A boat sails past stone castle ruins on a sunny day.

Explore

Southern End & Fort William

The western gateway to the Caledonian Canal sits under the shadow of Ben Nevis.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

This section connects the inland waterway to the sea at Loch Linnhe. It features the steepest lock flight on the canal and transitions from man-made cuttings into natural freshwater lochs.

Aerial view of a boat cruising past historic castle ruins by a loch.

Corpach Sea Lock

30 minutesPhoto spot

This is where the canal meets the sea at Loch Linnhe. It offers direct views of Ben Nevis across the water. Set up your camera here to capture the mountain reflecting over the water surface.

Aerial view of a boat navigating a scenic river surrounded by forests.

Neptune's Staircase

1-2 hours8 locks

This large flight of eight locks raises vessels 19 meters. It takes boats about 90 minutes to pass through the entire flight. Watch the lock keepers manage the large water level changes from the towpath.

A boat sails on a calm loch near coastal castle ruins.

Gairlochy

45 minutesLoch Lochy

This quiet hamlet lies at the southern end of Loch Lochy. It marks the transition from the man-made canal channel to the natural loch. Walk to the pepper-pot lighthouse located at the entrance to the water.