New Great Glen Canoe Trail a Scottish first
Scotland's first formal canoe trail has been launched.
The 60 mile (96.5km) Great Glen Canoe Trail follows the 200-year-old Caledonian Canal from Corpach, near Fort William, to Inverness.
The route takes in the canal and four lochs, including Loch Ness. Paddlers can also switch to white-water river sections.
An estimated 2,500 canoeists already use the canal each year, according to British Waterways Scotland.
In 2010, the project secured £270,500 of European funding.
British Waterways Scotland contributed £150,000, Highland Council £100,000, Scottish Natural Heritage £71,300 and Forestry Commission Scotland a further £10,000.
The Scottish Canoe Association has also assisted in establishing the trail.