This morning, after travelling through the double lock at Corpach, we ascend Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie. These eight locks raise the water level by 64 feet and we have time to have breakfast and also enjoy the views from the balcony of the ship.
With the occasional spit of rain and sunny spells we enjoy Lord of theGlen’s journey along the winding course of the Caledonian Canal. This takes us to the last of the hand-operated bridges, Moy Bridge, and then onto Gairlochy Locks. Once on Loch Lochy, Konia gives us an informative (if I may say so myself) talk on Highland life and clothing, including the patterns—the TARTAN.
During lunch we feel like gliding through the woods at Laggan Avenue where the trees come right down to the canal’s banks, whilst on Loch Oich we get a glimpse of the ruin of Invergarry Castle.
After lunch, as we sail through the lands of the Picts, Steve presents us with the facts about these people—a lot of mystery still surrounds their way of life—fascinating!
At Kytra, the second lock down our way to the North Sea, some of us stay on to sail to Fort Augustus whilst many of us use the Lindblad bikes or walk to Fort Augustus, enjoying the wildflowers along the way.
In Fort Augustus we have the options of shopping, visiting the Canal Museum, watching vessels going through the five locks and/or kayaking.
After an interesting recap touching on a variety of subjects and dinner many of us head to one of the local pubs to meet some of the locals in this pretty village.
