This morning, with heavy hearts, we made the difficult decision to divert through the Caledonian Canal. Initially set to head towards Ullapool, we found ourselves faced with possible waves that even our specially designed shock platform wouldn’t mitigate. With the potential damage to both the boat and the crew was too significant to ignore. Safety has to come first.
Once the initial disappointment was behind us, we departed for Corpach, heading to over night at the bottom of Neptune’s Staircase.
As we embarked on this new route, the boat navigated through some of the most stunning scenery—yes, we know we keep saying that!
We passed by Port Appin and Shuna Island into Loch Linnhe. Just an hour and 20 minutes after departure, we arrived at the Corpach Sea Lock.
Upon arrival, we contacted Scottish Canals to purchase our canal license. The boat moored, awaiting the shore crew who, after packing up the motorhomes, followed the shores of Loch Linnhe, enjoying a leisurely one-hour drive.
Reunited, the boat was ready to progress up the Corpach Double Lock, bringing us to the bottom of Neptune’s Staircase.
Here, we awaited word from the lock keepers on whether we could continue through today or if we would need to wait until tomorrow. Which came through to say tomorrow, therefore we camp at the bottom of the staircase tonight and were rewarded by the passing pf the Jacobite Steam Train through Corpach station.
The journey may not have been what we originally planned, but the beauty and tranquility of the Caledonian Canal offered a new adventure and a reminder that flexibility is often rewarded with unexpected wonders.