12 Stunning Scottish rivers and canals

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 Mills, Taymouth Marina Watersports and Perthshire Wildlife Tours

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 Clova, Loch Brandy, Tulloch Hill and Inch Park

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 Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Ben Nevis Distillery, Ben Nevis, The Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

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 500, Durness, and Isle of Handa

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 Castle, Muir of Dinnet NNR, Braemar, Ballater and Linn of Dee

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 Wall, Falkirk Wheel, Helix Park and The Kelpies

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 Castle, Galloway Activity Centre, Galloway Forest Park and the Artists' Town of Kirkcudbright

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 Watersports, Speyside Cooperage, Macallan Distillery, Malt Whisky Trail and The Speyside Way

Walkers and cyclists should be aware that the nearby Spey Viaduct viaduct is currently closed.

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 House, Linlithgow Palace

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 House, Melrose Abbey, St Boswells and Scott's View

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: Cramond, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park and The Shale Trail

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 Castle, McCaig’s Tower, Kilmartin Glen, Dunadd Fort,  Corryvreckan Whirlpool,  Argyll Beaver Centre.