All About the Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland

Thinking about a visit to the spectacular Scottish Highlands? If you love the idea of sweeping landscapes filled with heather, conifer forests, and large, reflective lochs, then Scotland should be on your must-visit list. Visit The Highlands on a Scottish hotel barge cruise.

Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland

Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland: A Short History

Built in 2003 for the purpose of taking passengers on pleasure cruises, the vessel originally cruised the rivers and waterways of Germany, France and Eastern Europe. Owned by a German couple, she was originally known by the name, Serenité.

Previously named Serenité

Subsequently, European Waterways purchased Serenité, changing her name to “Spirit of Scotland”. Destined to cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness along with the barge Scottish Highlander. She made her way to Rotterdam in The Netherlands and was then towed across the North Sea to Inverness, Scotland.

An extensive refit brought Spirit of Scotland up to high standards and by 2017, she was ready to embark on her first season on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland: Today

Barge Spirit of Scotland, is a spacious and contemporary Scottish retreat, perfectly suited to cruising in the variable weather of the Highlands. With ample space to accommodate 12 passengers and, with 6 crew members caring for your every need, there isn’t a better way to enjoy a vacation in the Scottish Highlands.

Step inside the plaid-carpeted saloon and settle straight into a rich blend of contemporary Scottish interiors. The warm wood interior makes you feel like you’re in a cosy country house. On the walls are paintings of the surrounding Scottish Highlands. Help yourself to a range of whiskies stocked in the open bar, take a comfortable seat, and watch the scenary go by.

The spacious staterooms feature wood paneling and furnishings that create a warm, genuine atmosphere.The tartan linen has a distinctly Scottish feel, and there’s ample storage for guests. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom, large wardrobe, a desk with drawer, and bedside tables.

For the best views, venture to one of Spirit of Scotland’s sun decks. Head to the aft deck and slip into the heated spa pool, or recline into a lounger on the vast upper deck to take in the large open skies and awe-inspiring landscapes. The covered portion of the upper deck has a dining table to enjoy an al fresco lunch while admiring the passing lochs and mountains.

Whether from the heated comfort of a spot indoors or a brisk vantage point in the fresh air, there’s nothing like experiencing the Scottish Highlands on a luxury barge cruise.

Barging on the Caledonian Canal, Loch Ness, and the Highlands

Under the direction of the eminent engineer Thomas Telford, the Caledonian Canal was constructed between 1803 and 1822. Conceived as a strategic waterway, the new canal let ships pass between the North Sea and the Atlantic. It thus avoids the long route around Scotland. While its original purpose was commercial, it now serves predominantly as a scenic route for leisure boating. The canal offers exceptional views of the rugged Scottish landscape and provides recreational activities on its tranquil waters.

Crossing the Scottish Highlands, the 60-mile Caledonian Canal spans coast to coast. It features 29 locks and 11 bridges. The full route leads from Corpach near Fort William to Clachnaharry, north of Inverness. Twisting and turning through the Highlands, it cuts through the Great Glen, which is on a geological fault line. The Caledonian Canal connects various natural lochs (or lakes), including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Dochfour, and the famous Loch Ness.

Itinerary Highlights

Visit surreal historic places that seem as though they’ve been plucked from an animated Disney tale. Guests on Spirit of Scotland explore iconic Highland fortresses and learn their histories. Visits include Eilean Donan Castle (Highlander movie location) on a tidal island and Urquhart Castle’s medieval ruins on Loch Ness.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Eric Kilby CC-SA 4.0

The scenery of Scotland has featured in so many media interpretations, including films like Harry Potter and Braveheart. See the rising highlands and marvel at Great Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis in Fort William. Scotland’s lochs are famous for monstrous secrets, such as the rippling waters of Loch Ness. There are many other stories to be discovered.

If all this isn’t enough, there’s also an unforgettable visit to Cawdor Castle, known as the setting for the murderous play, Macbeth. Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps to see historic treasures such as tapestries, paintings and furniture. Enjoy its extraordinary gardens that make the list of top 100 in the UK.

Spirit of Scotland Has Special Cruises Tailored For:

Families

Are you are looking to charter a private family cruise aboard Spirit of Scotland? There are plenty of alternative excursion choices to keep younger generations entertained. Take up to twelve family members on a Caledonian Canal barge cruise and stop off at locations like the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, Great Glen Waterpark, and Treasures of the Earth Centre, which displays gemstones and fossils. Water sports, like sea kayaking and white-water rafting are also available. Plus, there’s more traditional family activities like bowling and ice skating, too. To find out more about family excursions, see Spirit of Scotlands’s Family cruise itinerary.

Gardens

If you’re a horticulturalist at heart, or you just appreciate beautifully put together landscapes, then a Spirit of Scotland Garden Cruise is a great way to navigate the Highlands. Firstly, enjoy a tour of one of the top 100 UK gardens at Cawdor Castle with the Head Gardener. If exotic plantings and woodland paths are more your area of interest, then you’ll love Abriachan Nurseries on the shores of Loch Ness. Cherry blossoms and acer trees will impress Japanese garden lovers at Attadale Gardens and for a more a natural approach, we visit the Wild Woodland Garden of Larachmhor, which is famous for its 200 varieties of rhododendrons, blooming from April throughout May. To learn more about a Garden Cruise on Spirit of Scotland, read their full itinerary.

Golf

Discover the ultimate golfing adventure aboard Spirit of Scotland’s Golf cruises. Perfect for charters of up to 12 with a minimum of 4 participating golfer. You’ll experience the best scenery in the Scottish Highlands as you attempt a hole-in-one. Their cruise takes you to prestigious 18-hole courses, including Newtonmore Golf Course and the Championship Links Course at Cabot Highlands. Play at the renowned Tom Morris designed Championship Course at Royal Dornoch and spot the sheep on their maintenance round as you enjoy a 9-hole round at Fort Augustus Golf Course. Don’t miss an opportunity to review the whole itinerary and book your place for an unparalleled golfing experience.

Whisky

If you love the idea of venturing down into deep, atmospheric cellars lined with casks of distilled whisky, then a Whisky Trail cruise is the one for you. With a visit to one of the highest whisky distilleries in the UK, Dalwhinnie distillery will teach guests about the whisky-making process and give you the opportunity to try some samples for yourself. With stops at Glen Ord Distillery, Speyside Distillery, Benromach Distillery and Dalwhinnie Distillery, guests on the Whisky Trail cruise are sure to become connoisseurs of this fine, Scottish spirit. With flavors that are rich and fruity, or refreshing and clean on the palate, this whisky tour will give you a taste for Scottish whisky. For more information, see for Spirit of Scotland’s Whisky Trail cruise.

Ready for a Barge Cruise to the Scottish Highlands?

Feeling inspired and interested in a barge cruise to the Highlands of Scotland? Contact Paradise Connections – we are happy to assist with your barging vacation.

Learn More About Scotland

• Towns & Villages along the Caledonian Canal
• Places to Visit along the Caledonian Canal
• Scottish Whisky Trail Barge Cruise
• View more links about Scotland

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SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND – All About the Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland

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