The Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal

The Great Glen cuts right through Scotland from Fort William to Inverness. For centuries it's been a well used travel and trade route through the heart of Scotland. One (now old but romantic) means of travelling through the Glen is via the Caledonian Canal that links the Scottish east and west coasts. We travelled along the Glen by car but we took some interest in the canal by visiting the lock flights at Fort William (Neptune's Staircase) and Fort Augustus.

Another early morning look at Loch Leven before reaching the Glen

Neptune's Staircase is a flight of eight locks that raise boats 20 meters. Not only did we get to see some boats traverse the staircase lock, but the Lock Master enlisted Samuel as a helper to fill one of the basins and operate the gates.

What does this button do?

At Fort Augustus the Locks were also busy and we also got to see the road bridge open up to let a tall yacht through.

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