The Great Glen Canoe Trail

At our November meeting of Mother’s Union we welcomed Stephen Creber to talk to us about a canoe trip he and some friends known as the “Aughnacloy Mountaineering Club” had made in the spring of this year.

Stephen has been involved in camping since his days as a boy in BB in St. Jude’s and was encouraged by his family’s love of the outdoors. His love of outdoor pursuits continued throughout his teaching career and even now in retirement he is still encouraging and enabling young people to develop their skills.

A visit to a coffee shop where a copy of a book about the “Great Glen Canoe Trail” led to their adventure. The following two years were spent preparing for the trip in all sorts of weather in Strangford Lough and in Co. Fermanagh. In May 2024, the group set off from Fort William along the Caledonian Canal for a 95km trip which would take them all the way to Inverness. Stephen told us about the equipment they had to carry on the trip and even brought along one of the tents they used as well as the bags they used to keep their clothing and sleeping bags dry – very important when you are camping!

Each day they paddled along a stretch of the canal enjoying the beautiful scenery they passed. The canal traverses several lochs including Loch Ness (pictured) along the way.

Regular stops involving coffee shops and tray bakes were deemed a “vital” part of each day. They spent the nights at camping areas, set up for travellers, along the canal. At the end of the week the four canoeists were very pleased to spend the last night in a comfortable bed before heading home.

Following the success of the trip the group are planning their next adventure this time along the River Spey in May 2026. Any of our members care to join them?