Canal Directions
Navigational advice for craft transiting between Inverness Marina and the Caledonian Canal and vice versa.
From Inverness Marina to Canal Entrance
Vessels should depart Marina and follow the middle of the river channel until abeam of the red Outer Beacon, (Q.R.4M), and only then commence turn to port to pass North Cardinal buoy. *See note below.
Subsequently proceed up the middle of the Firth until the flagpole at Charleston Community Hall (on the North Shore), is abeam to starboard. (Thus keeping clear of adrying shoal on south bank).
From this point turn to port and head in a WSW’ly direction towards the Caledonian canal sea-lock. The canal sea-lock can be contacted on Ch 74 VHF .
From Canal entrance to Inverness Marina
Vessels should leave Caledonian canal sea-lock entrance and initially head northwards to mid channel. (Thus keeping clear of adrying shoal on south bank).
Subsequently head along mid Firth in an easterly direction, steering for the centre span of Kessock Bridge, until past the North Cardinal buoy and the line of the River Ness is open and clear on the starboard quarter, and only then commence starboard turn to proceed up the river channel to the Marina.
The entrance to the Marina is just within the rivermouth, on the port side. Please contact Inverness Marina office should you require any further information. Tel: +44 (0)1463 220501 OR VHF Ch 12.
