<strong>The</strong> great big paddle 1 Work has begun on creating <strong>Scotland</strong>’s first formal canoe trail, which will stretch along the Great Glen between Fort William and Inverness 8 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Nature</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Scotland</strong>
1 <strong>The</strong> waters <strong>of</strong> world-famous Loch Ness will be a big draw for paddlers. 2 Project <strong>of</strong>ficer for the Great Glen Canoe Trail is Donald Macpherson. 2 One <strong>of</strong> <strong>Scotland</strong>’s most popular tourist locations is set to play host to the country’s first <strong>of</strong>ficial canoe trail. <strong>The</strong> new Great Glen Canoe Trail will <strong>of</strong>fer international and national paddlers the opportunity to journey from coast to coast across the country. <strong>The</strong>y’ll be able to travel the 100 km stretch between Fort William and Inverness, passing through the historic Caledonian Canal and four lochs, including the challenging waters <strong>of</strong> world-famous Loch Ness. Project <strong>of</strong>ficer for the new trail is Donald Macpherson, who will be overseeing the development through to its opening in spring 2012. “It’s great to be playing a role in the delivery <strong>of</strong> such a fantastic project,” commented Donald. “<strong>The</strong> trail is well placed to attract a whole range <strong>of</strong> outdoor enthusiasts from both a paddling and non-paddling background, because it’s such an iconic location with spectacular scenery and wildlife. “And one <strong>of</strong> the big advantages <strong>of</strong> the Great Glen is that there are various locations where you can launch or finish, unlike other paddling locations where the only way out is to complete the distance. Not everyone will come here to paddle the full distance, which will take four or five days to complete. Some may opt for just a one or two day route instead.” Over £600,000 is being invested in the Great Glen Canoe Trail, which aims to take advantage <strong>of</strong> the increasing paddler market that’s estimated to be growing by a staggering 25% each year. Funding has come from the European Regional Development Fund, British Waterways <strong>Scotland</strong>, Highland Council, Forestry Commission <strong>Scotland</strong> and Scottish Natural Heritage. Low-level pontoons are being installed at locks and bridges to improve access on and <strong>of</strong>f the water. And there will be ‘trailblazer rests’, consisting <strong>of</strong> specially identified informal campsite areas and secure long-stay car parking areas at each end <strong>of</strong> the glen. Full details on safety, travel arrangements, accommodation and the facilities along the waymarked route will be available on the forthcoming Great Glen Canoe Trail website, and in the proposed trail guide leaflet and guide book. <strong>The</strong>se aim to ensure that paddlers get as much satisfaction from their trip as possible. Added to that, an orientation panel outlining trail directions and safety advice will be located at the access/exit points. <strong>The</strong>se panels will complement the existing ‘Great Glen Ways’ interpretation signage, which promotes the three sustainable ways to visit the area – by boat, by boot or by bike – and features information about local culture, heritage and wildlife. Some groups who have canoeing experience <strong>of</strong> open water will prefer to plan their own expedition. But others may prefer a guided trip with a local outdoor activity provider, who can take care <strong>of</strong> all the travel arrangements, equipment, food and drink, as well as <strong>of</strong>fering local camping knowledge and safety resources. “Whether you conquer the trail independently or with a local outdoor activity provider, the Great Glen Canoe Trail will be both an adventure and an education into the joys <strong>of</strong> the great outdoors,” Donald continued. “And although the Caledonian Canal is mainly paddled in open Canadian canoes, there are growing numbers <strong>of</strong> paddlers also taking to the waterway in sea kayaks, which cut through the water and travel faster. But whatever canoe or kayak you choose, and whatever your skill level, the new Great Glen Canoe Trail is set to be an unbeatable experience.” If you’re interested in finding out more, you can contact the project <strong>of</strong>ficer on 01463 725 563 or email donald.macpherson@britishwaterways. co.uk www.snh.gov.uk 9
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