From Banavie to Oban
Bright sunshine catapults us out of our beds. After breakfast some of us just want to enjoy the great weather and warmth on the front deck, whilst the ship is sailing down Neptune’s staircase. This is a series of 8 locks, lowering the water level over the space of 500 yards by 70 feet. An amazing feat of engineering, particularly impressive as this was also constructed, like the rest of the Caledonian Canal, in the early 19th century.
For those in search of history, Carol introduces the impressive 13th century castle of Inverlochy. We could just about hear and feel the battles raging within its walls.
Just before finally leaving the Caledonian Canal, with everyone back on board, we watch the historic Jacobite Steam train passing us, on its way to Mallaig. Out on the Atlantic, with Ben Nevis still as clear as yesterday (!) we sail down Loch Linnhe, entertained by Carol’s talk on early Scottish History.
During lunch we sail into the pretty bay of Oban, which we explore as soon as the ship is docked. After a tour and tasting at the distillery, the many shops beckon, finished off by Konia guiding a walking tour up to McCaig’s folly, a never finished monument to John Stewart McCaig and his family dating back to around 1900.
Dinner is enjoyed with the ever changing light of Scotland’s west coast working its magic. Another fantastic day!
Bright sunshine catapults us out of our beds. After breakfast some of us just want to enjoy the great weather and warmth on the front deck, whilst the ship is sailing down Neptune’s staircase. This is a series of 8 locks, lowering the water level over the space of 500 yards by 70 feet. An amazing feat of engineering, particularly impressive as this was also constructed, like the rest of the Caledonian Canal, in the early 19th century.
For those in search of history, Carol introduces the impressive 13th century castle of Inverlochy. We could just about hear and feel the battles raging within its walls.
Just before finally leaving the Caledonian Canal, with everyone back on board, we watch the historic Jacobite Steam train passing us, on its way to Mallaig. Out on the Atlantic, with Ben Nevis still as clear as yesterday (!) we sail down Loch Linnhe, entertained by Carol’s talk on early Scottish History.
During lunch we sail into the pretty bay of Oban, which we explore as soon as the ship is docked. After a tour and tasting at the distillery, the many shops beckon, finished off by Konia guiding a walking tour up to McCaig’s folly, a never finished monument to John Stewart McCaig and his family dating back to around 1900.
Dinner is enjoyed with the ever changing light of Scotland’s west coast working its magic. Another fantastic day!
