£600,000 canoe trail set to make a splash and boost sport

SCOTLAND'S first canal canoe trail is being developed to capitalise on the growth of the sport. The 66-mile route will take canoeists from Fort William to Inverness via four lochs – Oich, Lochy, Dochfour and Ness – along the Caledonian Canal.

The European Regional Development Fund yesterday confirmed a grant of 270,500, through the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, towards the 600,000 cost of the project.

Funds will also come from British Waterways Scotland (150,000), Highland Council (100,000), Scottish Natural Heritage (71,300) and Forestry Commission Scotland (10,000).

The Great Glen Canoe Trail will see canoeists travel along the Caledonian Canal – a 200-year-old scheduled ancient monument – and through some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside.

It is hoped the first phase of the project, which will involve the siting of new canoe pontoons between Clachnaharry and Dochgarroch, near Inverness, will be completed next month, and the full trail is due for completion by spring 2012.

Features of the project include a dedicated waymarked trail for canoeists, with paddler-friendly, low-level access pontoons at each of the Caledonian Canal's locks and bridges, along with canoe-accessible pontoon walkways.

The project will also feature a series of "Trailblazer Rests" – informal campsites with shelters, fire pits and composting toilets – and dedicated car parking for canoeists.

At present, about 2,500 canoeists visit the Caledonian Canal annually, spending 750,000.

But it is hoped the new trail, which is backed by the Scottish Canoe Association, will attract many more, with estimates that the sport will grow 25 per cent year on year.

Plans are also being prepared to develop paddle-sport facilities on the Forth and Clyde Canal.