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Our base in Laggan

Laggan Locks, Spean Bridge, PH34 4EB
Caledonian Canal

About Laggan

Laggan is our only base in the Caledonian Canal. Fort William and Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest mountain) is only 3.5 hours south of the base, while Inverness is only 9hrs to the north. So the whole region is easy to explore in a week. The famous Loch Ness is just a 3hr cruise from Laggan.

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Emerald Star base
Point of interest

View our Laggan base on Google Maps

What you get on the base

Facilities

  • Toilets and shower
  • Fridge
  • Luggage storage available (at own risk)

Fishing

A fishing licence is required for Loch Ness and half of Loch Oich.

Local info

Hotels

The Moorings – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 772 797

Letterfinlay – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 712 622

Glengarry Castle – Tel: +44 (0) 1809 501 254

Inverlochy Castle – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 702 177

Invergarry – Tel: +44 (0) 1809 501 206

Craigdarroch – Tel: +44 (0) 1456 486 400

Loch Ness House Hotel – Tel: +44 (0) 1456 450 991

Loch Lochy Youth – Tel: +44 (0) 1809 501 239

Lock Inn – Tel: +44 (0) 1320 366 302

Glen Loy Lodge – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 712 700

Old Pines – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 712 324

Restaurants

The Bothy Bite – Tel: +44 (0) 1320 366 701

An Crann – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 772 077

Fiddlers Restaurant – Tel: +44 (0) 1456 450 678

Scots Kitchen – Tel: +44 (0) 1320 366 361

The Eagle Inn – Tel: +44 (0) 7789 858 567

Shops

As there are no grocery stores within walking distance of the base, we recommend picking up provisions on your way. If travelling via the A82, Fort William is the most convenient stop, while those coming via the A9 and A86 can shop in Spean Bridge. From the north, options include Inverness, Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus.

Grocery Deliveries

If you prefer to place a grocery order online, we recommend ordering and paying with Asda, Tesco or Morrisons, all of which deliver to the base. Simply use postcode PH34 4EB and select the Crown Blue Line address. You can arrange for your order to be delivered to the base between 9.00am – 11.00am on the morning of your departure.

Tourist Info

Fort William – Tel: +44 (0) 1397 703 781

Inverness – Tel: +44 (0) 1463 234 353

Medical Facilities

Veterinary

Chris Evans

Victoria Road

Fort William

Tel: +44 (0) 1397 702 727

Electric car charging points

At The Lovat, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DU – Charge Point No 53422 (16 km)

Travel to Laggan

View our Laggan base on Google Maps

By Train

For train timetables and prices, visit www.buytickets.scotrail.co.uk. For the best rates, you should pre-book your tickets in advance.

Closest train stations:

  • Spean Bridge: 24 km from our base
  • Fort William: 40 km from our base

Please note: Dalwhinnie and Newtonmore are not the closest stations – these are 82km and 57km from our base respectively.

For supermarket shopping, we recommend getting off at Fort William, where Morrisons is right beside the station, with a taxi rank at the front and a bus stop behind. The Laggan Locks bus stop is the closest to our base and about a 5–7 minute walk from reception.

You can get the sleeper train from Euston London to either Fort William or Inverness. If you look 2 to 3 months in advance it is possible to get discounted berths which start at £19 each.

By Road

Our What3Words location is screening.endings.lotteries, which will bring you directly to the base.

Be prepared and allow extra time

It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you’ll need, please visit www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas

As the roads through the Highlands can make progress slow, it is advisable to allow extra time by leaving home earlier in the day. Please note that the estmated driving time from Inverness to our base in Laggan shows at approx 1hr 15mins on Google maps. This is not accurate. It will take you approximately 3hrs to drive from Inverness to our base. Please allow plenty of extra time from whichever durection you are coming. 

Using your sat-nav

We would advise to print and follow the directions below to reach our base by car. However, if you choose to use your sat-nav, don’t enter ‘Laggan’ into your sat-nav or your will be directed to the wrong place. Instead, please enter our postcode PH34 4EB and follow the long, hilly road until you reach the signs at the bottom of a steep hill, directing you left towards Emerald Star.

Directions from the North

On the A82 travelling from the north (e.g. Inverness), approximately 3 miles(5km) south of Invergarry, 200 metres after The Well of the Seven Heads shop, take the road on the right signposted KILFINNAN and BALMAGLASTER. Travel 1.5 miles(2.5km) along this road, which is single track with passing places, and look down to your left. You will see ‘A’ framed wooden chalets, turn sharp left at the bottom of the hill just after the chalets crossing over a cattle grid. Pass in front of the chalets with the loch on your right, and follow the road into the boatyard car park.

Directions from the South

From Fort William take the A82 towards Inverness. Continue through Spean Bridge (do not turn in at the end of Loch Lochy where the sign says Laggan Locks. This will take you in to the wrong side of the canal), and after ca. 2 miles (3km) you will cross a swing bridge over the canal. Take the first left, signposted KILFINNAN, BALMAGLASTER. Travel 1.5.miles (2.5km) along this road, which is single track with passing places and look down to your left. You will see “A” framed wooden chalets, turn sharp left just after the chalets at the bottom of the hill, crossing over a cattle grid. Pass in front of the chalets with the Loch on your right, and follow the road into the boatyard car park.

Parking

Unsecured parking onsite is bookable in advance via our sales team.

Car rental 

By Air

Closest airport(s):

  • Inverness: 80 km
  • Glasgow: 204 km
  • Edinburgh: 170 km

You can fly direct to Inverness from Amsterdam, Zurich, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Gatwick, Jersey, London City, Luton and Manchester.

Buses run from Inverness Airport to Inverness Bus Station every half hour between 7:10am and 4:15pm, then hourly until 11:05pm when they stop at 5:35am.  This journey costs approximately £4 to £5 for a one-way. Timetables can be viewed through a link at Inverness Airport website: www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport  Contact number: +44 (0)1667464000

Once at Inverness Bus Station, you can catch a bus to Laggan Locks. Price ranges from £10 to £15 for a single journey.  To view timetables and book go to the City Link website: www.citylink.co.uk

Approximate cruising times

Plan your days with confidence using our approximate cruising times for the Caledonian Canal.

Scotland Guide

Caledonian Canal Region Guide

Curious about where the water could take you? This guide will spill the secrets of the region.

  • Must-stop towns and villages, plus local tips on markets, moorings and mouthwatering eats.
  • Cruise times, lock numbers and handy need-to-knows to help you plan your trip.
  • Region-specific info on moorings, locks, and facilities – so you’re always one step ahead on the water.
DOWNLOAD The Caledonian Canal region GuidE

Detailed Itineraries

Sometimes too much choice can feel overwhelming, so we’ve drawn on our 55+ years of experience and in-house expertise to create a collection of detailed itineraries exclusively for Emerald Star customers. Featuring handpicked routes, must-see attractions and local dining gems, they’re designed to guide you on your boating holiday and make planning easy.

Laggan
34 KMs 8 locks 3 nights

3-Night Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Itinerary: Laggan Return

Set off on a scenic round-trip cruise from Laggan, gliding through some of the most captivating landscapes along the Caledonian Canal. Begin with a peaceful evening in Invergarry, where a memorable dinner sets the tone for the days to come. Continue onward to Fort Augustus, a charming canal-side village nestled at the southern tip of Loch Ness and navigate the impressive flight of 5 locks at its heart. After exploring the wide, open waters of Loch Lochy, your cruise draws to a close back in Laggan.
View Itinerary: 3-Night Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Itinerary: Laggan Return
Laggan
186 KMs 10 locks 7 nights

7-Night Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Itinerary: Laggan Return

Set off on a legendary round-trip cruise from Laggan and discover the wild beauty, timeless legends, and Highland charm of the Caledonian Canal. This scenic waterway stretches from Inverness to Fort William, passing through a chain of lochs including Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. Along the way, you’ll take in dramatic mountain views, spot wildlife like red deer and golden eagles, and enjoy warm Scottish hospitality in historic towns and peaceful villages. At the southern end of your route, Fort William awaits – with easy access to Ben Nevis, scenic rail journeys, and exciting outdoor adventures.
View Itinerary: 7-Night Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Itinerary: Laggan Return
Laggan

Navigation Map

Start exploring your cruising region and planning your holiday from home with our detailed Caledonian Canal navigation map.

A printed copy will also be provided on board for your convenience.

DOWNLOAD A NAVIGATION MAP

Emerald Star’s Sustainability Plan

Our ‘Climate, Nature & Community’ plan includes our carbon reduction actions, our efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste, and our support for local nature and communities. Learn more about our sustainability efforts, including how you can play your part in preserving waterways for many generations to come.