Frequently Asked Questions...

Questions.

Answers.

What time do we join the barge?

Guests join the barge at 2.00pm at the start of the cruise and leave at 11.00am on the final day.

How many guests do you take?

We run with a maximum of 12 people.

Can I book on as a single person?

Yes.  Single cabin occupancy rate is from £765 for 2010 Season.

Am I too old for this sort of holiday?

Whether you are 8 or 80 we are sure you will have a good time with us. People of all ages come on our holidays with the average age being around 55.

Is the holiday suitable for families?

Yes. This is an ideal holiday for families with children of 7 years and over. There is a 20%discount for children (12 years and under) based on two sharing a twin cabin.

What is included in the price?

Our prices include all meals, tea and coffee (which is freely available for guests to help themselves) and all standard activity equipment and instruction.

Are there any (optional) extras to pay for?

Yes, these include any drinks from the ‘bar’.

Optional extra activities such as pony trekking or golf which can be arranged with outside providers.

Transport before and after the holiday.

Is it possible to get to you by public transport?

Yes, there are good connections to Fort William and Inverness by rail and coach from Glasgow. There is an overnight sleeper service from London Euston to both Fort William and Inverness. The cruise start points of Muirtown (Inverness) or Banavie (Fort William) are a short taxi ride from the town centres.

Where are the nearest airports?

Inverness is the closest but the airports at Glasgow and Edinburgh can also be used.

Is car parking available?

Yes, at both start points. At Muirtown (Inverness) there is a locked compound, at Banavie (Fort William) open car parking is available next to our pontoon

How do we get back to where we joined the barge?

We can arrange a minibus to take guests from where they finished the cruise back to where they joined the barge, (where their car may be parked) or to the bus or railway station at the town near to their cruise starting point. The cost for this is £17.50/head

What are the cabins like?

6 en-suite cabins with a large (3’6”) lower berth and a standard (2’6”) berth above. The berths are 6’3” long All have under floor heating, heated towel rail, good stowage and a large opening window.  Bed linen and towels are provided.  There is plenty of hot water and the showers are good and powerful

What relaxing areas are there?

In the dining/saloon area there is a large dinning table which can seat up to 18 and comfortable seating to relax in. The whole area is central heated and there are opening windows. There is plenty of space on the deck for relaxing and sun bathing.

How many toilets and showers are there?

In addition to the en-suites there is one toilet/shower and one toilet in the passageway.

I have some mobility limitations. What is access onto the barge like?

Fingal of Caledonia has 7 steep steps down from the deck into the boat at both ends. These have good handrails and we are very used to helping people up and down but the boat is in no way wheelchair accessible. Occasionally when we are at anchor, access to and from the shore is by our smaller RIB support boat. Access to this boat is by a short ladder up to Fingal’s deck. Down below in Fingal there is a single step at each end of the cabin passage and single steps again up into the en-suite and into the shower.

Guests must be able to climb a small ladder with perhaps one person giving them minor assistance. This is for safety regulations so that persons can evacuate the barge in the event of a fire or other emergency situation.

Is smoking allowed onboard?

No.  In the interest of safety and the comfort of other guests, smoking is only permitted on deck.

What is the food like?

Fingal has a well-earned reputation for generous amounts of good food. Three meals a day are prepared by a cook and an assistant, where possible using local fresh produce. There is always a vegetarian option available.  (The skipper is a vegi!).

Is there a bar onboard?

We stock a choice of red and white wines, beers, lagers, and spirits.  We also sell soft drinks and bottled water.  All at reasonable costs there is no need to bring your own.

Is 240v electricity available?

Yes, a generator runs during the daytime. Power points are available to guests in the ensuite cabins and also in the saloon and passageway.

Do I need to bring a hair dryer?

No, there is a hair dryer in the drying room for the guests use.

What activity equipment do you carry on board?

Mountain Bikes, open canoes, a 4 person sailboat, single-handed sailing boats and wind surfers, as well as wetsuits, buoyancy aids, waterproofs, helmets etc

Are there washing/drying facilities?

There is a laundry/drying room on board.   Please advise the crew should you wish to use the washing machine.

Do I have to do all the activities?

No, you can come and be highly active or you can have a more relaxed time and do very little, it’s up to you.

What sort of places do you stop at night?

There are a wide variety of places we visit, from tying up at a canal-side village to anchoring out in a loch in more remote locations. 

Do you allow pets?

No, sorry, even the best behaved pet can be a safety concern on a boat and other guests  may be allergic to animals. You may see pictures of a Dog on our website, this is Martin’s dog who is often on board and guests do enjoy walking him and taking his picture.  He is not allowed down below in the guest areas and is kept in the wheelhouse with Martin or the appropriately named ‘Dog House ( an area of the barge).

What crew are there?

We have a skipper and a mate who between them do the activity instruction, a cook and an assistant, and a bosun who helps look after the barge and drives the safety boat which we also use for getting ashore when we lie at anchor.

Gratuities?

Tipping is not expected but it is often done and is very much appreciated by the crew. The amount given would be entirely up to the Guest.

What about Highland Midges?

The Midge Season can be from late May to September, but they are usually most prevalent July/August.  We find that Midges don’t like wind, rain and hot weather.  Avon Skin-so-Soft (Dry Oil Body Spray) is particularly effective against the Midges – as used by the cast and crew of Brave Heart & Harry Potter!

Can I charter the whole boat?

Yes, this is a wonderful and affordable way to have a group or family holiday (for up to 12 persons) at an affordable price – from as little as £610 per person full board for a week long cruise.  Any week in our cruising schedule can be chartered with an itinerary of your choice.  Early booking is required to confirm your chosen week.