Today, we started our journey up the Caledonian Canal, beginning with a climb up Neptune’s Staircase, a series of eight locks that raises the canal by nineteen meters. The ship will follow the canal until our final destination in Inverness. The 60-mile-long canal route lies within the Great Glen, a fault line that began forming 430-390 million years ago.

Almost two thirds of the canal consists of freshwater lochs. Today we crossed over several of these, including Loch Oich, the canal’s high point at 106 feet above sea level. After lunch, we had a chance to stretch our legs when we disembarked and walked the last couple of miles into Fort Augustus, our berth for the night. The activities weren’t over though. Just before dinner some headed off for another walk with Emma and Robin, while others joined Anna for a photo walk around town. The day concluded with a presentation on the Scottish kilt and plaid.