The Caledonian Canal was designed and built by Thomas Telford between 1803-22 and opened for traffic in 1847. Linking Inverness on the east coast with Fort William on the west coast, it avoided the long and hazardous sea journey round the top of Scotland.
At the western end near Banavie, a flight of locks was needed to raise or lower the level of the canal to sea level. The continuous staircase of eight locks known as Neptunes Staircase ascends/descends a height of 64ft over the distance of 500 yards. The top lock gate functions as the lower gate for the next lock as can be seen in this gif. Boats take 90 minutes to travel through the locks.
It is the longest staircase lock in Britain and really needs to be seen from the air, as from ground level, the full height of the locks can’t be properly appreciated.
There is a quick view of the staircase from the A 830 and from the train but there is a large car park just off the main road. This leads to the towpath and stairs on either side of the canal.
The top lock opens up into the canal which snakes up the valley following the river to Loch Lochy.
There are good views across to the Nevis Mountain Range.
There is an easy walk from the car park along the canal.
At the western end near Banavie, a flight of locks was needed to raise or lower the level of the canal to sea level. The continuous staircase of eight locks known as Neptunes Staircase ascends/descends a height of 64ft over the distance of 500 yards. The top lock gate functions as the lower gate for the next lock as can be seen in this gif. Boats take 90 minutes to travel through the locks.
It is the longest staircase lock in Britain and really needs to be seen from the air, as from ground level, the full height of the locks can’t be properly appreciated.
There is a quick view of the staircase from the A 830 and from the train but there is a large car park just off the main road. This leads to the towpath and stairs on either side of the canal.
The top lock opens up into the canal which snakes up the valley following the river to Loch Lochy.
There are good views across to the Nevis Mountain Range.
There is an easy walk from the car park along the canal.
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