Cruising the Caledonian Canal
The award winning specialist cruise company The Majestic Line has announced a new route for the 2010 sailing season taking in one of the world’s most stunning waterways – The Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.
Two six night cruises will depart from Oban in October and cruise through what is widely regarded as being one of the world’s most outstanding waterways. Guests will gently sail the length of Loch Linnhe passing the UK’s tallest mountain Ben Nevis and have a unique vantage point to see its incredible dark North West side which include sheer 2000ft cliffs.
Ahead is the entrance to the Caledonian Canal – regarded as being one of the world’s foremost examples of canal engineering and certainly incomparable to anything else in the UK. Neptune’s Staircase is a fabulous example of foresight of Thomas Telford who designed the canal in the early 18th century – guests aboard the boat will rise over 70 feet through eight locks in under 500 yards. They will have the opportunity to visit the many delightful villages along the canal and the shores of Loch Ness.
Shore excursions could include the imposing Abbey at Fort Augustus at the head of Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre. Also on the itinerary will be a trip to world famous Urquhart Castle at the half way point along Loch Ness. This is regarded as being the best place for Nessie spotting!
Every night, the boats will anchor in secluded bays where drinks will be served on the outside stern sundeck, prior to being served a sumptuous dinner overlooked by breath taking scenery. Previous guests have commented that there’s nothing quite like the gentle sound of water lapping against the hull to build up a healthy appetite!
The Majestic Line Loch Ness cruise provides a unique vantage point to witness some of the abundance of wildlife in this unspoiled part of Scotland – whilst on the sea lochs dolphins, porpoises, seals, otters and huge variety of bird life are all common sights. Once on the fresh water lochs, a different range of wildlife can be seen – red deer, pine martins, red squirrels and an impressive range of birds of prey including ospreys and golden eagles.
The Majestic Line comprises two vessels – the Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan, both traditionally built wooden boats converted by business partners Dr Ken Grant and architect Andy Thoms who saved the boats from the maritime knacker’s yard. Both vessels have been redesigned and now offer luxury accommodation for up to 11 people in 6 cabins (there is always at least one berth reserved for single occupancy at no extra cost), both boats provide guests a unique cruise in incomparable surroundings. The boats have been especially designed to encourage informality and relaxation.
Andy Thom said of the Loch Ness cruise “This is a new venture for The Majestic Line and is one that I can’t wait for guests to experience. What makes this cruise so special is a combination of the beautiful sea lochs around Ben Nevis, the magnificence of the Caledonian Canal and awesome grandeur of Loch Ness. Combined with award winning hospitality, I fully expect that this will be the experience of a lifetime”.
For more information, visit themajesticline.co.uk.