THOUSANDS of extra tourists are expected to visit the Scottish Highlands following the launch of the country's first formal canoe trail.

The £600,000 Great Glen Canoe Trail, which runs between Fort William and Inverness, will attract water sports enthusiasts in a move designed to boost the economy.

The 60-mile route runs along the 200-year-old Caledonian Canal and takes in Telford's man-made canal and four lochs. It offers different challenges to suit all abilities, including white-water river sections.

The partners behind the project – British Waterways Scotland, Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission Scotland – are confident it will be able to compete with the UK's top canoeing destinations.

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: "Scotland's distinctiveness and warm welcome draws tourists from across the globe. Each year thousands of visitors are attracted by the quality of our unique landscapes and the wealth of world-class visitor experiences on offer.

"The Great Glen Canoe Trail builds on Scotland's growing reputation as a first-class location for adventure tourism and will help attract even more visitors to this stunning part of Scotland."

Russell Thomson, of British Waterways Scotland, added: "This fantastic new sustainable route through the Great Glen will bring many benefits to the Highlands both in supporting the regional tourism economy and socially.

"The Great Glen Canoe Trail will help further position the Highlands as a world-class, year-round choice for outdoor recreation and a must-visit destination."

Around 4000 canoeists visited the Caledonian Canal in 2010, and the trail – launched yesterday – is expected to capitalise on that, bringing significant economic benefits to the communities it passes through.

It is estimated that each paddler spends an average of £100 a day during trips – significantly more than walkers and cyclists.

Last year, they spent a total of £750,000 in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.

Riddell Graham, VisitScotland director of partnerships, said: "This is excellent news for the local economy and for positioning the Highlands and indeed Scotland as a major hotspot for canoeing.

"Our research has highlighted the importance of the adventure tourism market to Scotland with a value in excess of £825m.

"As Scotland's first formal canoe trail, this will add to Scotland's already burgeoning outdoor tourism experiences and further enhance Scotland's reputation as the adventure capital of Europe, whilst also perfectly encapsulating the forth- coming Year of Natural Scotland."

The launch of the trail will be marked by a canoeing festival, Paddlefest, which is being hosted by the Scottish Canoe Association today and tomorrow.

The event at Fort Augustus will include a full programme of workshops by leading UK coaches and free taster sessions.