Why this stop matters
BLUE500 view
Eastern sea entrance to the Caledonian Canal and the Leg B-to-C transition. It is a tide-controlled operational point rather than a destination berth; Inverness Marina outside and Seaport Marina inside provide the practical waiting and layover options.
Scottish Canals states the sea lock generally needs about 1.4m of tide and is available around Spring HW ±4 hours during operating hours. Current guidance warns of strong Kessock currents, and a live notice states there are no holding/transit berths immediately outside Clachnaharry because of damaged fendering. The 2026 Caledonian transit licence includes seven nights; 2-week and 30-day licences also exist, but visitor licences only allow mooring ancillary to cruising, so an interrupted journey still needs a formal mooring solution.
At a glance
What a cruiser needs to know
Field verification still required
Confirm whether the no-holding-berths notice is still live; exact tidal/booking window; first practical overnight inside the canal; and Scottish Canals' preferred solution for a BLUE500 interruption of 1-8 weeks. Confirm current launch/recovery options at Caley Marina/Seaport.
Primary source
Check current official information
BLUE500 organises the route, but operational and navigation-critical information must remain current.
Official website ↗