Caledonian Canal and Glenfinnan
The Lord of the Glens set sail through the Fort Augustus locks. Some of us used this opportunity to explore this pretty village some more and then re-joined the ship for our sail towards the west. This took us across Loch Oich, the highest point of the Caledonian Canal at 106ft above sea level. We were rewarded with views of the Bridge of Oich (19th century) and Invergarry Castle (17th century). Heading from Loch Oich to Loch Lochy took us through Laggan Avenue a very narrow gorgeous stretch of the canal, with the trees reaching right down to the water.
After lunch, a short motor coach ride brought us to Glenfinnan, just in time for the steam train’s return from Mallaig. This passenger train known as the Jacobite is nowadays famous as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts-Express, as it was used in the films, so was the viaduct it crosses at Glenfinnan. We also explored the visitor centre with its exhibition area and the monument by the shore of Glen Shiel.
At 16:54 hours the sprinter train took us across that same viaduct and along Loch Eil back to Banavie to rejoin the ship. Here we had the opportunity for a walk with David to Corpach, which we’ll be sailing through tomorrow. This was followed by re-cap with the expedition team.
After another scrumptious dinner we were entertained by Kirsty and Alasdair from Oban presenting us with a wide variety of Scottish music and instruments, accompanied by excellent singing.
