Which canals are part of the Scottish Canals network and where can I find a map?

Updated

Scottish Canals lists five canals on its site: the Caledonian Canal, Crinan Canal, Forth & Clyde Canal, Union Canal, and Monkland Canal. Each has its own page under the Boating and Visit sections, and a Canal Network map is provided to help you see how they connect and plan a route. The network spans Scotland from the Highlands (Caledonian, Crinan) to the central belt (Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland), so the right choice depends on whether you want a long cross-country passage, a short scenic transit, or a canalside day out.

The canals in the Scottish Canals network

Canal General area Typical reason to choose it
Caledonian Canal Scottish Highlands Long-distance cruising through the Great Glen, linked to loch scenery
Crinan Canal Argyll, west coast Short, scenic crossing often used to avoid a longer sea route
Forth & Clyde Canal Central Scotland Coast-to-coast route across the central belt, close to Glasgow and Falkirk
Union Canal Central Scotland Narrow, lowland canal running between Falkirk and Edinburgh
Monkland Canal North Lanarkshire area Listed as part of the network; check its page for current access and use

Each canal has a dedicated page reachable from the main navigation, where you can check its route, facilities, and any rules that apply before you arrive.

Where to find the network map

The site's Canal Network page hosts the map that shows how the canals sit relative to each other and to the rest of the waterway system. Use it to:

  • Confirm whether two canals connect directly or require a passage between them.
  • Estimate where a route starts and ends before booking a licence or mooring.
  • Cross-reference with the Stoppages programme (listed as winter 2026/2027) to check for planned closures on your intended route.

The map is a planning aid, not a live status board, so pair it with the stoppages page and any notices on the individual canal page.

Matching a canal to what you want to do

The Things to do section groups activities that apply across the network, including:

  • Boat tours
  • Running, walking, and hiking
  • Cycling
  • Canoe and kayak trails, including the Great Glen Canoe Trail
  • Fishing and magnet fishing
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Water play activities
  • Canal holidays, including boating holidays, hotels on water, and motorhome stopovers

Because these are network-wide categories, the practical step is to pick a canal first, then check its page and the Events section for what is actually happening there. Events, event spaces such as The Treehouse, and landmark lighting are listed separately, so a canal with no event listed may still be worth visiting for walking or cycling.

If you plan to boat rather than just visit

Boating content sits under its own navigation area and covers:

  • Buying a visitor licence and short-term licence terms and conditions
  • Moorings, including locations, prices, FAQs, and waiting list information
  • Rules and compliance, boat launching, and what to do before coming onto the canal
  • Boater facilities and services, the Boating Customer Charter, and how to report an issue

Licence and mooring details are specific to each situation, so read the terms and conditions and the mooring pages rather than assuming a single network-wide arrangement. If you only want a day on the water without owning a boat, the boat tours and canoe/kayak trails are the simpler entry points.

A practical way to choose

  1. Decide the region you want: Highlands (Caledonian, Crinan) or central belt (Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland).
  2. Open that canal's page and read its route and facilities.
  3. Check the Canal Network map to see how it links to other canals if you want a longer trip.
  4. Check the stoppages programme and the canal page for any current restrictions.
  5. If boating, move to the licence and mooring pages; if visiting, move to Things to do and Events.