Day 48/50 - Caledonian Canal - Fort Augustus to Laggan

Day 48 Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus was lovely and because of our decision to carry on through Loch Ness of the previous day, we could afford to stay a couple of nights here.  The only thing we needed to do was to go up the swing bridge and flight of 5 locks to the other side for a better start for us the next day when we wanted to go.

Lunar Sea at Fort Augustus - Castle and Abbey in background

The Lock Inn from the Lock

Upper Lock exit - early part of Day

We had talked to some other travellers and they had recommended the Lock Inn for a meal as they had just had their lunch there.  It seemed an excellent idea to have dinner there, unfortunately you couldn't book a table and it was a first come, first served basis.  We were told if we arrived before 20 to 7 we should be okay.  We did arrive at that time, it was nearly full already but luckily we did manage to get in as the food was great and well recommended. 
The evening was a different day.  Wind and rain had disappeared so a little walk to see Loch Ness was in order and the grounds of the old Fort, then Abbey that now what looks like a very luxurious hotel and Restaurant.

   
Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

Day 50 - Fort Augustus and Loch Oich to Laggan

It was going to be a short trip to Laggan through Kytra Lock, then through Cullochy lock and swing bridge all very straight forward - we had got this locking lark off to a tee by now.  At Kytra we were even given 'Gold Stars' for us all wearing life jackets in the Lock by the lady lock keeper - Sandy I think.  Something we were all doing in the actual Locks as opposed to the Lochs.

Loch Oich - flotilla of yachts behind us

The passage through Loch Oich is very shallow at places, considering it is at the highest point of the whole Canal system and were the River Oich enters from the mountains, but it is well buoyed when needed.  Then at the Western end of the Lock there is a final swing bridge (Laggan swing Bridge) and a short run up a narrow canal to Laggan itself.

Narrow Laggan Canal
Top of Laggan Lock - Piper for Americans on New barge (Scottish Highlander)

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