12 stunning rivers and canals in Scotland

Water is the lifeblood of our land. Trickling from tributaries at the top of mountains and pouring out to sea, rivers in Scotland journey through all of our most fascinating places. Or shake up your holiday plans this year and opt for an unforgettable canal boat holiday. The romance of canal cruising is timeless, and Scotland offers some of the best canal holidays in the world.

  1. River Tay Perthshire

    Perth and the River Tay

    The Tay is Scotland's longest river and starts out life as a tiny spring on Ben Lui. It flows through adventurous towns such as Dunkeld, Kenmore, Aberfeldy and Perth, before reaching the North Sea.

    Nearby things to do: Stanley MillsTaymouth Marina Watersports and Perthshire Wildlife Tours

  2. River South Esk Angus

    River South Esk, Angus

    © river_esks

    A gushing glacial torrent that starts out at the cold slopes of Broad Cairn, South Esk and leaves Scotland through the Montrose Basin. With wildlife, wildflowers and wildcats to spot along its course, it's easy to see why it's part of a carefully protected Special Area of Conservation.

    Nearby things to do: Glen ClovaLoch BrandyTulloch Hill and Inch Park

  3. Caledonian Canal Inverness

    The Caledonian Canal

    © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

    Constructed in the early 19th century to cut a new waterway right through the Highlands of Scotland, the Caledonian Canal runs from the Scottish east coast at Inverness to the west coast at Corpach near Fort William. Only one third of the entire length of the canal is man-made, while the rest is formed by various lochs, including Loch Lochy and Loch Ness. At the very heart of the canal is Neptune’s Staircase, a set of eight locks.

    Nearby things to do: Urquhart CastleCulloden BattlefieldClava CairnsBen Nevis DistilleryBen NevisThe Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

  4. River Laxford North Highlands

    Laxford Bridge in the North West Highlands

    © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

    Drive across the Laxford Bridge and you'll find yourself enjoying 360° views of the River Laxford. The shortest river on our list at only 4-miles long, it runs between two lochs before meeting the Atlantic, in the wild north west corner of the Highlands.

    Nearby things to do: North Coast 500Durness, and Isle of Handa

  5. River Dee Aberdeenshire

    The River Dee, Aberdeenshire

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    This river bubbles through Royal Deeside, Queen Victoria's favourite holiday spot, before making its way to the estuary at Aberdeen Harbour.

    Nearby things to do: Balmoral CastleMuir of Dinnet NNRBraemarBallater and Linn of Dee

  6. Forth & Clyde Canal Glasgow

    Stockingfield Bridge over the Forth & Clyde Canal, Glasgow

    Explore the tranquil Forth & Clyde Canal, navigating through Scotland’s industrial heartland and vibrant green corridors. It follows a similar line to the Roman Antonine Wall, sections of which are still visible today. This historic route passes near the world-famous Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world, and takes in the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift that is the only construction of its kind in the world. 

    Nearby things to do: The Antonine WallFalkirk WheelHelix Park and The Kelpies

  7. River Dee Dumfries & Galloway

    Threave Castle on the River Dee, Dumfries & Galloway

    © Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere / Allan Wright

    Moving swiftly downhill from the Galloway Hills through the wide bays of Loch Ken, the Dee swirls past beautiful scenic spots and peaceful villages in Dumfries & Galloway, along its journey to the Solway Firth.

    Nearby things to do: Threave CastleGalloway Activity CentreGalloway Forest Park and the Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright

  8. River Spey Highlands

    Speyside Cooperage

    © North East 250 / Damian Shields

    We have the sparkling waters of the River Spey to thank for flavouring some of Scotland's finest single malt whiskies in a region with around 50 working distilleries. Rising in the Monadhliath Mountains, it twists and turns until it reaches the Moray Firth. 

    Nearby things to do: Loch Insh WatersportsSpeyside CooperageMacallan Distillery, the Malt Whisky Trail and The Speyside Way

  9. Union Canal Edinburgh

    The Union Canal, Edinburgh

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    One of only two Lowland canals in Scotland, the Union Canal links Edinburgh with the Forth & Clyde Canal at Falkirk thereby providing a through route between Edinburgh and Glasgow. As you follow this magnificent waterway from Edinburgh, expect to relax, admire tranquil scenery, and take in super feats of Victorian engineering.

    Nearby things to do: Callendar HouseLinlithgow Palace

  10. River Tweed Scottish Borders

    Leaderfoot Viaduct across the River Tweed

    © VisitScotland / David N Anderson

    The famous Tweed cloth derives from the name of this river, which glides through the Scottish Borders from the Lowther Hills and into the North Sea, with pretty towns sitting on the riverbanks such as Peebles, Galashiels, Selkirk and Kelso.

    Nearby things to do: Abbotsford HouseMelrose AbbeySt Boswells and Scott's View

  11. River Almond West Lothian

    Almond River

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    This river played an important role in the area's shale industry. A walk along the river tells tales of Scotland's first oil boom and the 'shale people' that worked in the area. With an impressive ox-bow lake at Almondvale, it travels through the Lothians and drains at Cramond into the Firth of Forth.

    Nearby things to do: CramondAlmondell and Calderwood Country Park and The Shale Trail

  12. Crinan Canal Crinan

    The harbour at Crinan, Argyll

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    The Crinan Canal has long been described as ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’, and it’s easy to see why. It meanders through truly magnificent scenery of hills and mountains, offers miles of forest walks and cycleways along its banks, and passes many world-class heritage sites including Kilmartin Glen. 

    Nearby things to do: Inveraray CastleMcCaig’s TowerKilmartin GlenDunadd Fort,  Corryvreckan Whirlpool,  Argyll Beaver Centre.

#RespectTheWater

Our coasts and waters offer fun activities for all the family, but it's important to stay safe. Whatever you're planning to do, follow the advice from Water Safety Scotland.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution also provides helpful advice and safety tips across a range of pursuits, to ensure you have the best day out.

Fire Safety Outdoors

As the weather gets drier, the risk of wildfire in Scotland increases. Fire can ignite easily, spread fast and burn with high intensity. We're all asked not to light a fire outdoors during prolonged dry periods, and to always fully extinguish cigarettes.

Find out more on preventing wildfires in Scotland

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