Sailing the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way

YOUR SAILING AREA

SCOTLAND, UK

Explore the lochs of the Scottish highlands as you sail and journey through the Caledonian Canal from Inverness to Oban. This fascinating part of the world is the gateway to the highlands where mist shrouded mountains tumble down to meet the water’s edge. Experience the engineering feat of Neptune’s staircase and spend some time exploring the walking trails of the Great Glen way as you journey through the Caledonian Canal.

Steady will spend seven leisurely days sailing down past the Great Glen way and through the famous Caledonian Canal with plenty of chances to explore ashore or walk the Great Glen path and meet the boat later in the day. Below is a rough itinerary of what to expect but as with all our sailing holidays, changes can be subject to the weather and tides.

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Setting the sails

This will be a week full of surprises and special destinations with the first half of the journey sailing from from Oban and spending the night on the amazing Lochs that we encounter on the way. The second half of the journey will see Steady sailing through the Caledonian canal. Here you will see the Highlands at their very best, exploring Loch Ness along the way. While we sail through the canal you can relax and enjoy the landscape as is passes by as if it was a film.

All voyages for Steady

Steady

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch

Join husband and wife team, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle Kerkmeer aboard their 1993 Dutch ketch as they take guests on sailing holidays exploring the wonders of the Hebrides in Scotland.

Steady is true to her name with a sturdy steel hull and was originally built as a charter vessel giving a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins sharing two bathrooms with a generous shower. Newly re-fitted for 2022, the galley and saloon area live at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.

On deck level there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle who love sharing their passion for Scotland and sailing with their guests.

Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing of this eye-catching vessel, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too!

Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.

Watch this short video of Steady sailing around Oban.

Steady Deck Plan 

Deck plan

Life on board

Steady has been sailed in Scotland by Dutch husband and wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle for over 10 years. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world are clear for guests to see and they are well versed in all the secret hot spots.

Getting Involved

Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.

A Typical Day

Set the sails after a hearty breakfast with the aim (depending on the weather of course!) to sail for 4-7 hours before finding a secluded anchorage away from the tourist hustle and bustle to settle down for the night. Lunch will either be served under sail or on anchor, made by Jan-Willem and Marielle in the spacious galley.

Spend a few hours exploring ashore in the afternoon before sharing a delicious freshly prepared meal aboard while sharing sea-faring tales and star-gazing on deck.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The main deck is well designed with plenty of open spaces and a cockpit for alfresco dining. The undercover deckhouse has 360degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!

Below decks gives way for a beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a really high standard. The fore leads along a small corridor where there are four well-considered twin bunk cabins with a toilet and separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are situated in the stern so have their own facilities.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Steady here.

As with all Steady’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased on board.  Single occupancy is available with a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided.  There is a suggested age limit on Steady’s trips so if you are over 75 years old and are interested in sailing with Steady, please give us a call in the office. 

SAMPLE MENU FOR Steady

All food is freshly prepared on board using locally sourced produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served. *One evening meal to be eaten ashore per voyage at guests expense to taste the local cuisine!

BREAKFAST

• Scottish Porridge
• Fresh fruit, yoghurt
• Toast and preserves
• Eggs (how you like them!)

LUNCH

• Homemade pumpkin soup with naan bread
• Fish soup served with canapé with smoked salmon
• Tuna salad with bread

DINNER

Appetisers; toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives

Mains

• Mussels from Isle of Mull, served with bread, potatoes and mixed salad
• Lamb stew served with couscous salad and green beans
• Crispy skinned salmon, served with sweet potatoes, bimi, salad and homemade mayonnaise
• BBQ with meat from Kerrera Balliemore Farm, served with baked potatoes, salad and fresh vegetables
• Pumpkin curry Jack fruit with coleslaw (V)

DESSERT

• Homemade chocolate mousse and cream
• Homemade cheesecake with lemon sorbet
• Crepe with ice cream, fruit and chocolate sauce

After dinner; coffee/tea with chocolate or bonbons

What’s included

• All meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Musto sailing waterproofs whilst on the boat

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included in the price?

  Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot Drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.

• What language is spoken on board?

  Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin bunk bed cabins.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea!

• Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?

  Yes, her maximum age limit is a guide of 75 years for most voyages. Some of her expedition adventures vary so please check each voyage or give us a call in the office. Please check if you have any under 18's.

• How many bathrooms/showers does she have?

  Steady has a separate toilet and shower.

• Is there WIFI aboard?

  No, but you should reach 3/4G from the shore.

• Are there Life Jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are there Waterproofs available?

  Yes, Steady has sailing jackets for each guest in average sizing while sailing.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24hours before you board.

Travel Planning

From: Oban

To: Inverness

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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Oban

BY RAIL:

You can travel by rail to/from Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street, depending on where you’re coming from in the country. You can also travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Glasgow.
Then from Glasgow Queen Street Station trains run 6 times a day to Oban. Oban Station is just a 5-10 minute walk to North Pier.

BY COACH:

You can travel by coach to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station from the rest of the UK with National Express and megabus.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours.

Direct flights go to Glasgow Airport (GLA) from London Heathrow with British Airways.

Inverness

BY RAIL:

You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from Inverness to London Euston.
Inverness station is right in the town centre with easy travel links from the ScotRail mainline. The station is about a ten minute walk from the Marina.

BY COACH:

You will need to catch a service operated by Scottish Citylink from Inverness to one of Scotlands main bus/coach hubs, where you will then need to get a coach with National Express or megabus to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Direct flights go to London Luton (LTN), London Gatwick (LGW) and Bristol (BRS) with easyJet, London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Manchester (MAN) and Birmingham (BHX) with Logan Air and British Airways from Inverness Airport (INV).

Inverness Airport is a 15 minute taxi ride from the Wharf, or catch the No.11 bus from the town bus station which takes about 50 minutes.