23 March 2012 Last updated at 04:35 ET

New Great Glen Canoe Trail a Scottish first

The trail's route takes in four lochs, including Loch Ness

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.