Thursday 13th August 2020 – Banavie (Neptune’s Staircase) to Fort Augustus – 23nm

This morning’s walk took us a short distance along the tow path to where there are entrances to a network of under canal passages. We met up with a bird watcher who gave us lots of information on what to look out for.

In the opposite direction at the foot of Neptune’s Staircase was a bend in the railway track used by the Harry Potter train tour, the engine slowed right down at this point, whistled, puffed out lots of steam. There were plenty of waving opportunities to smiling passengers.

Back at the jetty we met up with Tim’s mate, Dennis Powley a Poacher, who was on his friend’s boat with the intention of sailing over the sea to Skye. They had a long wait ahead as the electronics operating the lock system had failed, good job for us that we went through Neptune’s Staircase yesterday. Great to meet up with Dennis again and put our Royal Anglian coffee mugs to good use.

It was noon before we continued our journey through the Caledonian Canal. We had a short wait at Moy for the swing bridge to open then once through the bridge the following bridge and loch were already manned and opened, taking us into the stunning Loch Lochie. With wind on the nose we motored on, all loch keepers extremely helpful and no waiting as very little boat traffic in our direction.

On the approach to Laggan Bridge there was a beautiful bed of water lilies in full bloom. Once through the other side we were in Loch Oich. There was a small scattering of wooden structured holiday homes partially hidden by the pines, what a great spot to stay. A few canoeist and paddle boarders were out enjoying themselves – more waving.

We were the last through the loch at Fort Augustus and only 5 other boats were moored the other side, so no problems finding a space for the night, in fact we had a pontoon to ourselves. Another perfect day, very peaceful and spoilt for choice of which direction to look for beautiful scenery.