The second half of Arctica’s season began with a crossing of Scotland
through the Caledonian Canal, for which Jim and Linda joined as crew.
From Corpach on Loch Linnhe to Inverness on the Moray Firth the canal
is 60 statute miles long with 29 locks and 10 swing bridges to
negotiate. At a relaxing pace it takes three days’ passage time, so we
did not hurry but enjoyed the scenery and took time for walks along the
canal banks. We berthed overnight at Laggan Locks at the head of Loch
Lochy, at Fort Augustus at the bottom of Loch Ness (where Andrew and
Alison joined us for the day) and at Muirtown locks in Inverness. We
dined handsomely at the floating seafood restaurant beside the marina -
where we restocked the next day with water, fuel and provisions before
moving on to Clachnaharry sea-lock ready for departure in the morning.
Despite some torrential downpours, we all enjoyed the passage – the
photo was taken at Cullochy lock, just after Loch Oich which is the top
reach of the canal.