Overview

The canal connects the North Sea at Inverness to Fort William on the western coast of Scotland. It runs for some 60 miles, and up to a height of 106 feet (32m) above sea level between Loch Oich and Loch Lochy, with 29 locks ( eight of these locks at the famous Neptunes locks near Fort William) then four aqueducts and 10 bridges. It was all constructed in the nineteenth century by the engineer Thomas Telford when engineers looked at the possibility of building a canal to complete a run across Scotland. Much of the highlands were deprived of homes and livelihood as a result of the highland clearances, so Thomas Yelford suggested a programme of works that included roads, bridges, and canals that would also help the local people with jobs, and keep the costs down when building work commenced. It gave 3000 local men the chance to have employment. Telford received advice from Captain Gwynn of the Royal Navy who told him the locks were deep enough for any size boat, but that Loch Oich would need to be dug deeper in some places. This was going to be the first time that work of this sort would be funded by the government. Later on, private investors were allowed to buy shares of £50 or more which helped secure the building to go ahead. Telford also knew he needed competent men to overseer the work, and made sure he got such men. One such man, Jessup, insisted that the locks would be built of stone, which turned out to be a very good idea. This was the largest programme ever undertaken in Britain at that time. Work started near to Inverness when lock Clannaharry was constructed in 1807 at the eastern end of the canal, and by 1816 the canal was completed as far down as Loch Lochy, having reached Loch Dochfour, then connected with Loch Ness, were a lighthouse was built, which was a rare example of an inland lighthouse. At the foot of Loch Ness, the canal had reached the river Oich at the north and the river Tarff to the south. Then passing on west, the canal reached Fort Augustus, and this meant having to build five locks that rise through the centre of the village and takes the canal into Loch Ness itself. At the top of these locks the road was panned by a railway bridge, which was in use from 1903 to 1906 when the railway was abandoned, leaving today some piers that can be seen in the centre of the rivers at Fort Augustus. The final section that had to be built runs to Loch Oich, which is the highest point of the canal, and this loch provides the 41.2 million imperial gallons of water that is used every day to help keep the canal working properly. The canal then continues down to Loch Lochy, which is some 10 miles long. Finally, after facing many problems the canal reached Fort William and the Corpach Sea lock and then into the entrance for Loch Linnie and the open seas. The canal then opened in 1822, but that was 12 years after its predicted period. ======================================================== FOR MORE ADVICE. READ. www.caleycruisers.com/Fortaugustus These locks at Fort Augustus are a tourist attraction in their own rights, and a pleasant spot to sit and admire the work that was involved. Something worth taking a look at one day.

Transport & Parking

We suggest trying to park on the drive alongside the canal by the swing bridge.

Access

It’s up hill at times to see all of the five locks, but there’s seating places to relax and enjoy the views.

Toilets

These are mainly in the pubs and the canal centre.

Staff

All very friendly

Photos