. Dunollie Castle, just north of the town centre, offers an interesting glimpse into the area’s history and the Clan MacDougall.

Oban is also known for its seafood, with restaurants and small eateries serving locally landed fish and shellfish. The harbour is a good place to watch the activity of the working port, while boat trips offer opportunities to explore the surrounding coastline and look for seals and seabirds.

For those wishing to extend their visit, ferries connect Oban with several Hebridean islands, including Mull and Lismore. There are also coastal walks and excursions into the surrounding Highlands.

After a week travelling through the Great Glen and along Scotland’s west coast, you’ll have experienced an unusual combination of inland navigation, traditional sailing and Highland scenery. From the locks of the Caledonian Canal to the open waters approaching Oban, this voyage offers a distinctive way to explore Scotland.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Late June and early July are excellent times to explore the Scottish Highlands, with long daylight hours and generally mild summer temperatures. Daytime temperatures around Inverness and Oban typically range from 14–19°C, although conditions can feel cooler on the water.

Much of the voyage takes place on the sheltered freshwater lochs and canal sections of the Great Glen, where conditions are generally calm. Once the ship reaches Loch Linnhe and the west coast, there may be fresh breezes and some swell, although the surrounding islands and mountains provide considerable shelter.

Scottish weather can change during the day, with sunshine, cloud and occasional showers all possible. The long summer evenings provide plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, while warm layers, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear will keep you comfortable on deck and ashore.

This is one of the more sheltered voyages in Eye of the Wind’s programme and an excellent choice for first-time sailing guests. The professional crew will guide you throughout, whether you’re helping with the sailing or simply enjoying the journey.

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. For more on this, see our article ‘What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?’

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on the Eye of the Wind

Working Language on Board is German and English

Practical Advice for Eye of the Wind   

Practical Advice for Covid 19 and Eye of the Wind

What is Included

• Sailing Instruction
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Duvet, pillow and sheets
• Hand towels

What is not Included

• Waterproof jackets and trousers
• Alcoholic drinks but there is a bar on board
• Any entry visas required

What to Bring

Suitcases take up a lot of room in a cabin, so it is better to uses soft bags in a ship. A small rucksack for going ashore is useful.

• Eye of the Wind does not supply waterproof jackets and salopette type trousers. Please bring your own waterproof clothing.
• A mix of warm and wind proof clothing.
• Lots of thin layers is better than one thick layer in cold destinations.
• In tropical countries - long sleeves and long trousers to protect you from the sun
• Footwear on board needs a good grip and soft soles- the decks are wood or steel.
• Ashore stout, waterproof walking boots are best if you are in remote places.
• Eye of the Wind has electric sockets in all the cabins 240 V 
• Cameras, spare batteries, chargers if you need them
• Binoculars are handy for bird watching etc.
• Suntan lotion, hats, sunglasses
• Dont forget any regular medication, persciption glasses and spare
• Euros for bar bill 
• Passport, travel insurance, tickets etc
•  To get ashore is usually by dinghy so be prepared to get wet feet. Rubber boots or quick drying sandals - depending on the location.
• The ship provides hand towels but please bring a beach towel
• snorkel and mask for caribbean if you like snorkelling (travel tip: swimming goggles pack up smaller than a facemask)
• Bring insect repellant for Caribbean as can get mosquitos ashore in evening (rare at anchor)
• ear plugs can be handy 

Electricity

All the power to your plug sockets comes from the ship's generator which runs on deisel. The less the generators have to run to top up power, the nicer it is for the guests on board and also greener for the planet. Please don't bring loads of hairdriers, electric devices to charge.

There is no internet on board whilst at sea. 

The Captain's style was excellent.. so skilled, authoritative but never shouty, always caring, kind, funny & interested in people. I was So impressed that the crew were majority of girls, so strong, brave, knowledgeable & keen. 20yrs ago there might have been 1 or 2 token girls in crew & now they run the ship! 

Boys also wonderful of course & chef Dennis was excellent. Im old enough to be Granny to most, but no ageism, sexism or patronising attitudes so thankyou for that. 

The stops on the Danish islands were good use of time. So clean, green, pretty, & v.friendly. Unfavourable wind meant we couldn't sail as much as hoped but last day we got 12 of 15 sails up. Helming a tall ship in full sail is such a privilege. Wow.!

What a beautiful experience. Memories are priceless. 

Naomi - Baltic Sea Spring 2026

Hello all at Classic

The trip went very well and was a great experience.

Everything was very well done, great captain, crew and guests.

Sea shanty singing lead by Matthew from the King's Pond Shantymen!

Best wishes, Bob. Eye of the Wind, Cadiz to the Canary Islands November 2024

A fabulous adventure! Words cannot convey the experience.

John, Tortola to Bermuda

Tortola to the Azores! What a great time. Thanks to Captain Pit and the crew. An awesome adventure with awesome people!"

F Coutreau

What a wonderful, lovely, great, awesome trip we've had from Malaga to Lanzarote! I loved and enjoyed every minute.

Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I miss you guys!

Andrea

Now that was a voyage! The EYE crew - all 10 - five women and five men - embody two words:

COMPETENT and KIND

And such a beautiful ship. Thank you beyond measure

Susan

With red sails against a blue sky, Eye of the Wind is a photogenic ship. If you have any new images we would love to see them since Eye of the Wind has only recently returned to our website. 

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