Today we began our two-day journey up the Caledonian Canal to Inverness. Our morning started with a climb up Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks that took us into a stretch of the canal between the sea and Loch Lochy. Ben Nevis towered above, the highest mountain in the UK. Cloud and mist shrouded the summit, making the peak look like a mighty massif.
As we journeyed north-east, Robin presented a talk called “Natural Scotland”, which explored the flora, fauna, and environment of the country, including Scotland’s cultural connections to the natural world (and a bit on the wild haggis!). Just as she finished her presentation, the boat went through Moy Bridge, the last hand-cranked lock on the canal. Eric then gave a photography talk called “Photography in a Positive Light.” He shared ideas on how to better see light and create your vision, including an overview of the technical aspects of photography.
After lunch, we ascended Laggan Locks to pass through Laggan Avenue, a beautifully tree-lined, narrow section that is the highest stretch of the canal at 106 feet above sea level. At the end of Laggan Avenue is the Laggan Swing Bridge, which we sailed through to enter Loch Oich. It was a breezy sail across Loch Oich, but with beautiful views of the hills and mountains on either side.
Mid-afternoon, a group of walkers disembarked to walk the canal tow-path from Kytra Locks to Fort Augustus at the south end of Loch Ness, waving to our fellow passengers who watched from the decks as the Lord of the Glens sailed past us up the canal. Fort Augustus was our destination and berth for the night. The small town began as a fort in 1729, part of the effort to subdue the Jacobites. It is named after William Augustus, second son of King George II, who led the government troops at the Battle of Culloden.
We had a variety of options for the afternoon in Fort Augustus. One group set off with David and Robin on a history and nature walk along sheep fields and forested lanes. The route leads through an old cemetery where John Anderson lies buried (he was the friend of Scottish bard Robbie Burns). David gave a reading of Burns’ poem “John Anderson, My Jo” (1789) next to the grave. Then we clambered over a stone wall and walked on through a forest of old oaks, ash, hazel, and sycamore.
A brave few went kayaking in the afternoon too! It was windy so they stayed in the canal instead of venturing out into Loch Ness, but all went well.
We enjoyed the whisky wisdom of our bartender Andy before dinner. Andy gave an informed talk on the creation of whisky and the different types of the iconic Scottish drink, a nice ending to another excellent day in the Highlands.
