Introduction
This evening, I am focusing on the Caledonian Canal. This waterway follows the line of Scotland’s Great Glen using the natural waterways of Lochs Dochfour, Ness, Oich and Lochy. Many tour visitors to the Highlands connect with this canal but probably fail to appreciate its history and significance.
History and information
The canal was, essentially, a job creation scheme for Highlanders. Timing was early 19th century in order to arrest population decline in the area due to the Highland Clearances and emigration. Ancillary purpose was to provide safe passage for ships by avoiding the stormy waters off N.W. Scotland. However, the maritime initiative failed to achieve commercial success due to changing design and size of ships during the early 19th century. Unusually for the time, the project was funded by Government.
Summary statistics:
- Runs 62 miles (100KM) on a NE-SW line between Fort William and Inverness.
- Built by leading 19th C engineer, Thomas Telford over a period of 19 years.
- Opened 1822, deepened and repaired 1847 then mechanised 1964-9.
- Approx 3000 local people used in construction.
- Built mainly by human muscle power.
- Incorporates two major flight of locks: Neptune’s Staircase (Fort William) and Fort Augustus.
The canal is now mainly used by pleasure craft. It affords a wonderful experience, quietly traversing the Highland scenery away from the heavy road traffic.
Video clip of Neptune’s Staircase near Fort William
Visiting the Caledonian Canal
Visitors can connect with the waterway at Corpach (Fort William) or Fort Augustus plus many places in between. It is possible to rent pleasure craft.
More information
For more information on visiting the Scottish Highlands and many other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.