Sailing the Caledonian Canal and Fort Augustus

Another dry day – this time we sail up Neptune’s Staircase over breakfast. These eight locks raise the water level by 64 feet over a distance of 50 yards. What an amazing feat of engineering – especially considering that the canal was built in the first half of the 19th century!

We also get a great view of the Jacobite steam train – better known as the Harry Potter train - at the foot of the locks.

On the next stretch of the journey Iris entertains us with a talk on Scotland today. This takes us up to Moy bridge, the last of the original swing bridges of the canal – it’s two halves are still hand-operated.

After Loch Lochy and Laggan bridge, Laggan Avenue enchants with trees right down by the canal, shades of green reflecting all around us.

Loch Oich is surely one of the high lights of the canal – and also the highest point with 106 feet. We pass the well of the seven heads (where various murders took place in the 17th century) and the picturesque ruin of Invergarry castle (also 17th century).

At the Aberchalder swing bridge Skipper the golden retriever awaits us - his owner used to be a lock-keeper and his dog would get a wee sausage as a treat. Now they live alongside the canal and Skipper still remembers the Lord of the Glens as a food source, happily barking until he gets his snack. The crew on board are well trained by this dog!

At Kytra lock many of us disembark to either kayak on the calm waters of the Caledonian Canal or to walk along the tow path to Fort Augustus. Wild flowers fringe the path and the flowering heather glows in the hills, a marvellous time of the year.

In Fort Augustus we have various options: either we explore under our own steam, or we join Iris on a trip to the Rare Breeds Park or Konia on a historical walk.

Before dinner Rick gives an account of his days in Antarctica in the days of huskies, before Snow mobiles. Stunning scenery and good story telling might entice some of us to those snowy lands.

After a lovely day a wet and windy night sets in – just right for our Whisky tasting after dinner!

slàinte mhath (good health in gaelic)