Caledonian Canal

Lord of the Glens backed out of Laggan Lock, where she was berthed for the night, and into the ten-mile long, scenic Loch Lochy. Spending the night in the lock chamber was not a problem, as lockmasters go home at night and traffic through the Caledonian Canal comes to a civilized stop.

Those looking for a bit of exercise left the ship at the upper Gairlochy Lock and walked or bicycled the seven miles along the towpath to meet the ship at Banavie for lunch. This well-positioned spot sits at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak at 4,406 feet. It overlooks the historic town of Fort William, Loch Linnhe where we will meet the sea tomorrow, and the West Highland Line, the tracks on which the steam train made famous by the Harry Potter series operates. Throughout the morning, Ben Nevis was uncharacteristically in full sight, not in its usual state of having its head in the clouds.

Glacially carved Glencoe is world-famous for its spectacular scenery. Craggy peaks and ridges, gushing waterfalls and streams, and mysterious side canyons all combine to make this valley memorable. Add the story of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells and the area takes on a sense of mystery and intrigue. Two golden eagles were seen by everyone!

Glen Nevis is another scenic gem. Hikers chose to explore here, ending up at the ruins of an ancient fortification, Dùn Deardail. Although this site has never been excavated, it likely dates back to the Iron Age.