Progress Again!

We spent our 2 days in Dunstaffnage, cleaning the boat, restocking our food and visiting the local castle.

Built on a large lump of rock!
Inside the Castle walls

Then, on Sunday 9th June, we set our alarm for 04:00 and set sail past the north end of Lismore Island and into Loch Linnhe that would take us to the entrance of the Caledonian Canal.

Sun rising as we leave Dunstaffnage

We headed for the Corran Narrows, closely followed by a smallish cruise ship named "Hanseatic Nature".  This really is a narrow passage of water with strong tides swirling through.  We were not too keen to be sharing it with a large ship!  But luckily they hung back to let us pass through first.

Approaching the Corran Narrows

We motor-sailed much of the time in light WNW winds, needing to maintain progress to achieve our allotted entry time into the Canal.

Just Through the Narrows with our Large Buddy

When the Hanseatic Nature drew closer, we saw that they advertised themselves as Expedition Cruises and I wondered how they were enjoying their comfort and presumably tasty expedition breakfasts on board whilst we cruised along in the freezing cold and a little less comfort :)

After 30 miles and at 09:30, we reached Corpach sea lock and the entrance to the Caledonian Canal and were pleasantly surprised when we heard them calling us up saying the lock was ready for us to enter whenever we wanted.  Such service! (Last time we used the Canal there was much waiting at every stage.)

Corpach Sea Lock as they Lift us into the Canal

Then it was all plain sailing and such a change after being out in open waters - nice steady chugging through leafy canals - the easy life!

Along Telford's wonderful Canal

Into Neptune's Staircase of 8 connected locks

Unlike last time here, when we were jam-packed with other boats, we were taken through Neptune's Staircase as the only boat.  We were the centre of attention for the throngs of (mostly American) tourists who wanted to photograph everything we did.

Snow on Ben Nevis astern

After traversing 12 locks and 2 swing bridges, we reached the pontoons at Gairlochy, just before Loch Lochy and thankfully tied up for the night (and a rest) at 14:05.

Alongside at Gairlochy - time for Genoa repair by Doug

We found the notice inside the wash house at Gairlochy rather amusing!


This day into the canal had taken us through the first major set of locks and swing bridges and we were ready for tomorrow's sail across the open water of Loch Lochy.




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