Welcome to our journey through the stunning Caledonian Canal!
In this episode, we embark on the first leg of our adventure, sailing 30 nautical miles up Loch Linnhe to Corpach. The views are breathtaking as we glide past snow-covered mountains, including the majestic Ben Nevis. It’s mid-April, and the beauty of spring in West Scotland‘s is on full display.
Our adventure on the Caledonian Canal begins with a serene morning. Polaris and her crew are prepped and ready for the lock operations to start. The canal, built in the early 19th century, stretches 50 nautical miles from Corpach on the west coast to Inverness on the east, reaching an elevation of 32 meters above sea level. This incredible waterway, partly man-made and partly natural lochs, follows a geological fault line cutting across Scotland.
Discover the logistics: 29 locks, 11 swing bridges, and super friendly Canal Staff, available 7 days a week during summer (8 am – 6 pm) and on reduced hours during the other seasons. We’ll share the specifics on boat dimensions, speed limits, and licensing costs too.
As we navigate the canal, we encounter a slight delay at the Banavie swing bridge, taking almost a full day to ascend Neptune’s Staircase – Britain’s longest staircase lock, comprising eight locks and lifting boats 20 meters.
Fort Augustus, halfway through the canal, marks the western end of Loch Ness. Here, we take a breather and explore the beautiful village. Martina and Kathrin prepare for a hike while I tackle a day of video conferencing from our boat office.
Cold water swimming proves irresistible to Martina, and fun fact: Loch Ness holds more water than all lakes in England and Wales combined. We delve into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, dating back to the 7th century AD.
Continuing through Loch Dochfour, we navigate the final man-made sections of the canal. As we approach Inverness, our skills at handling the locks become second nature. Finally, Polaris rejoins the sea, where her journey is dictated by wind, weather, and waves again.
Concluding our trip with a well-deserved pint at the Hootananny in Inverness, we reflect on this incredible adventure through Scotland’s serene Highlands. And thanks Dom, for the pub tip!