The Caledonian Canal
Today we changed our focus from the islands to the highlands of Scotland. Casting off from Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles,” we headed into scenic Loch Linnhe, towards the town of Fort William and beyond, to the Sea Lock at Corpach, the western entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Along the way, Konia helped introduce us to Highland culture with her presentation, “History of Highland Life and Clothing.”
Lord of the Glens cannot enter the canal at low tide, so we timed our departure from Oban to get us to the Corpach Sea Lock before noon, as the tide was ebbing. Watching from all around the ship, it was a bit startling to see how little room for error there was in the fit of our vessel to the lock chambers. Captain McKie expertly maneuvered us into and out of the locks with great expertise.
Many of us choose to disembark and walk the last stretch of the day, up the famous Neptune’s Staircase. This series of eight locks raised the ship sixty-four feet, to our berth at Banavie. Sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis, this highest peak in Britain, we had a striking view of the surrounding country. We even had a few looks at the top of Ben Nevis, which is usually enshrouded with thick clouds.
Once at Banavie, conditions were excellent for kayaking, so we put these people-powered vessels in the canal. Others took a walk or a bike ride along the inviting tow path, taking in the scenery, wildflowers and bird life.
Today we changed our focus from the islands to the highlands of Scotland. Casting off from Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles,” we headed into scenic Loch Linnhe, towards the town of Fort William and beyond, to the Sea Lock at Corpach, the western entrance to the Caledonian Canal. Along the way, Konia helped introduce us to Highland culture with her presentation, “History of Highland Life and Clothing.”
Lord of the Glens cannot enter the canal at low tide, so we timed our departure from Oban to get us to the Corpach Sea Lock before noon, as the tide was ebbing. Watching from all around the ship, it was a bit startling to see how little room for error there was in the fit of our vessel to the lock chambers. Captain McKie expertly maneuvered us into and out of the locks with great expertise.
Many of us choose to disembark and walk the last stretch of the day, up the famous Neptune’s Staircase. This series of eight locks raised the ship sixty-four feet, to our berth at Banavie. Sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis, this highest peak in Britain, we had a striking view of the surrounding country. We even had a few looks at the top of Ben Nevis, which is usually enshrouded with thick clouds.
Once at Banavie, conditions were excellent for kayaking, so we put these people-powered vessels in the canal. Others took a walk or a bike ride along the inviting tow path, taking in the scenery, wildflowers and bird life.
